The Last Dinner Party

The Last Dinner Party is a British indie rock band that originated in London in 2021. The band was formed by Abigail Morris (vocals), Lizzie Mayland (vocals, guitar), Emily Roberts (lead guitar, mandolin, flute), Georgia Davies (bass), and Aurora Nishevci (keyboards, vocals). Their eclectic sound is a blend of art-rock and baroque-pop, drawing comparisons to iconic artists like Kate Bush, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Roxy Music, while their dynamic live performances have captivated audiences across the UK and beyond.

The formation of The Last Dinner Party can be traced back to 2020 when Morris, Davies, and Mayland met during Freshers’ Week at King’s College London. Their shared passion for music and frequent attendance at gigs at The Windmill inspired them to start a band. The group’s initial lineup was completed when Roberts, a guitarist recommended to Morris by a mutual friend, and Nishevci, who attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Roberts, joined the band. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown, which limited their ability to rehearse, they persevered and held their first live performance at The George in London in November 2021.

Early in their career, The Last Dinner Party, then known as The Dinner Party, garnered attention by opening for the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park in July 2022 and supporting Benee on her world tour in London. Their distinct musical style and engaging stage presence quickly built a word-of-mouth following. In early 2022, the band signed with the management group Q Prime, setting the stage for their rise in the music industry.

The band adopted the name The Last Dinner Party to avoid confusion with the jazz supergroup Dinner Party. They signed with Island Records and released their debut single, “Nothing Matters,” on April 19, 2023. Produced by James Ford, the single became a top 20 hit in the UK and was featured on the soundtrack for EA Sports FC 24. The success of “Nothing Matters” was followed by the release of three more singles in 2023: “Sinner” on June 30, “My Lady of Mercy” on October 9, and “On Your Side” on November 1. Each of these tracks, also produced by Ford, showcased the band’s evolving sound and lyrical depth.

Their growing popularity led to performances at prominent festivals such as Glastonbury and Latitude, and they supported renowned artists like Hozier and First Aid Kit. In October 2023, they made their debut on the BBC show Later… with Jools Holland, further solidifying their reputation as a rising force in the indie rock scene.

The band’s hard work culminated in the release of their debut studio album, Prelude to Ecstasy, on February 2, 2024. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant milestone in their career. Following the album’s release, The Last Dinner Party won the Rising Star Brit Award in December 2023 and the BBC Sound of 2024 poll, affirming their status as one of the most promising new acts in British music.

The Last Dinner Party’s musical style has been described as “art-rock bombast” by Rolling Stone UK and “distinctive baroque-pop” by the Evening Standard. Their influences include David Bowie, Chappell Roan, and Lana Del Rey, and they have drawn comparisons to artists like Florence and the Machine, Sparks, and Warpaint. Their commitment to blending diverse musical elements and creating a unique auditory experience continues to set them apart in the indie rock landscape.

With a growing discography, including the release of their sixth single “The Feminine Urge” in July 2024, and an increasing number of high-profile performances, The Last Dinner Party remains a band to watch. Their journey from university friends to chart-topping artists highlights their talent, resilience, and dedication to their craft.