Matty Healy by

Star Parents

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Matty Healy was practically born into entertainment with both parents, Denise Welch and Tim Healy, being famous British actors. Soap actress Denise Welch is known for her roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, and currently as a TV presenter on Loose Women. Tim Healy is best known for his comedy acting roles on television shows such as Benidorm and Auf Weidersehen, Pet. Denise and Tim divorced in 2012, however, Matty has revealed that growing up with star parents exposed him to the "artifice" of fame long before his own success in The 1975.

201655632 — 2025-10-23 14:08:50 UTC

Matty Healy has been intertwined with the ups and downs of stardom from a young age. His music career, while a successful one, has led to an unstable star image since the beginning of his fame in 2013 as the frontman of The 1975.

Pre-fame appearance in Waterloo Road

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Perhaps following from his parents' careers, Matty appeared as a background character in Waterloo Road during series four and series five. Despite having very few lines, Matty makes it abundant that his passions lie within music. Here he performs with George, Ross and Adam, who would later become The 1975. Both Denise Welch and Tim Healy also had roles on the show, begging a question of Matty's fame being a result of nepotism.

Matty as a "Nepo-baby"

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It is speculated that Matty's stardom is a direct result of his parental connections, which gave him a head start in his career. However, some argue that he has built his own fame and career through his musical talents, a separate industry where his parents' careers lie.

Louis Healy's rise to stardom

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Matty's younger brother, Louis, has also inherited the acting genes through his role in Emmerdale, and most recently, in the stage adaptation Stranger Things: The First Shadow on London's West End. This emphasises the exciting, theatrical family that Healy has grown up with, influencing his performance-art persona.

STARDOM DEFINED BY FAMILY

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10 year-old Matty's TV appearance

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Accompanied by parents Denise and Tim, a young Matty tells the host about his aspirations to one day become a "top class musician". His confidence and boldness in this clip reconciles the star persona that we are familiar with in his adulthood.

Drive Like I Do

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The 1975 started out making music under different names, such as Drive Like I Do and BigSleep. Here, Matty sings one of their most perfomed songs to date, 'Sex', in 2009 under the title of Drive Like I Do. There is a youthful authenticty associated with Matty's image which encourages an appreciation for the humble beginnings of The 1975's career

Debut Album

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Their highly anticipated debut album 'The 1975', released in 2013, catapults The 1975 into the pop-rock music scene after building momentum with their EP's. The album debuts at number one on the UK album charts. Their melancholic style solidifies Matty's star image as a mysterious, 'tortured-soul'.

Criticism of Debut Album

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The band faced a lot of criticism following their debut release, with some complaining that the tracks are monotonous, with "lifeless vocal delivery".

NME review for 'Chocolate'

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NME published this fleeting review of 'Chocolate', the track that ultimately awarded The 1975 their fame, dismissing them as Fall Out Boy "on a Thomas Cook package holiday... Avoid."

Monochromatic era

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His image following this album release is shrouded by a monochrome veil, which emerges through their music videos, live set designs and social media presence. Matty successfully constructs a melodramatic self-image for himself and the band during this era. The 'Settle Down' music video depicts the experience of growing up in the North East of England, rehabilitating Matty's own family history, and attaching a personal authenticity to his music.

1980s inspirations

201655632 — 2025-10-26 15:15:29 UTC

Matty was inspired by the sounds and rhythms of the 1980s. In particular, he was inspired by John Hughes, the filmmaker behind The Breakfast Club and other cult classics, which influenced the lyrical imagery in The 1975's debut album. Matty taps into nostalgia yet brings elements of the 80s to a new generation.

Childhood inspirations

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Brian Johnson of AC/DC and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits were friends of Matty's father, and encouraged his music career growing up. Matty was even given the guitar that Dire Straits used to record Romeo and Juliet.

Dirty Hit

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The 1975's manager, Jamie Oborne, set up his own independent record label, Dirty Hit, so he could sign the band after previous failure to do so with other labels. Dirty Hit has become a huge indie pop-rock label, featuring artists such as Wolf Alice, Beabadoobee and The Japanese House. The 1975's fandom appears to extend across Dirty Hit's artists, creating not just a record label, but a body of fan activity.

Education

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Healy was not motivated by school, and was kicked out of private school and later dropped out of music college while his other bandmates attended university. There is an authenticity to his rebellious, individualist character.

