The early 1990s. Picture the scene: flannel shirts hung loosely, a certain Seattle sound dominated the airwaves, and while there was undeniable power and angst in the grunge movement, something felt a tad… distant for us Brits. It was like watching a captivating drama unfold on a screen, but the accents were all wrong, the cultural touchstones unfamiliar. We yearned for a soundtrack that spoke of our own rainy streets, our own peculiar brand of humour, and our own rich musical heritage. Into this void stepped Britpop, a vibrant, melodic, and distinctly British answer, with the trusty guitar slung firmly over its shoulder, ready to crank out a new era of anthems. Influenced by earlier British music styles and artists, Britpop bands brought a sense of familiarity and pride to the UK music scene.
Britpop wasn’t just a fleeting trend; it was a full-blown cultural phenomenon, a moment when British music, fashion, and identity experienced a thrilling revival. Emerging in the early years of the 90s and hitting its stride around the middle of the decade, Britpop served as a spirited reaction against the dominance of American grunge and the introspective haze of the British shoegaze scene. Where grunge often delved into darker lyrical themes and noisy soundscapes, Britpop offered catchy melodies, a guitar-based punch, and lyrics steeped in British life and culture. This wasn’t about navel-gazing; it was about celebrating who we were, with a healthy dose of optimism that stood in stark contrast to grunge’s often melancholic tone. Britpop became the soundtrack to the “Cool Britannia” movement, a surge of national pride that permeated the arts, fashion, and even politics, with the guitar becoming a potent symbol of this renewed confidence. The artists who shaped the Britpop era left a lasting legacy, influencing various genres and inspiring future musicians. The BBC played a significant role in documenting the Britpop movement, showcasing its impact on British culture. London, as a cultural hub, greatly influenced the Britpop scene, with many bands drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant life. Themes of modern life were prevalent in Britpop lyrics, reflecting the societal and cultural landscape of the time.
At the forefront of this guitar-powered resurgence were bands that would become household names, each with their own distinctive take on the Britpop sound.
Take Oasis, for instance. Led by the swaggering Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, their sound was instantly iconic: anthemic, loud, and unapologetically rooted in the classic rock traditions of the bands they worshipped. Their music felt both familiar and fresh, tapping into a timeless energy that resonated with a generation. A key element of their signature sound was the “wall of sound” they crafted in the studio, a technique heavily reliant on layering multiple guitar parts, a testament to Noel Gallagher’s studio wizardry. This wasn’t about intricate, noodly solos all the time; it was about creating a sonic behemoth through carefully constructed layers, often with Noel playing open chords while Bonehead laid down the barre chords, creating a rich and powerful texture. The guitars themselves became iconic symbols: Noel’s trusty Epiphone Riviera, especially the models made in Japan, his Gibson ES-355, and later his forays into Fender territory; and Bonehead’s frequent use of the Epiphone Riviera and the Gibson SG. These instruments weren’t just tools; they were extensions of the band’s persona, inspiring countless aspiring guitarists to pick up similar axes. There’s a great story about producer Owen Morris, during the mixing of “Columbia,” asking Noel which of the dozens of lead guitar tracks was the right one, to which Noel simply replied, “All of them”. That pretty much sums up their approach to crafting that massive guitar sound. The reunion of Oasis has had a significant impact on fans, reigniting interest in their music and the Britpop era. Northern Ireland also contributed to the post-Britpop music scene, with bands like Snow Patrol emerging and gaining recognition.
