The Manchester-based band Blossoms is currently riding high on the success of their latest album, aptly named after an eight-foot fibreglass gorilla called Gary. Following the album’s triumph, which recently reached number one on the charts, the band is embarking on a celebratory tour across their hometown. This five-night victory lap consists of sold-out shows at five different venues, showcasing their growth and connection to the city that helped shape their musical journey.
The story behind the album’s title is as unconventional as it is captivating. Frontman Tom Ogden found musical inspiration in an unexpected location—a car radio. While listening to a news report about the theft of a giant model gorilla from a Scottish garden centre, he was struck with the idea to write an indie-pop anthem centered around the incident. This playful approach led him to dedicate their fifth album to the unfortunate gorilla, Gary.
Ogden reflects on his creative process, stating, “I’m under the impression that anything can be a song if you approach it in the right manner. After ten years in the industry, you’re always looking for new topics to explore.” The original news story, which he found entertaining, spurred him to transform it into a song. “I thought, just as a laugh, I’m going to write a song about it. If the song wasn’t very good, it would have never seen the light of day. But I rated the song,” he explains.
To the band, Gary has become more than just a quirky muse; he embodies their spirit and has even taken on the role of an unofficial sixth member. The song “Gary” and the replica gorilla they bring on tour have become fan favorites, capturing the hearts of audiences. Ogden acknowledges the unexpected connection people have with the story, saying, “It has connected with people. Even if some think it’s ludicrous, it serves as an entry point. People were ready for a bit of fun.”
Blossoms has been able to reach diverse audiences, with fans of all ages enjoying their music. “You can sense there’s something in there which has resonated with people for all ages. From kids to older fans, everyone is jumping along and singing to this song,” Ogden notes. He admits, “I underestimated people’s appetite for the ludicrous.”
Having been in the industry for a decade and with four number one albums to their name, Blossoms has gained the confidence to embrace their playful side. Their recent special edition of the album includes covers of beloved tracks from artists like Bob Marley, Lady Gaga, and Whitney Houston. Ogden shares his excitement, stating, “We love doing covers, and we thought it would be fun to cover songs we loved growing up. I’ve always loved ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody.’ It’s as simple as that.”
In a unique twist, Blossoms has also collaborated with 1980s pop icon Rick Astley, touring as a tribute band to The Smiths, further highlighting their appreciation for the music of that era. This influence is evident in their latest work, with a review from The Times noting that the track “I Like Your Look” has a “Wham!-like” quality. Ogden received this comparison with delight, saying, “I took that as a huge compliment because I love Wham!”
While the band has garnered praise, they have also faced criticism. One reviewer labeled the album “ultra-shallow,” but Ogden remains unbothered. “If you call an album Gary and write a song about a fibreglass gorilla, you’re open to criticism,” he acknowledges. “However, I believe there is depth on the album—songs like ‘Mothers’ explore themes of friendship and growing up, while ‘Why Do I Give You the Worst of Me?’ is very personal.”
Reflecting on their journey, Ogden emphasizes their growth as performers. “In 2025 we took over Edgeley Park, but we only had two albums at the time, and it felt like we weren’t as good live as we are now. This year, we feel like we’re at the peak of our powers.” Their biggest headline show to date, held in August at Wythenshawe Park, attracted 30,000 fans, which Ogden describes as “the best gig we’ve ever done.”
As they prepare to embark on their mini-tour across Manchester, the band will revisit familiar venues that hold special memories, including the Ritz, Albert Hall, Victoria Warehouse, and Apollo. Ogden reminisces about their history in these places, recalling the first big headline show at the Ritz, where they felt something significant was happening. Each venue has its own story, from supporting The Charlatans at the Albert Hall to headlining there themselves.
Ultimately, Ogden expresses gratitude for the enduring support from their fans. “You have to be grateful that you’re still around, and that people care about the band enough to fill all of these places night after night.” With their guardian gorilla Gary watching from the back of the stage, Blossoms is not just celebrating their current successes but also embracing the joyous and whimsical spirit that has brought them to this moment in their career.
