Black Grape
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Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s.
In this article, we introduce Black Grape, the funky, irreverent offspring of Shaun Ryder's post-Happy Mondays renaissance, blending Britpop, funk, and alternative dance into an eclectic and vibrant mix.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Salford, Greater Manchester, England
Active years: 1993–1998, 2010, 2015–present
Associated genres: Alternative dance, alternative rock, funk rock, Madchester, Britpop
Record labels: Radioactive, UMC
Members: Shaun Ryder (vocals) / Kermit (vocals)Past members:
Bez (percussion)/ Ged Lynch (drums)/ Psycho (vocals)/ Danny Williams (bass)/ Danny Saber (guitar, production)/ Wags (guitar)
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1993 by Shaun Ryder and Bez after the disbandment of Happy Mondays.
Recruited Kermit (Paul Leveridge) and Ged Lynch, both formerly of Ruthless Rap Assassins, as well as other musicians, including Wags (guitar) and Carl "Psycho" McCarthy.
Aimed to draw a line under Ryder’s chaotic past with Happy Mondays and start fresh with a new sound and direction.
Rise to Prominence
Released their debut album It’s Great When You’re Straight…Yeah in 1995, which debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
Produced hit singles like "Reverend Black Grape", "In the Name of the Father", and "Kelly’s Heroes".
The album was certified Platinum in the UK, cementing Black Grape’s place in the Britpop era with a funkier, edgier twist.
Commercial Success and Albums
Followed up with Stupid Stupid Stupid in 1997, featuring tracks like "Get Higher" and "Dadi Was a Badi".
While less commercially successful, it still achieved Gold certification in the UK.
Disbanded in 1998 after internal disputes and Ryder’s firing of band members during a turbulent tour.
Later Activities and Legacy
Reunited briefly in 2010 for a one-off concert in London with producer Danny Saber.
Reformed again in 2015, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album with a reunion tour.
Released their third album, Pop Voodoo, in 2017, which was well-received and included the single "Everything You Know Is Wrong".
Returned in 2024 with Orange Head, showcasing their signature irreverent style.
Notable Facts
Shaun Ryder saw Black Grape as a vehicle to fuse funk, dance, and rock with his sharp, witty lyrics.
The band’s debut album title, It’s Great When You’re Straight…Yeah, was a cheeky reference to Ryder’s attempt at sobriety at the time.
Bez, though integral to the Happy Mondays, was only briefly involved with Black Grape’s live performances.
Defining Lyric
"Don't talk to me about heroes" – Kelly’s Heroes
Discography
It’s Great When You’re Straight…Yeah (1995) – UK No. 1, Platinum
Stupid Stupid Stupid (1997) – UK No. 11, Gold
Pop Voodoo (2017) – UK No. 15
Orange Head (2024) – UK No. 78
Essential Listening
Reverend Black Grape (1995): A funky, infectious anthem that marked their explosive arrival.
Kelly’s Heroes (1995): A biting commentary on celebrity worship and idolisation, filled with Ryder’s sharp wit.
Everything You Know Is Wrong (2017): A track that reasserted their relevance decades later with style and swagger.
Why You Should Be Listening to Black Grape Now
Black Grape encapsulated the spirit of the 90s with their fearless fusion of funk, rock, and irreverent humour. Their music remains as infectious and bold as ever, blending sharp commentary with beats that demand attention.
See you on down the road.
