Indeed, we have a lot to be proud of with the likes of Keith Palmer (The Prodigy), Andy Bell (Erasure) and Aston Merrygold (JLS) having sold millions of records and packed out stadiums globally despite having only started here, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. To get you inspired to make it here is a short bio about Peterborough's most famous singers.
Andy Bell originating from Dogsthorpe in Peterborough grew to worldwide fame during the late 80s with his synth-pop duo Erasure. Alongside keyboardist Vince Clarke Bell's vocals helped the band to secure four UK number one albums in a row between 1988 and 1994, with hits like Sometimes, Blue Savannah and Chorus. Having sold over 25 million records worldwide Bell is certainly one of the most successful singing Peterborough has ever seen. Openly gay and HIV positive Bell is also a gay icon, helping to promote HIV awareness alongside his musical work. Amazingly after over thirty-five years Erasure are aiming to release their fifteenth studio album in late 2013.
Aston Merrygold (JLS) became a household name after his boyband JLS entered the fifth series of X Factor. After finishing runners up to Alexandra Burke JLS became one of the most successful groups ever to come out of The X Factor, alongside 2010's One Direction. Releasing four studio albums the band have sold over 10 million records worldwide to date performing all over the globe in front of packed audiences. With 5 number one UK single hits JLS spilt in 2013 concluding a sensational rise to fame in a few short years.
Keith Palmer of Maxim Reality & The Prodigy burst onto the music scene in the early 90s when he became part of The Prodigy's live act. The band quickly recognised his vocal potential and invited him to become a full member of the band for their first studio album Experience released in 1992. Yet it was their second album Music for the Jilted Generation released in 1994 that really confirmed The Prodigy as one of the leading rave and electronic rock bands of their generation. This album marked the first of three further studio albums that reached number one in the UK album charts, spawning two number one singles Breathe and Firestarter. Having sold over 20 million records worldwide Palmer has come a long way from studying at Jack Hunt School in Peterborough and starting to MC at age 14.