Then there was Blur, a band that offered a fascinating counterbalance to Oasis. Their lead guitarist, Graham Coxon, possessed an innovative and often experimental style, a brilliant blend of jangly melodies reminiscent of The Smiths, angular riffs with a punkish energy, and a willingness to explore unconventional sonic territories. Coxon’s playing was artful and crucial to Blur’s diverse sound, pushing the boundaries of what Britpop guitar could be. His preferred guitars – the Fender Telecaster (he even got his own signature model), the Gibson SG, and the Les Paul – reflected this eclectic approach, each model offering a different tonal palette. While Oasis channelled a more straightforward rock authenticity, Blur, with Coxon’s restless experimentation, provided a more art-school sensibility, a vital ingredient in their rivalry. This contrast in guitar styles became a key narrative in the “Battle of Britpop.” Speaking of which, Coxon’s relationship with the music industry could be a bit… unique. There’s the time he famously refused to appear in the video for “Country House” unless he could dress as a milkman and generally avoid any action he felt uncomfortable with. A true original. Paul Weller’s influence on Britpop cannot be overstated, as his style and music resonated with the cultural identity of the movement. Alex James, the bassist for Blur, played a significant role in the band’s dynamic, contributing to their distinctive sound. Certain albums from this era reached number one on the charts, highlighting the commercial success of Britpop.
Suede, often considered the band that kick-started the whole Britpop shebang, brought a different kind of guitar hero to the stage in Bernard Butler. His playing was drenched in glam, drawing heavily from the influences of Johnny Marr of The Smiths and Mick Ronson, David Bowie’s legendary guitarist. Butler’s distinctive style was crucial to Suede’s early allure and their pioneering role in the movement. His signature guitar, the cherry red Gibson ES-355, became instantly recognizable and synonymous with the band’s initial sound. When Butler departed during the recording of their second album, a young Richard Oakes stepped in and, remarkably, managed to not only recreate Butler’s intricate parts note for note but also inject his own exciting and versatile musicianship into the band. Oakes, often seen wielding a cherry red Gibson 335, ensured Suede’s continued evolution within the Britpop scene, proving himself a more than capable songwriting partner for Brett Anderson.
Then you had Pulp, fronted by the inimitable Jarvis Cocker. Their sound was a unique and compelling blend of pop sensibilities, rock energy, and even a touch of disco swagger. While Cocker himself played guitar and keyboards, the band boasted the talents of Russell Senior and Mark Webber on guitar. Senior’s approach was often angular and driven by his Fender guitars, while Webber brought a versatile style, utilizing a range of instruments including a Gretsch Viking, a Gibson ES-345, a Gibson Les Paul Custom, a Gibson Firebird, and even a Fender Jazzmaster. This interplay between their guitar styles, often layered with Candida Doyle’s distinctive keyboards, contributed to Pulp’s rich and textured sonic landscape. Senior departed in 1996, but Webber remained a consistent guitar presence, contributing to their iconic Britpop albums.
And let’s not forget Supergrass, a band that burst onto the scene with an infectious energy. Their guitarist and vocalist, Gaz Coombes, was a master of crafting catchy guitar riffs, often blending the raw energy of punk with wonderfully melodic pop hooks. Supergrass brought a youthful exuberance to Britpop, and Coombes’ guitar work was at the heart of their appeal. He wasn’t tied to just one guitar, often seen with a diverse collection including a Burns Custom Legend, Fender Telecaster, and various Gibson models like the ES-335. There are tales of the band writing songs incredibly quickly, sometimes even on the spur of the moment, perhaps on the way to their local pub, perfectly capturing their spontaneous and energetic approach to creating music.
Finally, there was Elastica, fronted by the formidable Justine Frischmann. Their guitar sound was sharp, concise, and heavily influenced by punk, offering a more direct and edgy flavour within the Britpop spectrum. Their iconic track “Connection” is instantly recognizable, thanks in no small part to its incredibly influential guitar work. Frischmann, alongside fellow guitarist Donna Matthews, had a knack for creating a cool, almost off-kilter effect by playing riffs that interlocked with slightly different rhythms.
The guitars these bands wielded weren’t just any old six-strings. Certain models became intrinsically linked with the Britpop sound. Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters, with their bright and cutting tones, were hugely popular. The Telecaster, in particular, became synonymous with Graham Coxon’s distinctive style. Gibson ES-335s offered a warmer, semi-hollow sound, favoured by the likes of Bernard Butler. For those heavier rock moments, Gibson Les Pauls and SGs made their presence felt.
