Ricky Wilson (singer)

Last updated

Ricky Wilson
Kaiser Chiefs-Rock im Park 2014 by 2eight 3SC9237.jpg
Wilson performing with Kaiser Chiefs in 2014
Background information
Birth nameCharles Richard Wilson
Born (1978-01-17) 17 January 1978 (age 46)
Keighley, West Yorkshire, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • television personality
  • radio presenter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1996–present
Member of Kaiser Chiefs
Formerly ofRunston Parva, Parva
Spouse(s)
Grace Zito
​
(m. 2021)​

Charles Richard Wilson (born 17 January 1978) is an English musician and the frontman of five-piece rock band Kaiser Chiefs. Before the formation of the band, in 2003, Wilson was a member of the band Runston Parva (later known as Parva), which consisted of members of Kaiser Chiefs. In September 2013, Wilson was confirmed as a coach on The Voice UK . [1] He was the winning coach for both the fourth [2] and fifth series of the show, [3] being the first coach to win two years consecutively. Wilson left the show after three series, [4] [5] following the show's move to ITV. [6] [7]

Contents

Early life

Wilson was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire to Glynne and TV producer, Geoff Wilson. [8] He has one brother, James.

He attended Leeds Grammar School after Ghyll Royd primary school, and later attended Leeds Metropolitan University and completed his BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Arts and Design in 2000 before undertaking his master's degree in Art and Design. [9] [10] He then taught at Leeds College of Art and Design for a year before the band's big break. [11]

Career

Wilson, with Nick Hodgson and Andrew White, formed the band Runston Parva. After the group failed to land a record deal, the band re-formed as Parva, with their old friends, Simon Rix and Nick Baines, joining the group, following their return from university. The band landed a record deal; they were later dropped following the closure of Mantra Recordings. They had just recently released their debut album 22 and their first three singles.

Following this, the group decided to reform for the third time, with intentions to sign a new long-term record label and release new musical material, now named Kaiser Chiefs. Their name was adapted from the South African football team Kaizer Chiefs. James Sandom became their new manager and they soon signed a recording contract with B-Unique Records.

Outside music

The Voice UK

On 19 September 2013, Wilson confirmed he would replace Danny O'Donoghue as a coach on the third series of The Voice UK alongside will.i.am, Tom Jones, and fellow new coach Kylie Minogue, who replaced Jessie J. [12] [13] During the series, Katy B appeared as Wilson's team mentor. [14] For the fourth series, Wilson appeared alongside Tom Jones, will.i.am and Rita Ora. He was named the winning coach during the 4 April 2015 live final when Stevie McCrorie won the public vote. The following year, he again appeared alongside will.i.am with new coaches, Boy George and Paloma Faith. [15] On 9 April 2016, he became winning coach for the second time when Kevin Simm won the fifth series. [16] The final pitted Team Ricky against Team Ricky with both of Wilson's acts knocking the other coaches out of the live final. [17] The win made him the Voice UK coach with the most wins. He left the show prior to its move to ITV. [18]

Media work

Wilson performing with Kaiser Chiefs in July 2013 KaiserChiefs-Greenville-Festival-2013-12.jpg
Wilson performing with Kaiser Chiefs in July 2013

Wilson has twice been a guest on the BBC Two television show, Never Mind the Buzzcocks , firstly in 2005 as a panellist and then as a guest host in 2006. He also featured on the panel of the BBC Television comedy series, Shooting Stars , in 2009. In 2008, he appeared in Peter Kay's talent show parody, Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor... and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice , in a duet with the show's protagonist, Geraldine McQueen. [19] Wilson had a minor role in St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold , as the rock star boyfriend of Sarah Harding's character, Roxy. Wilson stated on his Radio X show that he was cast to appear in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 fronting a wizard band made up of actual musicians. When the band was replaced with CGI instruments, he was invited instead to appear in a background role. It is popularly believed that he had a cameo as Dirk Cresswell, but Wilson himself has denied this, saying the character identified as Dirk is in fact played by an unnamed actor. [20] Between November 2012 and January 2013, Wilson took on the role of the Artilleryman in the staged musical, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation . Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix wrote and performed the theme tune for Zig and Zag . [21] Wilson joined new radio station Radio X in September 2015 where he presented the Sunday morning show from 11 am to 2 pm. He left in 2017 due to other commitments [22]

In October 2015, Wilson became the host of Sky 1's music and comedy panel show Bring the Noise . [23] He appeared on the show opposite former The X Factor judge and the Pussy Cat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, stand-up comedian Joel Dommett, rapper Tinie Tempah and comedian Katherine Ryan. [24] However, in April 2016, it was announced that the show had been cancelled after just one series due to declining ratings. [25]

In 2017, he appeared as a guest on The Grand Tour , a motoring programme presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

In 2018, Ricky became patron of MAS Records, part of Kidderminster College, alongside Robert Plant.