Early performances

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Matty's star image quickly indicates a 'rebellious, bad-boy' type, as he climbs up the stage during a performance at Leeds Festival in 2013.

Matty's signature style

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Loose fitting shirts, long curly hair, chest tattoos and a cigaratte and glass of red wine in hand are all signature components of Matty's melancholic 'bad-boy' look. Healy's hearthrob image can be compared to other boy-band celebrities of the time such as Harry Styles.

Fanfiction

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Adoring fans have created romantic imagined scenarios starring an idealised Matty, whose heartthrob image makes him the perfect candidate for fanfiction.

I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it

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The 1975 release their second album, 'I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it' in 2016. This album is a complete shift from their former monochromatic, grungey image. The band's marketing style bursts into a world of neon pink and synth-pop, while their lyrics become radical and fun.

First single 'Love Me'

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In a pivotal rearrangement of his sound and image following the second album release, Matty introduces himself as a bold, hyperbolic pop-star version of his former self. The song itself is an ironic commentary on the superficiality of fame, as he surrounds himself with cardboard cutouts of pop-culture icons. With a funky guitar riff, Matty's androgynous new persona is undoubtedly infused with 80s influences of David Bowie and Michael Jackson This exudes an authenticity in the way Matty reveals his opinions and humour through his music. To add to this, he wears makeup and leather pants in a plastic, neon pink set. Matty presents to us an unashamed femininity in his character which becomes prevalent throughout his career.

NME praise second album

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NME publish an overall positive track-by-track review of the album, shifting from their criticism of the band three years prior. They are surprised to reveal that "it challenged all preconceptions about the band led by Matty Healy". It can be inferred that Matty's switch in persona to this playful, erratic pop-star image has improved his likability and connected with a broader audience, due to drawing from nostalgic 80s influences.

RISING FAME

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Live performance of 'Loving Someone' champions LGBTQ+ rights

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'Loving Someone' from their second album is a socio-political song criticising the media and enforced heteronormativity on the youth. During live performances of this track, they display a rainbow flag across their set. Matty is vocal about the LGBTQ+ community in his music and on social media, and this comes at a critical time in 2016 as far-right politics in the USA threaten LGBTQ+ rights. This not only builds a safe space for queer fans but positions Matty as radical, supportive and connected to his fanbase.

TRNSMT 2017

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Labelled by fans as 'heartbreaking', their performance at TRNSMT in 2017 is one of their last shows before Healy goes to rehab. Matty appears to be struggling throughout this show, however some fans argued that this was all part of his on-stage erratic star persona.

Return to TRNSMT in 2023

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The band return to headline TRNSMT festival 6 years later, and Matty opens up about his previous performance and this "weird time" struggling with addiction. He gestures that he has overcome this obstacle and that they are very happy to be back.

Opening up about addiction

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In returning to the public light after rehab, Matty opens up about his heroin addiction and experiences while in recovery. He prides himself on being vocal and candid in interviews in order to maintain the honesty and authenticity of his public image, while also raising awareness, particularly to fans, of the dangers of drugs.

Denise on Matty's struggle with addiction

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An article from 2018 reports on Denise's feelings of guilt surrounding her son Matty's addiction. She shares on Loose Women that "she felt shame because the talented songwriter's issues reflected her past battles with depression, alcohol and substance abuse". Like Matty, Denise has also been vocal about her own battles with addiction and mental health, which reflects a familial pattern of authenticity.

She Lays Down

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On his second album, Matty writes 'She Lays Down', which opens up about Denise's post-natal depression and substance abuse. He claims that he and his mother are very close and this album dives into intimate themes about his family and personal life. This insight fosters a parasocial relationship with his fan community.

A Brief Enquiry Into Online Relationships

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Their third album release becomes their most successful yet. Matty speaks for an entire generation through socio-political themes and heavy criticism of technology and modernity. He also dives into personal themes about his struggle with opiate addiction through a juxtaposition of upbeat pop songs. Much like the previous two albums, we see an authenticity to Matty's star image which presents itself through his lyrics and sound.

Rave Reviews

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Described as a "generational mouthpiece" by Pitchfork, the band is praised for their "eclectic" third album, taking inspiration in their sound from Mancunian influences such as Joy Division and Oasis. While Matty firmly establishes his star persona as one belonging to the 21st century, he isn't afraid to use punk, synth-pop and motown genres to summarise the type of influences that shaped his star image.

