Catfish and the Bottlemen are a Welsh indie rock band formed in Llandudno, Wales, in 2007. The group's original lineup included lead vocalist and guitarist Van McCann, guitarist Johnny Bond, bassist Benji Blakeway, and drummer Bob Hall. Known for their energetic live performances and straightforward rock sound, the band blends elements of alternative rock and garage rock. The band's name was inspired by a street performer known as Catfish the Bottleman, whom Van McCann met during his childhood travels in Australia. After years of honing their craft and building a following through extensive touring and word of mouth, Catfish and the Bottlemen signed with Communion Records and later Island Records, gaining broader attention. Their debut album, "The Balcony," released in 2014, achieved commercial success in the UK and featured hit singles like "Kathleen" and "Cocoon." The album was certified platinum and helped establish the band's reputation in the British rock scene. Their second album, "The Ride," released in 2016, reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, fueled by singles such as "Soundcheck" and "7." In 2019, the band released their third album, "The Balance," which continued their pattern of huge live shows and consistent chart performance. Though the band has undergone changes in personnel over time, particularly in the rhythm section, Van McCann has remained the group's creative driving force. Catfish and the Bottlemen are lauded for their anthemic sound, raw energy, and dedication to the traditional rock band format, standing as one of the standout acts in UK indie rock throughout the 2010s.