Wolf Alice use winner’s speech to call for UK to be ‘proud’ of grassroots music

Wolf Alice used their Brit Awards 2026 group of the year winner’s speech to call for support for Britain’s small venues and for the UK to be proud of its grassroots scene.

Singer Ellie Rowsell, 33, whose London-formed rock band beat the likes of Pulp, The Last Dinner Party and Wet Leg to the award, said she also wanted to thank those who had helped the band in their early days in her speech at the awards ceremony at Manchester’s Co-Op Live.

Rowsell said: “It’s worth mentioning that despite the billions of pounds the live sector contributes to our economy, last year 30 independent venues closed down.

“Six thousand jobs were lost, and over half of small venues reported making no profit at all. It shouldn’t be a battle to survive as a band or any artist.

“We shouldn’t be reliant on favours or anyone on funding schemes in order to do things at a level we feel proud of.

“It shouldn’t feel like a golden ticket, but a viable career decision for anyone from any background, because we only have to look around at everyone here today, and see how proud we are of Britain’s musical contribution.

“And how much money there is to be spent to nurture and protect the UK’s amazing music scene.”

The award was presented by Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez, who were thanked by Rowsell, after chanting “Manchester” as they took to the stage.

Rowsell added: “We want to dedicate this award to all the people who helped us out in the early years of Wolf Alice.

“Starting a band can be the hardest part, and we couldn’t have done it without all the people who lent us money, drove us around the country, let us sleep on their floors, bought tickets to our early shows, and even bought a piece of our atrocious merch.

“Although I don’t think anyone actually did that, that’s completely fair enough.”

Wolf Alice released their 1970s influenced fourth studio album The Clearing in 2025, having previously released My Love Is Cool (2015), Visions Of A Life (2017) and Blue Weekend (2021).

Made up of singer Rowsell, guitarist Joff Oddie, drummer Joel Amey and bassist Theo Ellis, their best known songs include Don’t Delete The Kisses, Bloom Baby Bloom and Just Two Girls.