British Album of the Year 2019

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A Brief Enquiry into Online Relationships wins the British Album of the Year award at the Brit Awards 2019.

The 1975 win Worst Band award at NME Awards 2014

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NME, who started out with a distaste for The 1975, nominate them for the 'Worst Band' award in 2014 and they win. Matty claims he does not care, and that his image is the 'antithesis' of NME and what they value in music so this award is more of a validation for him. Matty establishes himself as an 'outsider' or 'misfit', further categorising him into this rebel persona that he often embodies.

Best British Group 2017 + 2019

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The 1975 take the award for Best British Group at the Brit Awards in both 2017 and 2019. This exemplifies Matty's popularity during this time as the attractive, charismatic frontman of a boy-band.

Gabriella Brooks 2015-2019 relationship

201655632 — 2025-10-27 16:34:42 UTC

Matty reportedly dated Australian model Gabriella Brooks from 2015 until their breakup in 2019. It is speculated in the tabloid press that she could no longer tolerate his "party lifestyle". This news comes following from his recent, publicised struggles with addiction. Matty is framed by the media to be a messy, drunken pop-star, therefore tainting his public image.

RELATIONSHIPS

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NME's take on A Brief Enquiry

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At this point in The 1975's career, NME have completely shifted their opinion on Matty and compare their new album to the likes of 'OK Computer' by Radiohead. This amplifies Matty's success in his star persona.

Love It If We Made It - political messaging

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Healy challenges the norms of a pop-artist in this song through its defiant political lyricism which calls for action and revolt. This perpetuates Matty's image as an activist. In this music video, there are inherently raw, political images displayed such as police brutality, anti-gay protests, climate change and immigration. He even takes the infamous direct quote from Donald Trump "I moved on her like a b*tch". Healy's political messaging creates a powerful connection with listeners, who in turn are encouraged to think critically about the current political environment.

Costume as star image

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When performing 'Sincerity is Scary', Matty wears this hat and a backpack to replicate the music video. This is a costume that has become iconic amongst fans, with the hat being available as part of The 1975's merchandise and with many fans trying to recreate it themselves. Through costume, Matty can almost be seen as a character that fans want to embody.

Screengrab from 'Sincerity is Scary' Music Video

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Fan-made hat inspired by Matty's costume

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Storytelling in the 'It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)' Music Video

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This music video is a theatrical rendition of Matty's experience with handling both addiction and stardom. It adds a visual storytelling element to the topics that Matty had recently opened up about, which is more effective in connecting and engaging with fans. Matty uses an intertextual reference to another music video, 'Sincerity is Scary', which provides an exciting easter egg for fans to discuss. Essentially, Matty constructs his own cinematic, musical world, all based around his persona, which he invites fans to indulge in too.

Fan-art

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Matty's charismatic on-stage character and creative stage set designs inspire fan-art. Healy's performance character exudes confidence and mischief, which entices fans who wish to recreate these qualities in their own work, in a method of textual poaching.

Notes On A Conditional Form

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As a secondary part to their previous album, The 1975 release their fourth album in 2020 called Notes on a Conditional Form. Driven by themes explored in their last album, Matty continues in his activism, which is exemplified in his collaboration with climate activist Greta Thunberg, as well as environmentally sustainable packaging for their merchandise.

Collaboration with Greta Thunberg

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Greta Thunberg calls for climate action in a speech featured on the first track of the album. This goes on to be played at the beginning of their live shows, highlighting the final phrase "it is time to rebel" which becomes an iconic slogan representative of the band. Ultimately, this association paired with Matty's new political image distracts from tabloid press which shadowed his professionalism after Healy revealed his drug addiction years earlier. Matty returns alongside this album with a more powerful presence.

'Guys' Music Video

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'Guys' is essentially a loveletter to Matty's bandmates and their lasting friendships, yet it is also a loveletter to their dedicated fans who have followed them from the start. The video features archival material from their early days starting the band and onwards. The song also symbols Matty's progress from his struggles with addiction a couple years prior. This heartwearming and gratuitous tribute highlights Matty's sincerity and willingness to deconstruct hypermasculinity.

