Florence + The Machine

Florence + The Machine is one of the most successful British pop bands of the past 15 years, both artistically and commercially. The band, fronted by singer Florence Welch, formed around 2007 and had a flying start when their first singles were used in films like Wild Child and TV series like 90210 and Saving Grace. Later, their songs also appeared on the soundtracks of Glee, Eat Pray Live, and Gossip Girl—Florence + The Machine even made a guest appearance in the latter sitcom. The band also owes a great deal to the way BBC radio airplayed their debut album, Lungs. On that album, Florence + The Machine created a unique sound from influences of rock, soul, and pop. Singer Florence Welch regularly cites Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks, Tori Amos, Siouxsie Sioux, and Björk as her greatest influences. Both on her albums and during her performances, she is indeed the expressive singer who builds on their tradition. Florence + The Machine further expanded their success with the albums Ceremonials (2011) and How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015). Florence + The Machine's covers of songs like Buddy Holly (Not Fade Away) and Ben E. King (Stand By Me) for a tribute album and a computer game, respectively, demonstrate the group's versatility. The band's status was further emphasized in 2015 with a headline performance at the prestigious Glastonbury festival in England. During the coronavirus pandemic, everything came to a standstill for Florence + The Machine as well. The fifth album, Dance Fever, released afterward, offered a liberating optimism. Dancing is allowed again.