Florence and the Machine has been making an impact on the indie-pop music landscape since 2007. Founded as a project between collaborators Florence Welch and Isabella Summers, the band has released three albums each receiving high praise from critics and music fans alike. Welch, in particular, has set herself apart from the crowd with her distinctive red locks, flowy dresses and effortless singing voice. Continue reading on to learn more about Florence + the Machine and their accomplishments, and stay tuned for part two of our list.
Number Fifteen: The Band’s Name is an Inside Joke. When Florence Welch started performing with writing partner Isabella Summers, they used to go by the names Florence Robot and Isa Machine. On her way to a gig, Welch needed a name and immediately thought of this. She ended up shortening it to Florence and the Machine, so as not to be so long as to “drive her mad.”
Number Fourteen: Sang at a Famous Friend’s Wedding. Having had one of her songs featured on Gossip Girl, Welch became friends with the show’s star Blake Lively. They became such good friends that Welch played three songs at Lively’s wedding to Ryan Reynolds.
Number Thirteen: Welch Also Used to Play at Funerals. Many children like to perform for their friends and family but Welch took it to the next level. When she was little, she used to be the go-to performer in her family to sing at weddings and “mainly funerals.”
Number Twelve: Welch collaborated with David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. In 2010, Welch was asked to sing on an album produced by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Titled Here Lies Love, the album is a tribute to Imelda Marcos, politician and wife of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos.
Number Eleven: Payed Tribute to Amy Winehouse. Speaking of tributes, she also led a tribute to Amy Winehouse as part of VH1’s Divas Celebrates Soul special. For the occasion, she sang “Back to Black,” as well as Annie Lennox’s “Walking on Broken Glass.”
Number Ten: Welch shared the stage with The Rolling Stones. In 2012, Welch had the opportunity to do something not many artists get to do: sing on stage with the Rolling Stones. During the Stones’ five-show run at the O2 Arena that year, she got to perform “Gimme Shelter” with the legendary band.
Number Nine: One Relationship Influenced Two Albums. When Welch wrote the songs for Florence + the Machine’s debut album, Lungs, much of its songs were written about her temporary break-up with boyfriend Stuart Hammond. The two may have gotten back together for a while, but their permanent break-up in 2011 fueled much of her songwriting for the band’s sophomore album, Ceremonials. Be sure to watch for part two of our list of 15 interesting facts about Florence and the Machine, coming soon.