The Charlatans return to Rockfield for new album after 25 years
On 22 July 1996, The Charlatans faced tragedy when their keyboardist, Rob Collins, was killed in a car crash at the age of 33 while the band was recording what would become their classic album, Tellin’ Stories, reports BritPanorama.
The band chose to move forward swiftly, supporting Oasis at the iconic Knebworth show three weeks later with a replacement keyboardist, Martin Duffy of Primal Scream. Tim Burgess, the band’s singer, described the emotional turmoil they experienced, stating, “We went to do it not knowing whether it would be like the greatest show on Earth or the natural dismantling of the band.”
Despite the uncertainty, the performance turned out to be a triumph. Tellin’ Stories subsequently became their best-selling album, achieving platinum status and producing several chart-topping hits, including “One to Another,” “North Country Boy,” and “How High.” However, the band vowed never to return to Rockfield, as Burgess explained, “I swore that we’d never go back… Rob’s accident and death happened at the bottom of the drive.”
Now, over 25 years later, The Charlatans have made a significant return to Rockfield to record their 14th album, We Are Love. Burgess previously visited the studio alone to gather reflections for his autobiography, but this time it was a shared experience with the entire band. “It was good to all go back there and be as one,” he said.
Burgess referred to the concept of “hauntology,” which suggests the present is influenced by the past. He noted how the art of We Are Love emerged from a sense of place and identity tied to Rockfield. The album includes subtle nods to their history with references to their debut album and earlier song titles. He described the creative process as infusing memories into a fresh narrative.
The band faced a peculiar coincidence during the recording: one day when nothing seemed to flow in the studio, Burgess discovered it was the anniversary of Collins’ death. “You’d think that he would be helping us to continue,” he said with a smile, reflecting on the strange nature of memory and loss.
After close to four decades, The Charlatans maintain a vibrant presence in the music scene. Burgess, now 58, still brings youthful energy to his role as frontman. The band’s origins trace back to 1988, initiated by bassist and songwriter Martin Blunt in the West Midlands, along with Collins and drummer Jon Brookes. Burgess joined shortly thereafter, becoming the charismatic focal point of the group.
Musically, The Charlatans emerged from the Madchester scene, blending mod-inspired sounds with contemporary influences. As they progressed into the Britpop era, their style evolved while maintaining a distinct identity. The Charlatans have seen enduring success, featuring three of their nine top 10 albums reaching No. 1 on the charts.
The journey has not been without challenges. In 2013, Brookes succumbed to a brain tumour, and Burgess has openly discussed his struggle with addiction, rooted in the aftermath of Collins’ death. “We all dealt with it very differently… I pretty much did 10 years to the day of self-medication,” he said, acknowledging the need for therapy and personal growth.
Since getting clean, Burgess has pursued healthier habits and embraced parenting his 12-year-old son. “I’m trying to be a good dad. Not amazing, not shit, just good,” he remarked, emphasizing the value of reliability over perfection.
Following an eight-year hiatus, their latest album, We Are Love, arrived after Covid-related delays and the logistical challenges posed by the band members living in different locations. Burgess engaged in various solo projects during this period, including launching Tim’s Twitter Listening Party, which later evolved into a podcast. The band ultimately sought to reshape perceptions of their work.
Burgess mentioned the motivation behind the album’s exploration of love and relationships, connecting personal experiences with the band’s 35-year history. One song, “Glad You Grabbed Me,” pays tribute to Martin Blunt, illustrating the complexities of their collaborative relationship and shared aspirations.
With a sound that balances their established style with experimental elements, We Are Love showcases the evolution of The Charlatans while remaining anchored in their roots. The organ-led single “Deeper and Deeper” captures their essence, while the album’s latter tracks experiment with expansive soundscapes reminiscent of iconic acts like The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
The thematic inquiry into love resonates through the lyrics, a reflection of personal and interpersonal dynamics. Burgess stated, “When you first start out in a band, you say you’re not gonna write about love. This was just about love.”
Ultimately, Burgess expressed pride in The Charlatans’ enduring legacy, noting, “I’m really proud of… what we have was unbreakable.”
‘We Are Love‘ is out now