In 2020, Wilson launched a new series of podcasts with veteran English DJ Tony Blackburn entitled Ricky and Tony's Pop Detectives. In the series Wilson and Blackburn try to ascertain whether or not long rumoured myths and claims surrounding pop stars lives and their music are true. The series launched to positive reviews and a second series was released later in the year.

In 2020, Wilson used his art skills to present an art episode of CBBC series Celebrity Supply Teacher.

In 2021, he went on to host his own series on CBBC, Ricky Wilson’s Art Jam. The same year Wilson was also cast as the narrator in the UK animated show Dodo. [26] [27] [28] Also in this year, BBC Radio 2 gave him his own series called Ricky Wilson's Rock And Roll Classics, which ran for two series in 2021 and 2022, and which featured Wilson playing his favourite songs from the 1950s and early 60s. [29] [30]

In 2022, making use of his art background further he co-presented CBBC series Britain’s Best Young Artist alongside Vick Hope.

He became the host of the Virgin Radio UK Drivetime show on 9 January 2023. [31]

In 2023, Wilson took part in series 4 of The Masked Singer as "Phoenix", where he finished in second place, behind Busted singer Charlie Simpson.[ citation needed ]

Personal life

During the early days of Kaiser Chiefs, Wilson was well known for wearing stripy blazers, waistcoats, turn-up jeans, and winkle picker shoes, a style that won him the Shockwaves NME Award For Best Dressed Person in 2006. [32] Lately, he has adopted a more casual dress code. Wilson is well known for his energetic stage presence, climbing scaffolding, standing on the safety barrier, and at times crowd surfing. Of crowd surfing, Wilson says he likes to "get out and see the crowd, see what they smell like". [33] Such exploits have occasionally resulted in injury, such as torn ankle ligaments after jumping off stage during a concert in Portugal. [34]

In May 2006, Wilson was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Leeds. He was hit by a car while attempting to walk on a pedestrian crossing, suffering bruising and a broken toe owing to a 'Ricky trademark jump' which resulted in him hitting the windscreen and being flipped over the top of the vehicle rather than trapped underneath. [35]

Wilson began a relationship with celebrity stylist Grace Zito in early 2015. They became engaged in April 2018 and married in June 2021. [36] In April 2022, they had twins. [37]

Wilson and the band are supporters of Amnesty International [38] and Nordoff-Robbins music therapy. [39]

Filmography

Self credits
YearTitleRoleNotes
2005 The Friday Night Project HimselfGuest appearance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2005, 2017, 2021, 2024 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway HimselfGuest appearance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2005 The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson HimselfMusical guest appearance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2005 Popworld HimselfGuest appearance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2005Kaiser Chiefs: EnjoymentHimselfShort video
2005 Never Mind the Buzzcocks HimselfGuest presenter
2006
2006 Top of the Pops HimselfGuest appearance
2006 Later...with Jools Holland HimselfInterview appearance (solo)
2007
2007 Brit Awards HimselfGuest appearance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2007 Friday Night with Jonathan Ross Himself2 guest appearances
Interview appearance (solo)
Interview appearance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2009 Shooting Stars HimselfGuest appearance (solo)
2009 St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold RockstarActor
2011 Breakfast HimselfTV interview; later musical performance – with Kaiser Chiefs
2012 Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation The ArtillerymanActor
2014–16 The Voice UK HimselfMain cast; coach/judge; 45 episodes (solo)
2014 The Voice: Louder on Two Himself5 episodes; guest appearances
2014–18 Celebrity Juice Himself6 episodes; guest appearances
2015 Bring the Noise HimselfMain presenter (solo)
2015— The One Show HimselfGuest presenter (4 episodes)
2017 The Grand Tour Himself, guest [40] Celebrity Face Off, Series 2 Episode 1
2018 The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bakeoff Himself [41] Contestant, Episode 2
2024 Michael McIntyre's Big Show HimselfUnexpected Star of the Show