Amplification played a crucial role too. The Vox AC30, with its chimey cleans and warm overdrive, was a staple, particularly for Graham Coxon. For a grittier, more aggressive tone, the Marshall JCM800 and the classic Super Lead “Plexi” were often deployed, again by Coxon and likely many others seeking that powerful British rock sound. Later in the Britpop years, Noel Gallagher was known to favour the Fender Blues Junior.
And let’s not forget the sonic seasoning: effects pedals. The ProCo RAT distortion pedal was a favourite for its crunchy, cutting tones, used by both Coxon and Supergrass. Boss pedals, like the DS-1 Distortion, BF-2 Flanger, and DD-3 Delay, were also common tools in the Britpop guitarist’s arsenal. And of course, the wah pedal added that expressive touch, used notably by Gaz Coombes of Supergrass and Noel Gallagher of Oasis.
Britpop and the guitar became deeply intertwined with a burgeoning sense of British identity during the mid-1990s, a period often referred to as “Cool Britannia”. In contrast to the perceived dominance of American grunge, the guitar became a key instrument in expressing this newfound national pride. Visual symbols like the Union Jack emblazoned on guitars, most famously Noel Gallagher’s, and adorning clothing became powerful statements of this cultural moment. Lyrical themes were distinctly British, referencing specific places, cultural nuances, and the realities of working-class life, all underscored by the driving energy of the guitar.
The rivalry between Blur and Oasis, often dubbed the “Battle of Britpop,” became a defining narrative of the era, captivating the nation like few musical feuds before or since. This wasn’t just about record sales; it was a clash of cultures, reflected in their contrasting guitar-based sounds and public personas. The 1995 chart battle between Blur’s “Country House” and Oasis’s “Roll With It” epitomized this peak of Britpop, with guitar music firmly planted at the top of the charts. Blur’s style, more art-school and experimental, found its voice in Coxon’s often unconventional guitar work, while Oasis, with their working-class roots and classic rock leanings, delivered anthemic, guitar-driven rock that resonated with a massive audience. The role of the frontman was crucial in defining Britpop bands, with figures like Liam Gallagher and Damon Albarn becoming iconic representatives of the movement.
The Britpop years weren’t without their share of humour and memorable anecdotes, often involving guitars in some way. Noel Gallagher’s famously blunt and often hilarious quotes about his brother Liam, the trappings of fame, and his own songwriting prowess are legendary. Then there’s Graham Coxon’s aforementioned quirky behaviour, like his milkman protest, which adds a touch of the absurd to the Britpop story. While not strictly guitar-related, Jarvis Cocker’s impromptu stage invasion during Michael Jackson’s performance at the 1996 Brit Awards perfectly captured the era’s irreverent spirit. Damon Albarn’s quote about not wanting to be an “Indie Noise-Freak” speaks volumes about the shift towards more accessible, guitar-driven pop. And who could forget the tales of Tim Burgess of The Charlatans getting spectacularly drunk and lost, a testament to the sometimes chaotic and hedonistic nature of the Britpop lifestyle? Even Noel Gallagher himself had a wry take on the “Battle of Britpop” singles, offering a self-deprecating and humorous assessment of their quality.
While the Britpop era may have eventually faded, its impact on guitar music is undeniable. It revitalized guitar-based rock in Britain, shifting the focus away from the grunge that had dominated the early part of the decade. It also reinvigorated the British music scene as a whole, leading to a resurgence of interest in homegrown bands and paving the way for future guitar-toting acts like Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, Coldplay, Travis, and Kaiser Chiefs, all of whom owe a debt to the Britpop pioneers. Beyond the music, Britpop and the “Cool Britannia” movement had a lasting impact on fashion and British culture, a ripple effect that can still be felt today. Britpop bands were formed with a sense of purpose, drawing from the rich musical heritage of the UK. The post-Britpop era saw the evolution of British music, with bands like Travis and Coldplay adopting different stylistic elements while still being influenced by Britpop.
