Mumford & Sons and The War on Drugs

Featuring Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitars, drums), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, dobro), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards) and Ted Dwae (vocals, bass), the band came together in 2007, soon becoming a recognized name in London's growing folk scene. Persitent performing and songwriting led to an appearance at 2008's Glastonbury Festival, gaining many new fans in the process. Shortly after, their self-titled debut EP was released, establishing their name in the indie rock scene.

Two more EPs followed, "Love Your Ground" (2008) and "Cave and the Open Sea" in 2009, attracting the interest of major label, Island Records, who were quick to sign the promising act to their roster. Working with Markus Dracs, producer of Arcade Fire and the Maccabees, Mumford & Sons started work on their debut album. Releasing the single "Little Lion Man," anticipation for their debut grew feverish, with the track being named 'Hottest Record in the World This Week' by BBC Radio 1 DJ, Zane Lowe. Mumford & Sons were then named part of BBC's 'Sound of 2009' poll, making them one of the most talked about acts in the UK at the time.

Their debut album, "Sigh No More," was released later that year, achieving commercial success. The following year, the album was issued in America, on Glassnote Records, finding further commercial success, selling a million copies. Yet it was with their second record, "Babel," that Mumford & Sons became international stars, with the album topping the Billboard Album Chart in the US in 2012, before then selling multi-Platinum. A live album, "Road to Red Rocks," recorded at Colorado's Red Rock amphitheater, was released shortly after that same year.

In 2013, Mumford & Sons were awarded with a Grammy Award for 'Best Album of the Year' with "Babel."Extensive touring followed, which saw the band headline many festivals across the globe, including Bonnaroo Music Festival and Glastonbury Festival. They then embarked on a hiatus, before returning to live performance in 2015, with the promise of a new album.

The War on Drugs was formed by musicians Kurt Vile and Adam Granduciel after they had both moved from Oakland and back to Philadelphia. Both had similar interests and had especially connected through their appreciation of Bob Dylan. This led to the two, recording, writing and even performing together. Through this instant connection and chemistry, The War on Drugs was born.

Early in the career of the band they had many accompanying musicians but none were official members, Vile and Granduciel then decided to settle official members of the band. These members included: Charlie Hall as the Drummer/Organist, Kyle Lloyd as drummer and Dave Hartley would be the bass player of the band.

In 2008 The War On Drugs gave away their EP 'Barrel of Batteries' for free.

After the release of their debut album 'Wagonwheel Blues' and the European tour which followed,founding member of the band Kurt Vile, had decided to leave so that he could focus on his solo projects. Following Vile leaving other members followed suit, those being: Charlie Hall and Kyle Lloyd by 2008.

Following the departure of key members, the band in 2008 now consisted of members: Adam Granducial, David Hall and Mike Zhangi (who would leave in 2010). By 2012 the bands lineup consisted of: Adam Granducial, Patrick Berkery, Robbie Bennett and David Hall.

2011 saw the release of The War On Drugs second album 'Slave Ambient' this generated widespread critical acclaim as it managed to receive 7 out of 10 from 'Spin', 'BBC Music' gave it a favourable rating and it received an A- grade from 'The A.V. Club'.

As of 2014 the current members of the band are: Adam Granducial on vocals, Dave Hartley on bass guitar, Robbie Bennett on keyboards and Charlie Hall on drum.