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liberty X</span> British-Irish music group

Liberty X are an English/Irish pop group originally consisting of Michelle Heaton, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm, Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young. Since 2017, Heaton, Taylor and Young have performed as a girl group trio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaiser Chiefs</span> English indie rock band

Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who originally formed in 1996 as Runston Parva, before reforming as Parva in 2000, and releasing one studio album, 22, in 2003, before renaming and establishing themselves in their current name that same year. Since their formation, the band has consisted of lead vocalist Ricky Wilson, guitarist Andrew "Whitey" White, bassist Simon Rix, keyboardist Nick "Peanut" Baines and since 2013 drummer Vijay Mistry, who replaced founding drummer Nick Hodgson following his departure from the band in late 2012.

Kevin Ian Simm is an English singer and songwriter. He is best known as former member of Liberty X (2001–2007) and current vocalist of Wet Wet Wet. Simm also won The Voice UK in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reggie Yates</span> British actor and media personality (born 1983)

Reginald Yates is a British television presenter, actor, writer and director with a career spanning three decades on screen as an actor, television presenter and radio DJ. Yates played Leo Jones in Doctor Who and has worked at the BBC in radio and television–presenting various shows for BBC Radio 1 for a decade as well as hosting the BBC One singing show The Voice UK, hosting the first two series with Holly Willoughby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Hodgson</span> English drummer, backing vocalist, and songwriter

Nicholas James David Hodgson is an English drummer, backing vocalist, and songwriter, formerly of the indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs.

Bernie Clifton is a British comedian and entertainer, known for his work with his orange ostrich puppet costume Oswald the Ostrich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fearne Cotton</span> English television and radio presenter

Fearne Wood is an English broadcaster and author. She began her career in the late 1990s as a children’s television presenter for GMTV, CITV and CBBC. She went on to present various television shows, including Top of the Pops (2004–2020), Love Island (2006), The Xtra Factor (2007), and Interior Design Masters (2019), as well as the Children in Need (2005–2017) and Red Nose Day telethons. From 2008 to 2018, Cotton was a team captain on the ITV2 comedy panel show Celebrity Juice.

Ceallach Spellman is an English actor and presenter best known for playing Matthew Williams in the revival of ITV drama Cold Feet, Harry Fisher in the BBC One school-based drama Waterloo Road from 2010 to 2011 and hosting Friday Download and various other programmes on CBBC.

<i>The Voice UK</i> British talent competition series

The Voice UK is a British singing competition television series. Created by John de Mol and Roel van Velzen, it premiered on BBC One during the spring television cycle on 24 March 2012. Based on the original The Voice of Holland, and part of The Voice franchise, it has aired twelve series and aims to find currently unsigned singing talent contested by aspiring singers, drawn from public auditions. Presented by Emma Willis since 2014, it was previously presented by Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates from 2012 to 2013 and Marvin Humes from 2014 to 2016. The winners receive a recording contract with Universal Music Group. Winners of all each the series have been: Leanne Mitchell, Andrea Begley, Jermain Jackman, Stevie McCrorie, Kevin Simm, Mo Adeniran, Ruti Olajugbagbe, Molly Hocking, Blessing Chitapa, Craig Eddie, Anthonia Edwards and Jen & Liv.

The Voice UK is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The third series began airing on 11 January 2014 on BBC One, as opposed to the usual start in March. will.i.am and Tom Jones returned as coaches, while Kylie Minogue and Ricky Wilson joined the show as replacements for former coaches, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue. Emma Willis and Marvin Humes co-presented the show for the first time, replacing Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates.

The Voice UK is the British version of The Voice of Holland, a television talent series. The series was created by John de Mol and features four coaches looking for a talented new artist, with the intent that a potential auditionee could become a global superstar. The show's concept is simple; the auditionee walks on to the stage with the judges' backs turned to them, rendering looks, personalities, stage presence or dance routines irrelevant, and starts singing. If the judges like what they hear, they will turn around, indicating intent to coach them. If more than one coach turns round, power falls into the hands of the singer. Once all four teams are complete, the live shows begin and the singers sing songs chosen for them by the coaches.

