Hurricane #1
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 Hurricane No. 1, the British band that blended shoegaze-inspired melodies with Britpop's anthemic energy, creating a sound that was both dreamy and powerful.
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: Oxford, England
Active years: 1996–1999, 2014–present
Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock, shoegaze
Record labels: Creation, Tapete
Members: Alex Lowe (vocals, guitar) / Andy Bell (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards) / Will Pepper (bass) / Gareth "Gaz" Farmer (drums)
Formation and Early Years
Formed in Oxford in 1996 by Andy Bell, who wanted to expand on the later-era sound of Ride after the band’s dissolution.
The band’s name comes from a line in the psychedelic rock track "Hurricane Fighter Plane" by The Red Crayola.
Signed to Creation Records, home to Oasis, Primal Scream, and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
Released debut single "Step Into My World" in 1997, blending shoegaze textures with Britpop hooks.
Rise to Prominence
Their self-titled debut album was released in 1997 and featured "Step Into My World," which peaked at No. 29 in the UK, with a Paul Oakenfold remix reaching No. 19.
"Only the Strongest Will Survive" became their biggest hit in 1999, reaching No. 19 on the UK Singles Chart.
The band toured extensively, supporting Oasis, The Verve, and other major Britpop acts.
Their anthemic sound made them stand out, combining soaring melodies with shoegaze-style atmospherics.
Commercial Success and Albums
Debut album Hurricane No. 1 (1997) received praise for its mix of Britpop swagger and shoegaze textures.
"Only the Strongest Will Survive" gained mainstream attention after being used in a Virgin Atlantic television advertisement.
Second album Only the Strongest Will Survive (1999) came at a turbulent time for Creation Records, which was facing financial difficulties. The band received little support from the label.
Later Activities and Legacy
Andy Bell left in 1999, briefly joined Gay Dad, then became the bassist for Oasis in 2000. He later played in Beady Eye and reformed Ride in 2014.
In 2014, Alex Lowe revived Hurricane No. 1 with a new lineup while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Their third album, Find What You Love and Let It Kill You (2015), was written during Lowe’s time in hospital and featured a guest appearance from Andy Bell.
The band continued releasing albums, with Buddah at the Gas Pump (2019) and Backstage Waiting to Go On (2023) adding to their legacy.
Notable Facts
Their debut album was produced by Owen Morris, best known for his work with Oasis.
Paul Oakenfold remixed "Step Into My World," giving the band crossover appeal in dance clubs.
Virgin Atlantic used "Only the Strongest Will Survive" in a major advertising campaign in 1999.
Alex Lowe wrote Hurricane No. 1’s third album while undergoing cancer treatment, determined to keep the band's legacy alive.
Defining Lyric
"I caught you looking in my world" – Step Into My World (1997)
Discography
Hurricane No. 1 (1997)
Only the Strongest Will Survive (1999)
Find What You Love and Let It Kill You (2015)
Melodic Rainbows (2016)
Buddah at the Gas Pump (2019)
Backstage Waiting to Go On (2023)
Essential Listening
"Only the Strongest Will Survive" (1999): A soaring anthem that captures the band’s signature sound.
"Step Into My World" (1997): A dreamy yet powerful track that showcases their shoegaze roots.
"Chain Reaction" (1997): A Britpop gem with infectious melodies and driving guitars.
Why You Should Be Listening to Hurricane No. 1 Now
Hurricane No. 1 bridged the gap between shoegaze and Britpop, creating a sound that was both ethereal and anthemic. Their biggest hits remain timeless, and their revival adds new depth to their legacy. Whether you love anthemic Britpop singalongs or shoegaze textures, Hurricane No. 1’s music still delivers.
See you on down the road.
