Few bands embody the spirit of Britpop quite like Shed Seven. With a career spanning three decades, the York-born band has built a reputation for anthemic hits, electrifying live shows, and an unshakable connection with their fans. From classics like Chasing Rainbows and Going for Gold to their latest chart-topping albums, their music continues to resonate with audiences old and new.
Fresh from one of their sell-out shows on their recent tour, we caught up with the Lord of the low end, the architect of the four-string groove, Tom Gladwin to talk about his home, life on the road, the band’s enduring appeal, and what’s next for Shed Seven. With their signature high-energy performances still leaving crowds buzzing, it’s clear that the magic is far from fading…
How would you describe the style of your home décor? More rock ‘n’ roll or something unexpected?
My house is from the 1920s/30s and has a few Art Deco touches, like an original fireplace. Aside from that, it leans towards the ever-popular mid-century modern style.
Is there a particular style or era of décor that you’re drawn to?
I really like the Art Deco and Arts & Crafts eras when it comes to architecture and design.
Do you prefer a minimalist or maximalist style of home décor?
Probably more minimalist than maximalist - but not too extreme. I think a home needs a bit of colour and personality to feel lived in!
Have you incorporated any elements from your travels or tours into your home décor?
Not much, aside from a few knickknacks and the odd art print from holidays. Oh, and the recently acquired No. 1 chart trophies, which are proudly displayed in a prime spot!
If you could change anything about your current home, what would it be?
A larger bathroom would be nice - ours is quite small. But at the end of the day, do you really need to swing a cat in there?
What’s the most unique or unusual item in your home?
It’s not particularly out there, but we have a large canvas of a heron in the living room that’s slightly controversial - my kids hate it! When I first bought it, I was carrying it through town, and a bloke nearly walked straight through it. That would have been the end of that!
Do you have a favourite spot in your home to relax and unwind?
It’s got to be stretched out on the sofa in the living room. I’d love to say I spend the time reading, but in reality, it’s more likely watching TV while scrolling on my phone.
Is there a specific room in your home where you spend most of your time?
Definitely our open-plan living room/dining room/kitchen - it’s the hub of the house. My teenage kids spend a fair bit of time in their rooms, of course, but if we’re not sleeping, we’re probably in there.
If you had to pick one room to spend the rest of your life in, which would it be and why?
The one I just mentioned! It’s big enough that you could squeeze a bed in. The four of us could live like the grandparents in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory!
What’s your favourite piece of art or memorabilia at home?
A painting by a local artist, which was a wedding present from my mum and dad. It’s kind of modern/expressionist, I think - though someone who knows more about art would probably correct me! It’s of a blossom tree near some flats in The Groves area of York, where I grew up.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring musicians about balancing life on the road and at home?
Try and look after yourself on tour (easier said than done) and keep in touch with your family as much as possible. Remember, while you’re away, they’re still dealing with the everyday stresses and mundanities of life. Also - always pack a few home comforts!
Can you share a funny or memorable story from this recent tour?
It was a great tour - lots of fun and, surprisingly, nobody got ill… until the very end. First, Tim (keyboards/guitar) caught a really nasty sickness bug a few days before we finished. I picked it up on the final day for our Brixton Academy gig. It was horrendous - I had a dustbin behind my amp for puking in! The trombone player (also Tim) threw up into his trombone and had to keep running offstage. That night, on the way home, a few more people got it - including the bus driver, who had to keep stopping to throw up on the hard shoulder. Grim!
If your home had a soundtrack, what would be the top three songs on it?
- Mel Tormé – “Comin’ Home Baby” – We sometimes play this in the car with the family when we’re almost home from a holiday or long trip.
- The Cure – “A Forest” – A top tune and relevant to the street where I live.
- Shed Seven – “This Is My House” (or Haus if you prefer 😉) – A bit literal, but also one of ours! It was a B-side from 1995, though I think it was first written around 1991. Fits the bill perfectly.
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*all photos supplied by Shed Seven
