Fresh off a massive stadium run supporting Robbie Williams, UK indie-pop favourites The Lottery Winners are heading back to Australia and New Zealand in April 2027 for their own headline tour. Following the UK number one success of their latest album KOKO, the band are riding a huge wave of momentum. We caught up with frontman Thom to chat about life on the road with Robbie, the magic of Australian audiences, career milestones and why he’s still dreaming of a collaboration with Miley Cyrus.
Futuremag: Welcome back to Australia! You’re currently supporting Robbie Williams, which must feel pretty surreal. What’s the experience been like?
Thom: It’s not normal, is it? We’re playing in stadiums with one of my biggest idols ever. We’ve been doing it for a year and a half now in various places around the world, but it still isn’t normal.
I’m very lucky because Robbie isn’t only one of my idols, but he’s one of my closest friends. I get to experience it through me, my band and my best friends, but I also get to experience the whole thing through his eyes as well. Hanging out after the shows, debriefing, writing songs and being creative – I’m having the best time of my life, truly.
Futuremag: Through those post-show debriefs and watching him perform, what are some things you’ve taken away from Robbie that you think The Lottery Winners can implement?
Thom: So many things! I’m a little sponge and I watch his show every single night. There are so many things I take from being on stage. I’ll go, “Okay, when he says that thing there, he does that. Noted!” Or, “In that song, when it gets to the big bit, he does this. Okay, I’m going to do that.”
But also, as a person, he’s the most creative person I’ve ever met and the kindest with his time to so many people. He’s very inspirational in so many ways. I really dig him. He’s like my best mate, you know what I mean? I’m so grateful to have met him a few years ago and to be this close.
Futuremag: Have you had much time to explore Australia while you’ve been touring, or has it been pretty much go, go, go?
Thom: It’s been pretty go, go, go, but there’s no way I’m coming to this beautiful part of the world and not seeing it. I’ve found the time, and we’ve been to Adelaide and Melbourne so far. We’re in Sydney now, and we’ve been doing the things.
I’m a keen photographer, so I like to get out onto the streets and take pictures. I’ve been collecting lots of nice memories.
Futuremag: You’re also coming back so soon, in April next year, for your own headline shows. Do you approach support slots differently from your own headline performances?
Thom: Yeah, for sure. It’s completely different. In these stadiums with Robbie, I have to walk out on stage to tens of thousands of people and just be like, “Hi, you don’t know who I am. Please like me. Would you please like me for the next 30 to 45 minutes?”
It’s strange. It’s a strange, not-normal thing to do, but I love it. It’s a challenge, and I love it. When it’s your own gig, you would hope that at least some people know who you are!
Futuremag: You’ve played shows all around the world. What do you find different about performing for Australian audiences?
Thom: I feel like Australian people in general are just incredibly warm, incredibly friendly and positive. You create such a lovely energy, and when there are 50,000 of you in one space, the energy that radiates from that venue can really take you back. It means so much to me to be a part of it.
Futuremag: We definitely bring the energy! We love good music and good live music.
Thom: You guys are the best, honestly. I love it here so much. I want to live here!
Futuremag: Just move here! Keep coming back. Your most recent album debuted at number one in the UK and features some great collaborations. Who would be your dream collaborator?
Thom: Obviously Robbie! That would be nice, wouldn’t it? It makes sense. But there are so many people. I love music, I really do. It’s the main thing in my life, and there are so many people I look up to.
Do you know who I’ve been really digging? Miley Cyrus. I think she’s got the thing. You know how some people are just special? I think she’s really special. So, if you’re watching this, Miley – and why wouldn’t you be? – hit me up. Let’s do a tune together. I want to do a song with Miley Cyrus!
Futuremag: We’ve got to get the Miley Cyrus club happening!
Thom: One hundred per cent. She’s great. She’s so cool.
Futuremag: With the success of the album and everything you’ve built from scratch, alongside touring with Robbie Williams, what are some other moments in your career where you’ve had that feeling of, “We’re really doing this”?
Thom: This year, we headlined our local stadium – the one I grew up in the shadows of, the one I’d played in all the pubs around. We sold out our own local stadium for a headline show, and that was probably the best moment of my life.
Futuremag: Congratulations! That’s a huge achievement.
Thom: Thank you! Yeah, it felt like we’d really made it.
Futuremag: For anyone who might not know The Lottery Winners yet, particularly those discovering you while you’re supporting Robbie, how would you describe what the band is all about?
Thom: I think it’s honest. That’s the word I would use. I think I can tell if a song is disingenuous and inauthentic. It’s just immediate and transparent, and I can tell when a singer means what they’re saying.
I would describe us as absolutely meaning it. So, whether we’re your kind of thing or not, at least you know we mean it.
Futuremag: Absolutely! And a fun question to wrap things up. Your band is called The Lottery Winners, so if you were to win the lottery, what’s the most ridiculous thing you’d probably spend your money on?
Thom: I spend money ridiculously every day! I think it’s part of ADHD and just having absolutely no consequence filter in my head. If I’ve got my mortgage to pay or there’s something I want, I’ll get the thing I want. I just don’t have that filter.
I think it would be very dangerous for me to win a large amount of money. I’d probably end up buying a helicopter or something. I’d do something ridiculous!
Futuremag: That’s pretty cool, though. Being able to say you own a helicopter is ridiculous, but also pretty cool!
Thom: Pretty cool if I’ve got a helicopter. Everyone’s going to like me then, aren’t they? All the girls at school who didn’t talk to me are going to like me if I’ve got a helicopter!
Futuremag: Miley Cyrus would like you if you had a helicopter!
Thom: Absolutely! Miley, I could go and pick her up!
Futuremag: Exactly! Sorted. Thank you so much for your time. It was lovely to meet you. All the best for the tour, and we’re excited to see you back in Australia again next year.
Thom: Yeah, I’m really excited to be here. Genuinely, I can’t wait to meet you. Come to the show!
Futuremag: Absolutely!
