It's been 20 years since Dundee-formed band Snow Patrol released Chasing Cars
- Andrew Batchelor
- Jun 9
- 1 min read
Twenty years ago, a song released by a band formed in Dundee would go on to become one of the most recognisable tracks of the 21st century.
In June 2006, Snow Patrol released Chasing Cars, a song that would grow into a global phenomenon and become one of the defining soundtracks of the 2000s. Two decades on, the track remains a staple of radio playlists, television soundtracks and nostalgic playlists around the world.
The band was formed in Dundee in 1994 by students at the University of Dundee, with Gary Lightbody, Mark McClelland and Michael Morrison laying the foundations for what would become one of the UK's most successful alternative rock acts. While Snow Patrol would later find international success, their roots remain firmly connected to Dundee.
Chasing Cars initially enjoyed moderate chart success before gaining huge momentum after being featured in popular television dramas, most notably Grey's Anatomy. The song went on to become Snow Patrol's biggest hit and has since been streamed hundreds of millions of times across music platforms.
For many Dundonians, the song is impossible to separate from memories of the mid-2000s. Whether it was playing on the radio during family car journeys, appearing on music television channels or soundtracking school discos and special occasions, Chasing Cars seemed to be everywhere.
Two decades later, its simple lyrics, emotional melody and unmistakable opening notes continue to resonate with listeners old and new. It remains one of those rare songs that instantly transports people back to a specific moment in time.
