Tim Rice-Oxley, Dominic Scott and Richard Hughes form "The Lotus Eaters" at University College in London

In 1995, while studying at University College, London for a degree in classics, Rice-Oxley managed to form a rock band with Scott, and invited Hughes to play drums. The Lotus Eaters started as a cover band, playing songs by the members' favourite bands, including U2, Oasis, and The Beatles, and rehearsing at home.