Appearance on 'Chicken Shop Date'

201655632 — 2025-10-28 00:00:46 UTC

Matty's appearance on popular YouTube series 'Chicken Shop Date' with Amelia Dimoldenberg maintained a consistency with his 'bad-boy', heartthrob image. His typical cynical character is humorous and entertaining to watch.

Matty eats raw meat on stage

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During his 2022-2023 tours, Matty consumes a raw steak on stage as part of his elaborate, theatrical set. Healy confuses fans, yet the act is a commentary on toxic masculinity and all part of his on-stage character. This is not the first time we see Matty immerse himself in a character, however it aligns with Matty's unpredictable public image.

Malaysia Controversy

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In 2023, the band played at the Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia, where Matty criticises Malaysia's anti-queer laws and proceeds to kiss his bandmate on stage. This leads to The 1975 being banned, and the remainder of the festival cancelled. Whilst Healy may have held good intentions, his actions were yielded insensitive and thoughtless. He was accused of selfish, performative activism from the standpoint of a privileged white celebrity, as well as fuelling anti-LGBTQ+ discourse and limiting the opportunities for queer artists in Malaysia due to tighter restrictions. This is one of many times that Matty's star image has been polluted by his inconsiderate public actions.

Matty speaks on USA anti-abortion laws

201655632 — 2025-10-28 00:51:18 UTC

At Hangout Music Festival in 2019, Matty angrily speaks up about the US government and Alabama passing an anti-abortion bill. He has been vocal about womens rights throughout his career, including speaking about misogyny in the music industry at the Brit Awards in 2019.

LGBTQ+ Activism

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The 1975 helped to fund a LGBTQ+ community centre in London in 2018, as Matty emphasises its importance. Additionally, Matty won 'Ally of the Year' at the Diva Awards 2019 for utilising his platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights. Their song 'Loving Someone' became a queer anthem for fans, as Matty constructs a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community using his personal brand.

Ice Spice Controversy

201655632 — 2025-10-28 01:27:08 UTC

A recent controversy in 2023 catapulted Matty into social media discourse due to his involvement in a conversation directing racist remarks towards rapper Ice Spice on The Adam Friedland Show. Healy laughed at these comments made by the host. He has since apologised, however it does not shift his star image as the problematic celebrity.

Matty's controversial tweets

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Matty is well-known for being outspoken and provocative on social media. In recent years, he has been accused of appropriating the Black Lives Matter movement to promote his music, has violently threatened to slap female rapper Azaelia Banks, and has used ableist terms as a joke. This has led him to deactivate his social media on numerous occasions, due to making headlines for the wrong reasons. Matty's star image has certainly been one that is solidified as the 'problematic celebrity'.

Matty and meeting fans

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Matty has frequently been vocal about his distaste for paid meet and greets, calling them "disgraceful" for unfairly exploiting fans in an interview with Zane Lowe in 2022. He appears to prioritise authentic engagement with fans, always making time for photographs and autographs, which he wants fans to be aware of. With these statement and in-person interactions, Matty's connection with his fans surpasses parasociality.

Matty and Taylor Swift dating rumours

201655632 — 2025-10-28 12:22:46 UTC

Sweeping the headlines in 2023 were rumours of a relationship between Matty Healy and Taylor Swift, a long-awaited celebrity couple which fans speculated about since their first meeting in 2014. While the romance seemed to only last a couple of months, they were spotted working on music together, and Taylor even had a guest star appearance at The 1975's show in London in 2023. Taylor's worldwide fame amplifies Matty's star image. On a professional basis, working with her in the studio cements Matty, too, as a global music star.

Taylor Swift debuts 'Anti-Hero' at 1975 concert

201655632 — 2025-10-28 17:43:12 UTC

Exciting guest star appearance during the 2022-2023 tour for 'Being Funny in a Foreign Language' saw The 1975 partnered with Taylor Swift, who has the biggest cultural impact of any star today. They also had other guest stars such as Lewis Capaldi and Charli XCX. Fans were starstruck at Healy's "crossovers" with such renowned artists, emphasising his own success in the music industry.

Being Funny in a Foreign Language

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The 1975 release their fifth and most recent album, 'Being Funny in a Foreign Language' in 2022, which debuted at number one on the UK album charts. Matty displays a vulnerability in this album, maintaining a beacon of honesty and openness that is consistently associated with his star image.

