The Lottery Winners: Breaking the Mold, One Anthem at a Time

Meet The Lottery Winners — the indie-pop powerhouse from Leigh, Greater Manchester, who’ve gone from playing local pubs to topping the UK Albums Chart. With their infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and heartfelt honesty, the band has carved out a loyal fanbase and earned praise for their electrifying live shows. Their sound is a punchy blend of pop hooks and British charm, but it’s their authenticity and relatability that truly set them apart.

Front and center is Thom Rylance — lead vocalist, guitarist, and the band’s ever-charismatic heart. But behind the success story lies a personal journey that’s as inspiring as it is unconventional.

Thom Rylance: Proof That You Don’t Have to Fit the Mold to Find Success

In a recent interview with Barret Edelstein — better known as The Celeb Savant — Thom opened up about his difficult school years. After being expelled from one of his schools, he found himself struggling to fit into the rigid structure of traditional education. He wasn’t the “ideal student,” and at the time, it felt like he was failing at life before it had even begun.

But music offered a different path — one that didn’t require permission or approval. Thom discovered that his creativity, humour, and emotional depth — the very qualities that set him apart in the classroom — were exactly what connected him to thousands of fans across the world.

Looking back now, Thom sees clearly: school didn’t define his worth. His journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that sometimes, the best stories come from those who didn’t follow the script.

Hear the Full Interview on The Celeb Savant Podcast

Want to hear Thom’s story in his own words? In this candid and uplifting chat, Barret and Thom talk music, mental health, self-discovery, and how being an outsider at school became the driving force behind a number-one band.