Florence + The Machine Concerts Setlist

Formed in London, UK, Florence and the Machine (stylized as Florence + the Machine), is an indie rock band led by vocalist Florence Welch. The band includes keyboardist Isabella Summers, guitarist Rob Ackroyd, drummer Christopher Lloyd Hayden, harpist Tom Monger, and other musicians. They gained prominence with support from the BBC, especially through BBC Music Introducing. In 2009, they won the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" award. Their music is known for its dramatic production and Welch's powerful vocals.

Florence and the Machine's name comes from Florence Welch's collaboration with Isabella "Machine" Summers. Initially called Florence Robot/Isa Machine, it was a joke that stuck. Summers (keyboards), Robert Ackroyd (guitar), Chris Hayden (drums), Mark Saunders (bass), and Tom Monger (harp) are current band members. Welch appreciates their understanding of her creative process. In 2007, Welch recorded with Ashok, releasing "Plans," which featured an early version of her hit "Kiss with a Fist," initially titled "Happy Slap."

Florence and the Machine released their debut album "Lungs" in 2009 in The Netherlands and Ireland. Produced by James Ford, Paul Epworth, Steve Mackey, Isabella Summers, and Charlie Hugall, the album launch included a set at the Rivoli Ballroom in London. "Lungs" reached number one in the UK and number two in Ireland, selling over 100,000 copies in the UK. In the U.S., the album peaked at number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.

In 2010, Florence Welch and Paul Epworth began demo sessions for Florence and the Machine's second album, "Ceremonials." Welch aimed for a darker, heavier sound compared to "Lungs." Despite many producers showing interest, Welch focused on making "Ceremonials" a better version of their debut album. Most writing happened between January and April 2011, with recording in April at Abbey Road Studios. Refinement occurred at Epworth's studio in London, and Welch recorded vocals in various US studios during tour breaks. The final recording session was in July at Epworth's studio.

In 2014, Florence Welch announced to NME that Florence and the Machine's third studio album was in progress. By 2015, photos from a recording studio hinted at the album's mixing process. The band performed new songs, including "Ship to Wreck," "Caught," "Delilah," and the lead single "What Kind of Man," at a private London show. The following day, they released a teaser music video for the album's title track, "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful".

In 2022, Florence and the Machine experienced lineup changes with keyboardist Hazel Mills and drummer Loren Humphrey initially departing. Sam Doyle from The Maccabees was announced as joining the band for tour duties starting that same year. However, later in the summer of 2022, Loren Humphrey rejoined the band. Isabella Summers, a founding member and key songwriter, did not participate in writing or producing their album "Dance Fever" nor joined them for the subsequent tour.

Florence and the Machine's sound blends rock and soul. Their 2009 album "Lungs" won the Brit Award for Best British Album in 2010. The band has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. They also performed at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.