How a chance rehearsal comment birthed a glam rock powerhouse

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2012, a British band from Derby was looking for an identity. A single, offhand remark about a member's movement provided the perfect name. Since then, they have transitioned from UK club circuits to opening for legends like the Rolling Stones and Guns N' Roses.

Formed in 2012, The Struts emerged from the musical connection between singer-songwriter Luke Spiller and guitarist Adam Slack. While Spiller's early musical influences ranged from the gospel of his childhood to the rock of Led Zeppelin and Queen, his path to frontman was unconventional. After moving to Derby to write and record with Slack, the lineup solidified with bassist Jed Elliott and drummer GHD Davies, adopting a name inspired by Spiller's tendency to 'strut' during rehearsals.

The band's ascent was marked by high-profile associations and massive stages. In 2014, they performed for 80,000 people in Paris as the opening act for the Rolling Stones. Their stylistic evolution has seen them move through 'neo-glam pop' and pop-punk toward more contemporary dance elements. This versatility has led to collaborations with diverse artists, including a full album of vocals for Mike Oldfield in 2014, a remix with Kesha, and tracks featuring Robbie Williams and Paris Jackson.

The Struts' impact is often measured by their presence in the arena rock scene. Their debut album, 'Everybody Wants', achieved significant US success, with the single 'Could Have Be Me' reaching the top of the Spotify Viral Top 50. Beyond their own discography, which includes four studio albums and several EPs, the band's aesthetic—often linked to the Sunset Strip pop metal scene—has been highlighted in documentaries like the BBC's 'Oh You Pretty Things', focusing on the intersection of music and fashion.

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