Passenger

Biography

Michael David Rosenberg, known professionally as Passenger, is an English singer-songwriter and musician born on May 17, 1984, in Brighton, England. He learned classical guitar as a child and began writing songs in his early teens. At the age of 16, he left school to pursue a career in music, spending time busking in both the UK and Australia.

Career Beginnings and the Band

In 2003, Rosenberg, along with Andrew Phillips, formed a five-piece band called Passenger in Brighton and Hove. The band released their only album, "Wicked Man's Rest," in 2007. After the band broke up in 2009, Rosenberg decided to continue his solo career under the same name.

Solo Career and Breakthrough

As a solo artist, Passenger returned to busking, which took him to Australia where he began to build a significant following. He released his debut solo album, "Wide Eyes Blind Love," in 2009, followed by "Divers & Submarines" and "Flight of the Crow" in 2010. His international breakthrough came with the song "Let Her Go" from his 2012 album, "All the Little Lights." The single topped the charts in 16 countries and has amassed billions of views on YouTube. This success was bolstered by touring with his friend, Ed Sheeran. "Let Her Go" was nominated for a Brit Award for British Single of the Year in 2014, and Rosenberg received an Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work.

Subsequent Albums and Touring

Following the massive success of "Let Her Go," Passenger has continued to release a prolific stream of albums. His 2014 album, "Whispers," was well-received, and "Whispers II" followed in 2015 with all profits donated to UNICEF UK. In 2016, he achieved his first UK number one album with "Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea." He has maintained a consistent touring schedule, known for his engaging and honest live performances that often include personal stories behind the songs. His more recent albums include "Runaway" (2018), "Songs for the Drunk and Broken Hearted" (2021), and "Birds That Flew and Ships That Sailed" (2022). In 2023, he released an anniversary edition of "All The Little Lights," featuring collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance, and Gabrielle Aplin.