Dan Gillespie Sells

Dan Gillespie Sells is an English composer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead singer and frontman of the pop-rock band The Feeling. Born on September 20, 1978, in London, he rose to prominence in the mid-2000s when The Feeling’s debut album achieved multi-platinum status in the UK. Recognized for his catchy melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, he earned accolades including the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year and a Stonewall Award for his visibility and advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2017, Gillespie Sells expanded into musical theatre as the composer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, with lyrics and book by Tom MacRae. The musical premiered at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre and quickly transferred to London’s West End, where it became a major hit. The show received widespread critical acclaim, and Gillespie Sells earned an Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Music. His work was further adapted for the big screen in a successful film version, for which he co-produced the soundtrack.

Continuing his theatre work, Gillespie Sells composed the score for The Parent Agency, a musical adaptation of David Baddiel’s best-selling children’s book. Premiering in early 2025, the show features a vibrant, pop-influenced score that highlights Gillespie Sells’s flair for writing accessible and emotionally engaging music for family audiences. The project showcases his ability to balance humor, heart, and musical diversity within a theatrical framework.

Outside of theatre, Gillespie Sells has contributed to a wide range of musical projects. He co-wrote songs for artists including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, composed the theme for the BBC television series Beautiful People, and collaborated on a ballet project titled 3 with D for The Royal Ballet. His versatility as a composer and arranger allows him to seamlessly transition between pop, classical, and theatrical genres.

As both an artist and public figure, Dan Gillespie Sells is known for his expressive musical voice and his commitment to inclusivity and representation. His ability to tell heartfelt, uplifting stories through song has earned him a place as one of the most compelling and multifaceted composers working in British music and theatre today. With ongoing projects in both the pop and stage worlds, his influence continues to grow.