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British-American new wave and power pop band best known for their 1985 international hit "Walking on Sunshine" and their unexpected 1997 Eurovision Song Contest victory.Formed in Cambridge, UK in 1981 by American singer Katrina Leskanich and British musicians Kimberley Rew (guitar), Vince de la Cruz (bass), and Alex Cooper (drums).Achieved global success with the album 'Katrina and the Waves' (1983) and the single "Walking on Sunshine" (1985).Won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK in 1997 with "Love Shine a Light".Disbanded in 1999 after declining fortunes, with members pursuing solo careers.

• The band's Eurovision win in 1997 was a major surprise, as they were largely considered a 'has-been' act at the time and were selected through a public vote in the UK.
• "Walking on Sunshine" became a massive, enduring hit through extensive licensing in films (e.g., 'American Psycho'), TV shows, and commercials, far outlasting its initial chart success.
• Lead singer Katrina Leskanich had a solo career in Canada before joining the band, which evolved from Kimberley Rew's previous band, The Waves (later adding 'Katrina and the' to the name).
• Guitarist and songwriter Kimberley Rew was a former member of the influential new wave band The Soft Boys, alongside Robyn Hitchcock.
• The band faced significant lineup changes and declining record sales throughout the 1990s before their Eurovision resurgence.