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Snow Patrol

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Band Timeline

1994

Formation of Snow Patrol (Originally as Shrug)

Snow Patrol was formed in 1994 by university students Gary Lightbody, Mark McClelland, and Michael Morrison in Dundee, Scotland. Initially named Shrug, the band began by playing local gigs and establishing their musical style. This period laid the foundation for their future evolution into the band known today.
1996-1997

Name Change to Polarbear and Then Snow Patrol; Early Releases

To avoid confusion with another band named Shrug, the group changed their name to Polarbear in 1996 and released their first EP, 'Starfighter Pilot,' in 1997 on the Electric Honey label. Shortly after, drummer Michael Morrison left the band due to personal reasons. The band then changed their name again to Snow Patrol in 1997, resolving naming conflicts and marking the beginning of their identity as Snow Patrol.
1998

Debut Album: Songs for Polarbears

Snow Patrol released their debut album, 'Songs for Polarbears,' in 1998 after moving to Glasgow. The album earned critical praise but did not achieve commercial success. At this stage, the band was signed to independent label Jeepster Records, which supported their indie ethos and allowed them creative freedom, albeit with limited promotional efforts.
2001

Second Album: When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up

In 2001, Snow Patrol released their second album, 'When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up.' Similar to their debut, the album was well-received by critics but failed to generate significant sales. The band continued to work diligently during this period, further honing their sound and preparing for future breakthroughs, still under Jeepster Records.
2002-2003

Signing with Polydor and Breakthrough with Final Straw

In 2002, Snow Patrol signed to major label Polydor Records and welcomed Nathan Connolly as their new lead guitarist. Their major-label debut album, 'Final Straw,' released in 2003, was a turning point, gaining widespread attention and commercial success. The single 'Run' became a hit, propelling Snow Patrol into the post-Britpop spotlight and achieving 5× platinum certification in the UK.
2005

Lineup Change: Departure of Mark McClelland

In 2005, founding bassist Mark McClelland left Snow Patrol. He was replaced by Paul Wilson. This lineup change came during a critical phase as the band prepared for their next album, signaling a new chapter in their evolving sound and group dynamics.
2006

Release of Eyes Open and Global Success

Snow Patrol released 'Eyes Open' in 2006, which became their most successful album to date. It included the hit single 'Chasing Cars,' which gained international fame and was heavily featured on the TV show Grey's Anatomy. The album topped the UK charts, was the best-selling British record of the year, and significantly increased the band's global profile.
2008

Release of A Hundred Million Suns

The band's fifth studio album, 'A Hundred Million Suns,' was released in 2008. Continuing their success, the album showcased Snow Patrol's matured sound and songwriting. It received positive reviews and further consolidated their status in the alternative rock scene.
2011

Release of Fallen Empires

In 2011, Snow Patrol released their sixth album, 'Fallen Empires.' The album explored new musical directions and featured collaborations with various artists. It demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve their style while maintaining their signature emotive rock sound.
2018

Release of Wildness

Snow Patrol’s seventh studio album, 'Wildness,' was released in 2018. The album was noted for its introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, reflecting personal and emotional themes. 'Wildness' marked a reflective period in the band's career and showcased continued artistic growth.
2023

Departure of Jonny Quinn and Paul Wilson

In 2023, drummer Jonny Quinn and bassist Paul Wilson, both integral members since the mid-2000s, left Snow Patrol. Their departure represented a significant lineup change, leaving Gary Lightbody as the sole remaining longstanding band member, and setting the stage for the band's future musical direction.
2024

Release of The Forest Is the Path

In 2024, Snow Patrol released their eighth studio album, 'The Forest Is the Path.' This album marked the continuation of the band’s journey after recent lineup changes. With Lightbody’s leadership, the album symbolizes renewal and persistence in their musical career, appealing to long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Albums

snow-patrol_1st_album
Songs for Polarbears
24 tracks
1998
snow-patrol_2nd_album
When It’s All Over We Still Have to Clear Up
14 tracks
2001
snow-patrol_3rd_album
Final Straw
12 tracks
2003
snow-patrol_4th_album
Eyes Open
17 tracks
2006
snow-patrol_5th_album
A Hundred Million Suns
11 tracks
2008
snow-patrol_6th_album
Fallen Empires
14 tracks
2011
snow-patrol_7th_album
Wildness
10 tracks
2018
snow-patrol_8th_album
The Forest Is the Path
12 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Gary Lightbody

1994

Nathan Connolly

2002

Tom Simpson

2005

Johnny McDaid

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Mark McClelland

1994
2005

Paul Wilson

2005
2023

Iain Archer

2001
2002

Jonny Quinn

1997
2023

Story of Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol: A Journey from Indie to Global Success

Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish rock band, burst onto the scene in 1994, hailing from Dundee, Scotland. Their core lineup, which has remained relatively stable over the years, consists of Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), and Johnny McDaid (guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals), with Lightbody being the band's only original member still active.

Their journey began under the name "Polarbear," releasing the EP "Starfighter Pilot" in 1997. After a lineup change, they adopted the name "Snow Patrol" and welcomed drummer Jonny Quinn to the fold. Their early albums, "Songs for Polarbears" (1998) and "When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up" (2001), released on independent label Jeepster Records, struggled to gain commercial traction.

In 2002, Snow Patrol signed with the major label Polydor Records, marking a turning point in their career. Connolly officially joined as lead guitarist shortly after. Their major-label debut, "Final Straw," was released in 2003 and featured the hit single "Run," propelling them to national fame as part of the post-Britpop movement. The album achieved 5x platinum certification in the UK.

Following the departure of drummer McClelland in 2005, Paul Wilson took his place. Their next release, "Eyes Open" (2006), became a global phenomenon, spearheaded by the now-iconic single "Chasing Cars." Reportedly the most-played song of the 21st century on UK radio, "Chasing Cars" cemented Snow Patrol's international success. "Eyes Open" topped the UK Albums Chart, becoming the best-selling British album of that year.

Snow Patrol's story is one of persistence, talent, and a little bit of luck. From their indie beginnings to achieving mainstream success, the band's music has connected with audiences on a global scale, proving their enduring power and legacy in the world of rock music.

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