Matty engaged to Gabriette

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Matty and Gabriette have reportedly been dating since 2023. They announced their engagement in June 2024, and have made numerous public and online appearances together such as at New York Fashion Week in late 2023. Gabriette embodies a 90s grunge inspired style, which pairs with Matty's 'party lifestyle' image. The 1975's drummer, George Daniel, has recently been married to singer Charli XCX, whose entire star branding centres around a party-girl lifestyle. Together, they present a glamourous, exclusive and unattainable star image commonly seen of pop-stars and models. This contradicts Matty's genuine and relatable persona he previously presented to fans.

Dating rumours

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Between 2019 and 2022, Matty was rumoured to be dating FKA Twigs, a music artist and actress known for her avante garde style. Their relationship is photographed as cool, fashionable and iconic. Matty's romantic life remains in the limelight, centralising his unwavering 'heartthrob' image.

Headlining Glastonbury 2025

201655632 — 2025-10-28 20:22:44 UTC

The 1975 headline Glastonbury for the first time in 2025, a dream that Matty has often spoken about. He claims on stage that he is nervous, which humanises Matty and draws fans in to share this achievement along with the band. This is a substantial moment for The 1975, and one that cements Healy in rock-star history. Matty personifies a collage of his performance-art character from over the years, smoking cigarettes through the set and making egotistical jokes about his own stardom.

Divisive reviews on Glastonbury performance

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Matty's usual over the top antics were met with mixed reviews following from The 1975's headline show at Glastonbury. While some viewers praised the quality of the set, many were let down by Healy's "insufferable" character. Audiences were irritated by his concieted on-stage persona, claiming that it is not an act. These opinions may be a product of Healy's recent controversies, which overshadow his success. Healy also mentions on stage that he does not want the bands' legacy to be one of politics, which juxtaposes the activist star image that he had been constructing for himself over the last several years.

Inactive on social media

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Over the past year, Matty has been inactive on social media, including X and Instagram, with his last Instagram post from 24th November 2024. This has momentarily calmed his erratic public image. On the other hand, Healy could be building mystery surrounding his next steps in his career.

David Giles 'Twenty-First Century Celebrity: Fame in Digital Culture' (2018)

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Giles emphasises that in the digital age, celebrity social media content can quickly become mainstream news. He argues that while platforms such as X "promise greater authenticity" (p. 83) and control of their voice for celebrities, they also make space for unpredictable audience reactions which must be carefully considered by stars in order to maintain their public image. This reflects Matty's incessant negative publicity for what he flippantly shares online, which is met poorly by fans and other observers. In return, Giles says that audiences must critically evaluate the authenticity of a celebrity's online persona, due to the deceptive nature of social media identities. This is when it becomes difficult for fans to separate Matty's cheeky on-stage persona with who he truly is behind the screen.

EARLY CAREER

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CONTROVERSIES

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ACTIVISM

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FANDOM

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PERFORMATIVE CHARACTER

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AWARDS

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AUTHENTICITY

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Celebrities and Environmental Activism by Geoffrey Craig (2019)

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Geoffrey Craig discusses celebrity power, specifically in relation to supporting and advocating for environmental activism. Celebrity's have the capacity to contribute to increased awareness of environmental issues, which is exemplified in Matty's environmental campaign with Greta Thunberg fuelled through his music. However, Craig goes on to explain that many stars find it necessary for their brand image to support such causes. The celebrity's association then lessens the political importance of the topic, and, ultimately, becomes another means of commodification for the celebrity. Arguably, Matty has blended activism with commercial interests by utilising his environmental campaign to promote the release of his album. Especially given the fact, in recent years, he has been silent about environmental issues.

Star Studies (2012) by Martin Shingler

201655632 — 2025-10-31 09:12:44 UTC

Shingler discusses the complex construction of star image and persona, which are distinguished through the star persona being shaped by the celebrity's own presentation of self, while image is an identity that the star has less control over, due to media publicity and audience reaction. Shingler suggests that persona can "operate as a mask to ensure consistency [...] but it can also be used as an element of performance" (p. 125). In terms of Matty's star persona, he is chaotic and rebellious, yet authentic. This makes him alluring as a celebrity, as fans derive from this a promise of entertainment and familiarity.