Shed Seven claim first Number 1 album and make chart history

Three decades into their recording career, York’s prodigal sons Shed Seven have scored their first-ever Number 1 album with ‘A Matter of Time.’

The 12-track album, which features collaborations with The Libertines’ Pete Doherty, Laura McClure and Happy Mondays’ Rowetta, was Number 1 at the midweek stage and it held firm at the chart summit by the end of the week.

Shed Seven - Rick Witter, Paul Banks, Tom Gladwin, Tim Wills and Rob Maxfield - are now the British rock group with the longest gap between their debut album and first Number 1 album, according to the Official Charts Company.

The indie icons earn the title with 26 years and three months between the first Official Albums Chart appearance of their 1994 debut Change Giver (16) and landing at No.1 with ‘A Matter of Time’ today.

Ecstatic about their chart triumph, Shed Seven said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart with A Matter of Time.

“It’s also our 30th anniversary. What better way to start proceedings? We’re just getting started! Thanks to everyone for their support over the years, and especially for buying this record.

“It’s much appreciated – we shall see you on the road!”

As well as topping the Official Album Chart, ‘A Matter of Time’ also tops the Official Record Store Chart and the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, shifting more copies on the format this week than any other release.

Shed Seven have previously peaked at Number 8 with 1996’s ‘A Maximum High’ and 2017’s ‘Instant Pleasures’, while 1998’s ‘Let It Ride’ also dented the Top 10 at No.9.

The band’s debut album reached a chart peak of No.16, while 2001’s ‘Truth Be Told’ narrowly failed to dent the Top 40.

Shed Seven's previous highest ever chart position was Number 7 in 1999 with the compilation album ‘Going for Gold: The Greatest Hits.’

Despite leading the singles chart at an early stage this week, Liam Gallagher and John Squire’s collaborative single ‘Just Another Rainbow’ finished the week at Number 16.

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