Cast
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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 Cast, the Liverpool band whose anthemic melodies and heartfelt lyrics made them a cornerstone of Britpop and a live act to remember.
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: Liverpool, England
Active years: 1992–2001, 2010–present
Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock, indie rock
Record labels: Polydor, Cast Recordings
Members: John Power (vocals, guitar, bass)/Liam "Skin" Tyson (guitar, backing vocals)/Keith O’Neill (drums, percussion, backing vocals)Former members: Peter Wilkinson (bass, backing vocals)/Jay Lewis (bass, backing vocals)/Ged Malley (guitar)/Barry Sutton (guitar)/Peter "Cammy" Cammell (guitar)/Russell Brady (drums)
Formation and Early Years
Cast was formed in Liverpool in 1992 by John Power, formerly of The La’s, and Peter Wilkinson, formerly of Shack.
Early line-ups experimented with various guitarists and drummers before settling on Liam "Skin" Tyson and Keith O’Neill in 1993.
The band’s name was inspired by the final word of The La’s’ debut album track "Looking Glass."
Rise to Prominence
Signed to Polydor Records in 1994 and released debut single "Finetime" in 1995, reaching No. 17 on the UK charts.
Follow-up single "Alright" became their first Top 15 hit.
Debut album All Change (1995) became Polydor’s fastest-selling debut album, outselling debuts by legends like The Who and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Commercial Success and Albums
All Change peaked at No. 7 and was certified double platinum. It included hits like "Walkaway" and "Sandstorm."
Mother Nature Calls (1997) reached No. 3 and went platinum, featuring singles like "Free Me" and "Guiding Star."
Third album Magic Hour (1999) marked a shift to a heavier sound and produced the Top 10 single "Beat Mama."
Fourth album Beetroot (2001) explored a groove-based, horn-infused sound but failed commercially, leading to the band’s split shortly after its release.
Later Activities and Legacy
Reunited in 2010 for the 15th anniversary of All Change and released Troubled Times (2012).
Sixth album Kicking Up the Dust (2017) marked a return to form.
In 2024, the band released Love Is the Call, with John Power taking over bass duties. The album’s singles include "Love You Like I Do" and "Faraway."
Notable Facts
Noel Gallagher of Oasis described seeing Cast live as a “religious experience.”
They were often referred to as “The Who of the 90s” for their big anthems and dynamic live performances.
The band will support Oasis on their highly anticipated reunion tour in 2025.
Defining Lyric
"If you've played all the games they play" – Walkaway
Discography
All Change (1995) – UK No. 7, Platinum
Mother Nature Calls (1997) – UK No. 3, Platinum
Magic Hour (1999) – UK No. 6, Silver
Beetroot (2001) – UK No. 78
Troubled Times (2012) – UK No. 117
Kicking Up the Dust (2017) – UK No. 49
Love Is the Call (2024) – UK No. 22
Essential Listening
"Walkaway" (1995): A poignant ballad that became a Britpop classic.
"Flying" (1996): Cast at their most soaring and anthemic.
"Beat Mama" (1999): A dynamic and modern take on their signature sound.
Why You Should Be Listening to Cast Now
Cast’s music captures the essence of Britpop with its heartfelt lyrics and timeless anthems. Their triumphant return with Love Is the Call proves that their ability to inspire and move audiences remains undiminished.
See you on down the road.
