The Reytons

The Reytons are a rock band from Rotherham (South Yorkshire) who burst onto the British scene in 2017 and quickly became one of the leading figures in the British indie rock scene. The band have made a name for themselves thanks to their energetic live performances and lyrics that explore the lives of ordinary people. The band promotes itself independently without the backing of a major record label.

The Reytons’ music combines elements of indie rock, garage rock and alternative rock. This article explores the history of The Reytons, the band’s line-up, musical style, key achievements and members. Particular attention is paid to the musicians who have shaped the band’s distinctive sound.

Who are The Reytons?

The Reytons are a band from Rotherham, formed by musicians who set out to bring back a sense of the local scene to British rock. The band’s hallmarks are simple lyrics, lively live performances, and songs that resonate with listeners without any unnecessary theatrics. The band was founded by vocalist Jonny Yerrell, guitarist Joe O’Brien and bassist Lee Holland, who were later joined by drummer Jamie Todd.

Before releasing full-length albums, the band built up their audience through gigs and independent releases. Their first EPs – ‘It Was All So Monotonous’, ‘K.O.T.E.’ and ‘Alcopops & Charity Shops’ – helped The Reytons gain a following in Yorkshire and break out beyond the local scene.

Their real breakthrough came following the release of their debut album Kids Off the Estate in 2021. The album reached number 11 in the UK Albums Chart, whilst their second album, What’s Rock and Roll?, released in 2023, earned the band their first number one on the UK Albums Chart.

The Reytons have a very close bond with their fans. The band actively performs in smaller towns and focuses on creating a great atmosphere at their gigs. In 2024, the band played the biggest gig of their career at Clifton Park in Rotherham, attended by around 20,000 people.

The Reytons – Members

The Reytons comprise four musicians: Jonny Yerrell, Joe O’Brien, Lee Holland and Jamie Todd. Each of them is responsible for a distinct aspect of the band’s sound – from the emotive vocals and lyrics to the solid guitar foundation and the rhythm section. It was this line-up that shaped the band’s signature style following their early years of experimentation.

Jonny Yerrell

Lead vocalist and principal songwriter for The Reytons. Jonny Yerrell was born on 18 October 1985 in Rotherham and, before forming the band, had already performed as a solo artist under the name Jay Mya. In 2011, he released the single ‘Chasing Rainbows’, which entered the UK singles chart.

Within The Reytons, Yerrell became the driving force behind the band’s lyrical direction. His lyrics often focus on everyday situations: relationships, friendship, working-class neighbourhoods and British daily life. This approach has helped the band find an audience among listeners who relate to stories free from fictional characters and complex symbolism.

As well as singing, Jonny plays a part in shaping the band’s visual style; he directed some of The Reytons’ early music videos. His emotional and conversational singing style has become one of the band’s most recognisable features.

Joe O'Brien

Guitarist with The Reytons and one of the band’s founding members. His guitar parts have formed the basis of the band’s signature sound: a combination of sharp riffs, melodic lines and the dynamics characteristic of British indie rock.

Before The Reytons came together, O’Brien played on the local music scene in Yorkshire, where the band gradually built up an audience through small gigs. Together with Jonny Yerrell and Lee Holland, he helped create the band’s first releases.

In The Reytons’ songs, the guitar often functions not as a complex technical instrument, but as a means of enhancing the mood of the composition. It is precisely this approach that has helped the band retain the feel of a live club performance even after moving on to larger venues.

Lee Holland

The Reytons’ bass guitarist and one of the band’s founders. Together with Jonny Yerrell, he began developing the idea for the band after meeting at music events.

Holland is responsible for the band’s rich sound, helping to create an energetic foundation for the guitar parts and vocals. His playing style suits The Reytons’ songs perfectly, where rhythm, drive and the feel of a live performance are key. As part of The Reytons, he has gone from their first local gigs to performing in front of thousands of fans and releasing albums that have topped the UK charts.

Jamie Todd

The Reytons’ drummer, responsible for the rhythmic element of the band’s songs. He joined the band’s core line-up after its early days: The Reytons’ first gig featured a different drummer, Sean O’Connor, who later left the band.

Todd shaped The Reytons’ distinctive playing style – energetic, straightforward and geared towards live performance. His drumming underpins the band’s fast-paced tracks, helping to maintain the feel of a live rock show. With Jamie Todd’s arrival, The Reytons’ line-up was finally complete.

The Reytons concerts and festivals

From their earliest years, The Reytons focused on live performances. For the band from Rotherham, concerts became the main way to build an audience: the musicians performed regularly in small clubs before moving on to larger venues and festivals across Great Britain. The band is renowned for their energetic delivery of songs.

One of the key milestones in The Reytons’ history was their appearances at major British festivals. The band took to the stage at the Y Not Festival. On 24 August 2025, they shone at the Victorious Festival as part of the event’s Sunday line-up.

The Reytons were also among the headliners at the TRNSMT Festival, delighting true fans of the contemporary indie rock scene with their performances. The musicians have always strived to maintain a connection with club venues, which is why their concerts are often perceived more as meet-and-greets with fans than simply as big shows.

Following the success of their album What’s Rock and Roll?, which reached number one in the UK Albums Chart in 2023, the band began playing at larger venues. Among the notable venues where The Reytons have performed is the O2 Academy Brixton in London. Their concert took place on 7 February 2025 as part of the Right Back At It Tour 2025.

On 6 December 2025, the band delighted the audience at Wembley Arena. These concerts demonstrated just how quickly the band had grown from a local Yorkshire group to one of the leading names in British indie rock.

On 24 October 2026, the band is scheduled to perform at Alexandra Palace, London. The concert will form part of the band’s World Tour.

Albums and popular songs

During their career, The Reytons have released several studio albums and a number of EPs. Their debut album, Kids Off the Estate, was released on 12 November 2021. The album reached number 11 in the UK Albums Chart and marked the band’s first major success. It featured songs that defined the band’s distinctive style: stories about young people’s lives, their neighbourhood, friendship and everyday problems.

The Reytons’ greatest achievement to date has been their second album, What’s Rock and Roll?, released on 20 January 2023. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant victory for the band, who have continued to develop their career independently without the backing of a major record label.

Their third studio album, Ballad of a Bystander, was released on 26 January 2024. Among The Reytons’ best-known tracks are:

• ‘Kids Off the Estate’ – one of the band’s earliest songs, which helped attract listeners’ attention;
• ‘On the Back Burner’ – a track from the EP Alcopops & Charity Shops;
• ‘Cash in Hand and Fake Ids’ – one of the popular tracks from the What’s Rock and Roll? era;
• ‘Slice of Lime’ – a track from their early EP It Was All So Monotonous;
• ‘Avalanche’ – one of the band’s standout tracks from their later period.

Merch

The Reytons are actively developing their own range of merchandise. Like many contemporary British indie bands, the musicians use clothing and accessories not only as souvenirs for fans, but also as part of their own promotional strategy.

The band’s official shop stocks T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, vinyl records and other items featuring The Reytons’ branding. The designs are often linked to album titles and the band’s recognisable imagery.

Concert merchandise, released to coincide with major tours and special performances, remains particularly popular amongst fans. Following a large-scale concert at Clifton Park in 2024, special merchandise dedicated to the event was released.

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