The Voice UK is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The fifth series began airing on 9 January 2016 on BBC One. The series is hosted by Emma Willis and Marvin Humes, and are joined by coaches will.i.am and Ricky Wilson. Rita Ora did not appear in this series of the show after joining The X Factor and was replaced by Boy George. In addition, Sir Tom Jones did not return and was replaced by Paloma Faith, leaving will.i.am as the only coach remaining from the inaugural series.

<i>Zig and Zag</i> (TV series) 2016 childrens animated sitcom

Zig and Zag is an animated sitcom series, commissioned by CBBC and RTÉ and featuring the extraterrestrial puppets Zig and Zag from the planet Zog. It aired on CBBC and RTÉjr. Both Zig and Zag are voiced by the characters' original voice actors, creators and writers, Ciaran Morrison and Mick O'Hara.

Jolan Gidney-Craigen, mononymously known as Jolan, is an English singer. He is best known for placing second in the fifth series of The Voice UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All You Good Friends</span> 2016 single by Kevin Simm

"All You Good Friends" is a song by former Liberty X member and The Voice UK series 5 winner Kevin Simm. It was released as his debut solo single on 9 April 2016 and peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. It was his first single to make the top 40 since "A Night to Remember" reached number six in 2005 with his former band Liberty X.

<i>Stay Together</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Kaiser Chiefs

Stay Together is the sixth studio album by Kaiser Chiefs, released on 7 October 2016. The album's name is a reference to the opening track "We Stay Together". The first single from the album, "Parachute", was released on 14 June 2016. The second single, "Hole In My Soul" was released 18 August 2016 and the third and final single, "We Stay Together" was released on 9 December 2016. The album marked a notable shift in the band's sound, incorporating more electronic and synth-pop elements.

The Voice UK is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The sixth series began airing on 7 January 2017, with Emma Willis hosting the main show, and Cel Spellman presenting online spin-off show The V Room. It is the first series to air on ITV since its move from BBC One. will.i.am returned for his sixth series as a coach, Sir Tom Jones also returned to the show after a series hiatus, replacing Paloma Faith, and Jennifer Hudson and Gavin Rossdale joined as new coaches on the show, replacing Boy George and Ricky Wilson. Mo Adeniran won the competition, marking Jennifer Hudson's first and only win as a coach. Additionally, JHud became the first new coach to win on her first attempt, as well as, the first female coach to win a series of the show.

<i>Let It Shine</i> (2017 TV series) British reality television music competition

Let It Shine was a British reality television music competition to find young men to star in The Band, a new stage musical featuring the songs of Take That. It aired in January and February 2017 on BBC One. In 2018, the BBC announced that Let It Shine has been cancelled after one series.

The Voice UK is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The seventh series began airing on 6 January 2018 and concluded on 7 April 2018. It was presented by Emma Willis on ITV. will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson and Sir Tom Jones return for their seventh, second and sixth series, respectively, with Olly Murs replacing Gavin Rossdale as a new coach for the series. Previous runner-up Jamie Miller replaced Cel Spellman as the presenter of companion show, The V Room, broadcast through the ITV Hub.

Victoria Nwayawu Nwosu-Hope is a British television and radio presenter, journalist and published author.

