Gay Dad
Pressing Play
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 Gay Dad, a band whose meteoric rise and dramatic fall encapsulated the unpredictable highs and lows of Britpop's glory years.
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 signaled 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: London, England
Active years: 1994–2002
Associated genres: Post-Britpop, alternative rock, indie rock
Record labels: London, B-Unique
Members: Cliff Jones – vocals, guitar / Nick "Baz" Crowe – drums / Nigel Hoyle – bass / James Riseboro – keyboards / Charley Stone – guitar
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1994 by music journalist Cliff Jones and drummer Nick "Baz" Crowe, with friends Dominic Stinton (vocals), Tim Forster (keyboards), and Nigel Hoyle (bass).
Their name, Gay Dad, was chosen as a provocative statement designed to catch attention.
Early demos produced by Jim Irvin helped the band gain the support of industry veterans Andrew Loog Oldham and Tony Calder.
Rise to Prominence
Signed to London Records in 1997 after interest from multiple labels.
Released debut single “To Earth with Love” in 1999, which debuted at No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart.
Garnered significant media hype, appearing on the covers of Melody Maker, Select, and NME.
Commercial Success and Albums
Released debut album Leisure Noise (1999), which reached No. 14 on the UK Albums Chart. It featured the singles “Joy!” and “Oh Jim.”
Played major festivals such as Glastonbury and supported acts like Stereophonics.
Second album, Transmission (2001), received less critical and commercial success, leading to the band’s split in 2002.
Later Activities and Legacy
Members pursued various careers post-breakup, with Cliff Jones working as a producer and songwriter, and Nick Crowe turning to writing.
Nigel Hoyle recorded solo material under the name Nigel of Bermondsey.
Despite their short tenure, Gay Dad remains a symbol of Britpop’s unpredictable nature and its fleeting moments of triumph.
Notable Facts
Gay Dad was the first band to perform on Top of the Pops without having released a record.
“Joy!” appeared in FIFA 2000, The Naked Chef, and a Mitsubishi car commercial.
The band's controversial name reportedly hindered their success in the U.S. market.
Defining Lyric
"This is the sound of joy!" – Joy!
Discography
Leisure Noise (1999)
Transmission (2001)
Essential Listening
“To Earth with Love” – Their breakthrough single and an emblem of late Britpop optimism.
“Joy!” – A euphoric anthem of escapism and celebration.
“Oh Jim” – A reflective track showcasing the band’s introspective side.
Why You Should Be Listening to Gay Dad Now
Gay Dad’s music remains a snapshot of the Britpop era’s ability to mix glamour, hype, and genuinely memorable tunes. Their songs, though few in number, continue to resonate as a reflection of the late ’90s cultural zeitgeist.
See you on down the road.
