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Alfie were an English indie rock group formed in Manchester in 1998, fronted by vocalist Lee Gorton, guitarist‑vocalist Ian Smith, drummer Sean Kelly, bassist Sam Morris and cellist‑guitarist Matt McGeever. The band emerged from local Manchester circles, drawing early inspiration from peers such as Doves, I Am Kloot and Elbow. Their initial breakthrough came with a series of vinyl‑only EPs released through Twisted Nerve in 2000, including Alfie, Bookends and Montevideo, which established their presence on the Manchester indie scene. In March 2001 the group issued the album If You Happy With You Need Do Nothing, a compilation of earlier EP tracks and new material, followed by A Word In Your Ear in March 2002. After signing with EMI in October 2001, the band released Do You Imagine Things? in September 2003 and Crying At Teatime in August 2005, the latter preceded by the single "Your Own Religion". Despite critical praise, the albums did not chart in the UK Top 40. The group disbanded on 26 October 2005 after a series of touring difficulties and label disputes. Post‑breakup, Lee Gorton pursued DJing and event promotion, while other members continued in music‑related ventures; the band’s legacy remains as a snapshot of early 2000s Manchester indie rock.
