David McAlmont facts for kids

David Irving McAlmont (born 2 May 1967) is an English singer, writer, and art historian. He became well-known in the 1990s as a vocalist. This was especially true through his work with Bernard Butler. Later, in the 2010s, he went back to studying. He worked with the University of Leicester and the Architectural Association School of Architecture.

David McAlmont's Early Life and First Band

David McAlmont was born on May 2, 1967. His mother was from Guyana, and his father was from Nigeria. His mother was a nurse. His father was studying law. David, his mother, and sister moved to Gorleston on Sea in Norfolk, England. He went to Peterhouse Primary School there.

In 1978, his family moved to Guyana. They lived with his grandparents and aunt. David did very well on his school entrance exam. He then attended Queen's College in Georgetown, Guyana. Later, in 1989, David studied Performing Arts at Middlesex Polytechnic. He left college in 1992 to sign a music contract.

Starting with the Band Thieves

David first gained attention with a London band called Thieves. Their song "Through The Door" was released in 1992. Thieves released another song, "Either," but then broke up in 1994. This happened just before their first album was meant to come out.

After some legal issues, the album was released. It was called McAlmont. It was released as David McAlmont's first album. Many people liked David's amazing voice. However, the album did not sell very well.

Saul Freeman, another member of Thieves, later started the band Mandalay. David and Saul became friends again in 2000. But they have not worked on music together since.

Becoming a Successful Musician

David McAlmont continued his music career on his own. He even opened for the singer Morrissey. Then, Bernard Butler, a guitarist from the band Suede, asked David to work with him.

Working with Bernard Butler

David and Bernard worked together to create The Sound of McAlmont and Butler. This album included the song "Yes." In 1995, "Yes" became a big hit. It reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.

McAlmont and Butler performed "Yes" on the TV show Later with Jools Holland. Another song, "You Do," came out later that year. It reached number 17. Soon after, David and Bernard decided to go their separate ways.

Other Music Projects

The music producer David Arnold then worked with David McAlmont. They made a version of the James Bond song "Diamonds Are Forever." They continued working together in 1998. This led to David McAlmont's second album, A Little Communication.

In the years that followed, David worked with other groups. These included Ultramarine and Craig Armstrong. He also prepared his third album, Be. This album was praised by critics. But his record label, Hut Records, decided not to release it. This caused David to leave the label.

In 2001, Bernard Butler and David McAlmont reunited. They signed a new deal with EMI. Their album Bring It Back came out in 2002. It had two popular songs, "Falling" and "Bring it Back." They did interviews and performed live shows in 2002.

David McAlmont's Recent Work

In 2005, David McAlmont released "Set One You Go to My Head." He performed songs from this album at jazz clubs.

In 2006, David started teaching at the Architectural Association in London. He is still a Studio Master there.

More Collaborations and Releases

In 2007, David sang backing vocals for Gabrielle's album Always. He also sang with Paul Weller on a song called "Why." Bernard Butler also asked David to sing backing vocals for Duffy and Sharleen Spiteri.

His album A Little Communication was re-released online in 2008. He performed the whole album live at the London Jazz Festival.

In 2009, David released The Glare. This was a project with classical composer Michael Nyman. Each song on the album was based on a different news story. Many newspapers gave the album good reviews.

In 2011, a live album and DVD called Live From Leicester Square was released. It featured Bernard Butler on three songs.

David McAlmont and Guy Davies also formed a group called Fingersnap in 2011. They released an EP called Smokehouse. They had worked together before on other albums. They performed live shows in the UK to support the EP.

Returning to Education and Art Projects

In 2012, David decided to go back to college. He studied the History of Western Art & Architecture. He finished his degree in 2016.

In 2013, David sang with a band at a concert series called Wall to Wall: Bowie. He sang duets with Sam Obernik. They performed David Bowie songs with a jazz style.

In 2014, David sang with David Arnold again at a concert in London. David Arnold called him "my secret weapon."

In 2014 and 2015, David McAlmont performed live with Bernard Butler again. In 2016, David sang on an album by Alex Webb (musician) & The Copasetics. He has also worked with Alex Webb on a show about the music of Billie Holiday. In 2019, they released a new album called The Last Bohemians.

In 2017, David worked with the University of Leicester. They created a project called "Girl Boy Child." This project explored the lives of LGBT+ people in National Trust properties.

In 2018, he created "Portrait of a Black Queer Briton." This was performed at the National Portrait Gallery, London.

In 2023, David worked with Historic Royal Palaces. This led to "Permissible Beauty." It was an art display at Hampton Court Palace and a short film.

In 2024, David McAlmont received an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester. He also helped organize the Royal Society of Sculptors Summer Show. He joined Russell Tovey and Omari Douglas at a literary festival to honor James Baldwin.

David McAlmont's Music Albums

David McAlmont's Music Singles