In conclusion, Britpop was a vibrant and pivotal moment in British music history, and the guitar was undeniably its comeback kid. From the anthemic roar of Oasis to the artful explorations of Blur, the glam swagger of Suede, the witty charm of Pulp, and the energetic bursts of Supergrass, the six-string was at the heart of it all. Its resurgence during this era not only provided a thrilling soundtrack to a generation but also left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire new generations of guitar players to find their own British swagger. Oasis’s significant albums, like ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’, had a profound impact on the music scene. New wave influences were also evident in Britpop, adding to its rich musical tapestry. Britpop as a group of influential bands, including Blur’s contributions, shaped the movement and left a lasting legacy. The fastest selling debut album records set by Britpop bands, such as Suede and Oasis, highlighted their rapid rise to fame. Ocean Colour Scene played a crucial role in the Britpop movement, contributing to its success and cultural significance. Liam Gallagher’s contributions to Oasis, along with the iconic song ‘Live Forever’, underscored the band’s legacy. The music press played a significant role in promoting Britpop, shaping public perception and supporting emerging artists.
So, crank up your Telecaster, plug into your AC30, and delve into the glorious, guitar-fueled world of Britpop. You might just find your next favourite riff.
Introduction to Britpop
Britpop was more than just a genre; it was a cultural and musical movement that swept through the UK in the 1990s, bringing with it a fresh, upbeat form of rock music. Heavily influenced by British bands from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Britpop became synonymous with the “Cool Britannia” era. Bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp dominated the UK music scene, crafting songs with catchy hooks, witty lyrics, and a plethora of British cultural references. The Britpop era was marked by a palpable sense of optimism and excitement, with many bands achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. This was a time when British bands reclaimed the spotlight, producing music that was distinctly their own and resonated deeply with fans across the UK.
Early Years and Influences
The early years of Britpop were a melting pot of influences, drawing from punk, rock, and indie music. Bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and Happy Mondays played pivotal roles in shaping the Britpop scene. These groups brought a raw, unfiltered energy that would become a hallmark of Britpop. The movement was also steeped in British culture, with lyrics often referencing specific places, cultural nuances, and historical moments. The Britpop scene was deeply rooted in the working-class ethos, with many bands emerging from urban areas in the North of England. Noel Gallagher, the lead guitarist and songwriter of Oasis, is often credited with helping to define the sound of Britpop, blending the grit of punk with the melodic sensibilities of classic rock.
The Rise of Britpop
The rise of Britpop was punctuated by a series of landmark events and releases that catapulted the genre into the mainstream. In 1993, Suede released their debut album, often hailed as one of the first true Britpop records. The following year, Oasis dropped their debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” which quickly became a critical and commercial triumph. Its catchy hooks and punk-like energy struck a chord with the “everyday man,” solidifying Oasis as a leading force in the Britpop era. The 1995 chart battle between Oasis and Blur, famously dubbed “The Battle of Britpop,” brought the movement to the forefront of the British press. This rivalry not only captivated the nation but also cemented Britpop as a dominant force in UK music.
Key Bands and Albums
The Britpop era produced some of the most iconic bands and albums in UK music history. Oasis’s “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, Blur’s “Parklife,” and Pulp’s “Different Class” are often cited as the best British albums of the era. These records helped establish their respective bands as major players in the UK music scene. Other notable bands included Suede, Elastica, and Supergrass, each contributing their unique sound to the Britpop tapestry. The Britpop scene was characterized by its extensive range of guitar-driven sounds, with many bands utilizing guitars and fx pedals to craft their distinctive styles. This diversity in sound and approach made the Britpop movement a rich and varied musical landscape.
The Role of Guitars in Britpop
Guitars were the beating heart of the Britpop sound, with electric guitars taking center stage in crafting the genre’s distinctive style. Influenced by punk, rock, and indie music, Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur were known for their catchy guitar riffs and memorable solos. The largest selections of guitars and fx pedals were often employed to create the unique sounds that defined the era. In music stores, fans could find a stunning selection of guitars and fx pedals, fueling the creativity of the Britpop era. This extensive range of equipment allowed bands to experiment with different sounds and styles, making the guitar an indispensable tool in the Britpop movement. Whether it was the jangly melodies of a Fender Telecaster or the rich tones of a Gibson ES-335, guitars played a crucial role in shaping the soundscape of Britpop.
