The Silent Ascent of Elbow

Michael Ryan — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:03:32 +0000

Every time I turn the radio on I seem to hear an Elbow song or an interview with Guy Garvey. Furthermore, for the last couple of months since they released their new album there have been reviews and articles in magazines and supplements that refer to them (and Garvey in particular) as some type of national treasure. The thing that surprises me is that they have been around for over a decade and but in the last few years they have become huge. In the time of X Factor and hype over the next big indie thing, it’s really pleasing to hear about a band that have managed to grow into a bit of a phenomenon, while others have hit the big time and dropped out just as quickly. There was a bit of fanfare around their last album, ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ that started their ascent. But it’s the decisions that they made after its launch that built them into an institution:

They turned down a £1m offer for Weetabix to use the single Beautiful Day on an advert
They openly spoke about the mixed feelings they had about Seldom Seen Kid because it was dedicated to the death of their close friend, Brian Glancy
They continue to be true to their roots and can still be found drinking in the Northern Quarter

They are a great example of how to make your change sustainable for the long term. Over the course of their career they have developed into a good band but it is the human approach that makes the difference. Through their lyrics, music and actions they create a link with their fans that creates a relationship that will last. Contrast that with the “Simon Cowell Approach” where a small army of stylists and publicity people sweep in at great expense for a number one single and three years later the hits have dried up and they’re singing on a cruise ship. Making your change is not just about a creating big bang and walking away. Building a structure that continues to support your people after the fanfare is key to creating something that will last. How are you going to make your change more Guy Garvey than Steve Brookstein?

Manchester International Festival

Nina Dar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:52:14 +0000

Be Braver, Bigger & Bolder!

Last night I was watching people discuss Rufus Wainwright and his decision to deliver an opera to the world for the first time. It is always fascinating to watch people analyse those who are brave enough to put themselves out there, right on a ledge, being bigger and bolder than those analysing would ever dare.

Commentary from the sidelines – we can all do that… being bold enough to follow through on the big idea, we need to see more of that!Being in Manchester right now is full of people being braver, bigger, bolder as part of the Manchester International Festival. A festival dedicated to original work – the first time for everything, how brave of all those taking part.

Out on a Ledge

If you think about the things you did for the first time, how many of them were amazing on the debut? Driving, drinking, sex? All got better with practice for me! Despite the risk of failure and opening themselves up to the analysis of the world at large, all the brave people taking part in the festival are out there on the ledge and its fab!

PZ Cussons 125 years

At the end of last year as the dark nights were drawing in and the dark clouds of the recession were forming, a group of visionary executives at PZ Cussons were discussing how they should celebrate the companies forthcoming 125 year anniversary.

PZ Cussons are seen as a quiet, understated company famous for its heritage brand Imperial Leather. For us at Cheeky Monkey they are a visionary group who have understood the need for change and have been willing to embrace it in a brave and bold way that should provide inspiration for many others to follow.

For almost 5 years now we have been leading dramatic change projects for the PZC Group and it was an honour when they asked us for ideas on how they should celebrate this milestone event.

They wanted something that introduced the new face of PZC Group to the wider population. That engaged diverse audiences, created a bit of drama and fun, had a sense of the family that is still so key to the PZC business.

The Soapbox

It was Steve and Jon at Ear to the Ground who delivered the big and the bold. They presented the idea of having a huge bubbly soapbox in Cathedral Gardens that let people discover the world of PZC. If you have not visited the Soapbox yet, take a trip – it is like getting a hug from a friend you know but have not seen for some time – comforting and familiar but new and exciting at the same time.

Follow your Heart

As we have said, being braver, bigger and bolder does not always signal immediate success. Elbow perform with the Halle tonight, in the words of Guy

“his love letter to Manchester”

For 17 years they have followed their hearts becoming the fastest selling ticket at the festival because of the enormous success they have had over the last 12 months – many people at that concert will not even realise they have a back catalogue.

It doesn’t matter if the idea is a success or failure, brings immediate recognition or takes years for people to realise what an amazing idea it was, FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE.

TAKE SOME INSPIRATION FROM MANCHESTER RIGHT NOW; BE BRAVER, BIGGER & BOLDER.