References

  1. ↑ "The Voice: Ricky Wilson confirms he will be replacing Danny O'Donoghue as new judge on BBC One's talent show - Mirror Online". mirror. 19 September 2013. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  2. ↑ The Voice UK: Steve McCrorie crowned winner - BBC News. bbc.co.uk/
  3. ↑ Copson, Josie (10 April 2016). "Liberty X's Kevin Simm has only gone and won The Voice". Cosmopolitan . Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "'The Voice' UK: Ricky Wilson Confirms He's Quitting Judging Panel After Series 5, When BBC Show Moves To ITV". HuffPost. 13 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "Ricky Wilson WILL be on The Voice UK on ITV... on one condition | The Voice UK 2017". TellyMix. 24 March 2016. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  6. ↑ Darvill, Josh (9 July 2016). "Ricky Wilson will NOT be on The Voice UK on ITV (at least for now!)". TellyMix. Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  7. ↑ "Sir Tom Jones, Jennifer Hudson and Gavin Rossdale to join will.i.am as our new Voice UK superstar coaches!". The Voice UK. itv.com. 28 September 2016. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  8. ↑ "Do you want to wake up in rock star's bedroom?". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  9. ↑ "Former Leeds Met student and Kaiser Chiefs frontman, Ricky Wilson, to be coach on BBC1's The Voice". Leedsmet.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 9 September 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  10. ↑ "Ricky Wilson – BA (Hons) Graphics & Art Design and MA Graphics and Art Design". www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  11. ↑ "Q&A". theguardian.com. 21 August 2005. Retrieved 21 August 2005.
  12. ↑ "'The Voice' UK: Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson confirmed as fourth coach". Digital Spy . 19 September 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2013.
  13. ↑ "Kaiser Chiefs star Ricky Wilson joins The Voice". BBC News Online . Retrieved 19 September 2013.
  14. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (25 February 2014). "The Voice: Katy B, Tinie Tempah, more join as mentors – pictures". Digital Spy . Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  15. ↑ "Paloma Faith and Boy George join The Voice, Sir Tom leaves". BBC News. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  16. ↑ Mohan, Isabel (11 April 2016). "The Voice: why Kevin Simm deserved to win, plus 7 things we learned from the final". The Telegraph. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  17. ↑ Travis, Ben (9 April 2016). "The Voice UK 2016: Former Liberty X star Kevin Simm beats Jolan, Lydia Lucy, and Cody Frost in the final" . Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  18. ↑ Daly, Emma (21 January 2016). "Ricky Wilson doesn't regret decision to leave The Voice: "It's only telly"" . Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  19. ↑ Ricky Wilson on Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor. YouTube. 12 October 2008. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021.
  20. ↑ "Harry Potter: Kaiser Chiefs star breaks silence on movie cameo". 18 February 2021.
  21. ↑ Zig and Zag theme by Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson and Simon Rix on CBBC. YouTube. 16 August 2015. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021.
  22. ↑ "Vernon Kay to leave Radio X after 18 months". 15 March 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  23. ↑ "Bring The Noise". Sky One. Sky UK. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
  24. ↑ "Bring The Noise Coming soon Bring It On!". Sky UK. 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  25. ↑ Lee, Ben (7 April 2016). "Bring the Noise: Ricky Wilson and Nicole Scherzinger's panel show won't be back". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  26. ↑ "Ricky Wilson narrates new original comedy series DODO, on Sky Kids this June". www.skygroup.sky.
  27. ↑ "Watch @Rickontour of #KaiserChiefs #VoiceUK and of course #Dodo fame on @GMB tomorrow 0845am re voicing our brand new comedy animation series Dodo 😀 …expect secondary school secrets, spoilers and more @jackbennettfilm @SkyKidsOfficial @skytv @CAKE_Ent". twitter.com.
  28. ↑ "Ricky Wilson on narrating new animated comedy show, Dodo". virginradio.co.uk.
  29. ↑ "Ricky Wilson's Rock and Roll Classics".
  30. ↑ "Ricky Wilson returns to BBC Radio 2 for second series on classic rock and roll". 6 April 2022.
  31. ↑ "Virgin Radio UK welcomes Ricky Wilson as new drivetime presenter | Virgin Radio UK". virginradio.co.uk. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  32. ↑ "ShockWaves NME Awards 2006". NME . Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
  33. ↑ Interview with Ricky Wilson, Kaiser Chiefs – Enjoyment (Universal Island, DVD Video, 2005)
  34. ↑ "Kaiser Chiefs singer injures leg during gig". RTÉ.ie . Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
  35. ↑ "Kaiser Chiefs singer hit by car" . Retrieved 23 May 2006.
  36. ↑ "The Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson Met His Wife On Set". Bustle. 14 June 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  37. ↑ Borsay, Kait (27 June 2023). "The Evening Edition with Kait Borsay". Times Radio (Interview). London, England.
  38. ↑ "Kaiser Chiefs unveil new human rights film during UK tour" . Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  39. ↑ "Kaiser Chiefs break ground at Newcastle centre". 2 November 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  40. ↑ "The Grand Tour season 2 confirms celebrity guests". Digital Spy . 27 November 2017.
  41. ↑ "Meet the contestants taking part in The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer". Radio Times. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.