Example
- Occupation:
- Musician
- Date of Birth:
- 20 June 1982
- Sex:
- Male
- Height:
- 1.85
Introduction:
Example is an English singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his energetic blend of hip hop, electronic, and dance music. He gained widespread recognition for his chart-topping hits such as "Changed the Way You Kiss Me" and "Stay Awake." Over the years, he has built a diverse career, spanning music, stand-up comedy, and television appearances, establishing himself as one of the UK’s most versatile entertainers.
Early Life and Background:
Elliot John Gleave was born in Hammersmith, West London. Raised in Fulham, he attended primary school in the area before enrolling at ADT College in Wandsworth. As a child, he underwent surgery to remove a tumour, which left him with a scar on his forehead. Gleave later pursued a degree in film directing at Royal Holloway, University of London. To support himself, he worked as an MC, which led to his first release, "A Pointless Song." During this time, he met producer Joseph Gardner, who played a pivotal role in shaping his early music career.
Music Career:
Example’s stage name was inspired by his initials, 'E.G.', and was a nod to the Latin term "exempli gratia," meaning "for example." He released his first three singles under his own label, All The Chats, which gained attention from BBC Radio 1 and led to a deal with The Beats Records. In 2006, he released his debut album What We Made, which included the single "What We Made" and was notably filmed in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Example’s subsequent singles, including "You Can't Rap," "I Don't Want To," and "So Many Roads," helped establish him in the UK music scene.
In 2008, he self-released the single "Me + Mandy" and made his stand-up comedy debut on BBC2's The Culture Show. Example's breakthrough came in 2009 with the release of his second album Won't Go Quietly, which included the hit single "Watch the Sun Come Up" and charted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart.
His third album, Playing in the Shadows (2011), cemented his position as a mainstream artist. Both the album's first single, "Changed the Way You Kiss Me," and the follow-up, "Stay Awake," debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. The album itself also topped the UK charts. In addition to his solo work, Example wrote "Chasing The Sun" for British boy band The Wanted, featured on their 2012 album.
In 2012, Example signed with Mercury Records and embarked on a 13-date UK tour in 2013, continuing to build on his success with chart hits like "Say Nothing." Throughout his career, Example’s music has been celebrated for its infectious energy, blending genres like hip hop, dance, and pop.
Personal Life:
Example is married to model and actress Erin McNaught, whom he got engaged to in 2012. The couple has children together, and they have been a prominent fixture in the British entertainment scene. Example is also the nephew of former footballer Tony Grealish and is a supporter of Fulham F.C. Despite his success in the spotlight, Example has kept his personal life relatively private.
Legacy and Influence:
Example has had a significant influence on the UK electronic and hip hop scenes. His innovative fusion of rap with electronic dance music has set him apart from other artists in his genre. His influence extends beyond music, as he has contributed to British pop culture with his ventures into television and comedy. Example's chart-topping singles and albums helped shape the UK music landscape in the 2000s and 2010s, making him a prominent figure in the industry.
Recent Activities:
Since the release of his last album, Example has continued to perform and tour, maintaining a loyal fanbase. In recent years, he has focused on exploring new musical directions, including collaborations with other artists across various genres. His live performances remain popular, known for their high-energy and interactive nature. As of 2024, Example has hinted at future musical projects but has taken a more subdued public presence, shifting towards family life and personal endeavors outside of the music industry.
- Occupation:
- Musician
- Date of Birth:
- 20 June 1982
- Sex:
- Male
- Height:
- 1.85