The frontman of The 1975, Matty Healy, has been busy creating new music that his mother, actress Denise Welch, describes as “very different.” During the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards on October 8, 2025, Welch shared her excitement about the new material, revealing that it retains the essence of the band. She stated, “It’s fabulous. It’s very different, but it’s got the DNA of The 1975, I think you’ll love it.” This marks a significant moment for the band, as their last studio album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, was released in 2022.
Welch did not shy away from sharing a more personal side of her life as well. While Healy is on tour, she takes on the role of caretaker for his pet rat, named Splinters. She humorously remarked, “I’m a grandmother to a rat,” detailing her affection for the pet. Welch also reminisced about another rat, named Bobby Robson, who passed away but was fondly remembered. “They have a rat-sitter who moves in when they’re away. I don’t mind a pet rat; I’m very fond of Splinters,” she added.
The conversation took a turn when Welch was asked about Healy’s past relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. Although there has been considerable public interest in their brief romance, Welch opted not to comment on Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. “I plead the fifth on anything to do with that!” she declared, maintaining a diplomatic stance. This is not the first time Welch has addressed Swift; she previously expressed concerns about the challenges Healy faced in discussing their relationship.
Healy and Swift’s relationship, which followed her split from actor Joe Alwyn in April 2023, was notable enough that Swift referenced it in her 2024 album, The Tortured Poets Department. Welch, during her appearance on *Watch What Happens Live*, expressed frustration over the limitations placed on her son regarding discussions about the relationship. “Obviously, on pain of death can I talk about that episode, but being her mother-in-law is a role that I am glad I lost,” she remarked. Welch added, “Not that I have anything against [Taylor] at all! It was just – it was tricky. Listen, you’re not allowed to say anything, and then she [Taylor] writes a whole album about it.”
As The 1975 prepares to unveil their new music, fans and music enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate how the band’s evolving sound will resonate. With Welch’s enthusiastic endorsement and Healy’s creative endeavors, it seems the next chapter for the band promises to be both exciting and distinct.
