Biography
Emerging from Glasgow’s academic circles in the mid-2000s, Unkle Bob built a following with their sincere songcraft and elegant folk-pop approach. Their first album, Sugar & Spite, appeared in 2006 under the guidance of James guitarist Saul Davies and reached listeners in the United States after several tracks were placed in series such as Grey’s Anatomy and CSI Miami. Following the 2010 release Shockwaves the band dissolved, yet vocalist Rick Webster continued the Unkle Bob name on later projects that included Embers in 2014 and the EP The Highest Mountains in 2017. All five original members reconvened in 2023 to produce the group’s lush fourth album, Invisible.
Rick Webster (vocals, guitar), Stuart Cartwright (guitar), Geoff Widdowson (keyboards), Chloe Peacock (bass), and Ron Yeadon (drums) came together in 2004 while studying at Glasgow University. An early supporter, James guitarist Saul Davies placed the young band on his Friendly Sounds label and shared production duties on the debut. Issued in 2006, Sugar & Spite merged the group’s melodic indie folk songs with more forceful rock production, earning favorable notices in the U.K. while key placements in American television programs expanded their audience stateside. Tours supporting the Feeling, the Proclaimers, and James followed, leading to the 2010 sophomore set Shockwaves. The founding lineup remained active for one additional year before disbanding in 2011.
Continuing as principal songwriter and singer, Webster retained the Unkle Bob identity and delivered Embers in 2014 with a new supporting cast. Two short-form releases, The Deepest Sea in 2016 and The Highest Mountains in 2017, appeared next, along with the 2019 collaboration When You Were Awake alongside the Little Birds. After another period of inactivity, Webster rejoined his former bandmates to record fresh material. With the complete original quintet participating, Unkle Bob completed the expansive and heartfelt comeback album Invisible, issued in 2023.
Rick Webster (vocals, guitar), Stuart Cartwright (guitar), Geoff Widdowson (keyboards), Chloe Peacock (bass), and Ron Yeadon (drums) came together in 2004 while studying at Glasgow University. An early supporter, James guitarist Saul Davies placed the young band on his Friendly Sounds label and shared production duties on the debut. Issued in 2006, Sugar & Spite merged the group’s melodic indie folk songs with more forceful rock production, earning favorable notices in the U.K. while key placements in American television programs expanded their audience stateside. Tours supporting the Feeling, the Proclaimers, and James followed, leading to the 2010 sophomore set Shockwaves. The founding lineup remained active for one additional year before disbanding in 2011.
Continuing as principal songwriter and singer, Webster retained the Unkle Bob identity and delivered Embers in 2014 with a new supporting cast. Two short-form releases, The Deepest Sea in 2016 and The Highest Mountains in 2017, appeared next, along with the 2019 collaboration When You Were Awake alongside the Little Birds. After another period of inactivity, Webster rejoined his former bandmates to record fresh material. With the complete original quintet participating, Unkle Bob completed the expansive and heartfelt comeback album Invisible, issued in 2023.
Singles
