The English band The Subways was formed in 2002 in Hertfordshire by brothers Billy Lunn (guitar and vocals) and Josh Morgan (drums) and Charlotte Cooper (bass, vocals). The trio, still in their teens, began composing their songs under the influence of bands like Nirvana, Mudhoney, Pixies, The Jam and Sex Pistols. Producing and releasing some homemade EPs, and playing in bars in London, the band caught the attention of the media, and in 2004 they won the new bands contest at the Glastonbury festival.

The Subways' stripped-down punk-pop made its album debut in 2005, when they released Young for Eternity. The album had the tracks "Rock & Roll Queen" and "Oh Yeah" as highlights.

Produced by Butch Vig, All or Nothing, the band's second album, was released in 2008. Three years later, in September 2011, Money and Celebrity arrived, a work produced by Stephen Street, best known for his work with The Smiths.

The Subways released a self-titled album in 2015, produced by the band. In 2019, the departure of Billy Lunn was announced. With drummer Camille Phillips joining as a new member, the band released Uncertain Joys in early 2023.