Longpigs

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 Longpigs, the Sheffield-based band whose raw emotion and soaring melodies brought them acclaim on the fringes of Britpop.

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: Sheffield, England
  Active years: 1993–2000
  Associated genres: Indie rock, Britpop
  Record labels: Mother Records, Elektra
  Members: Crispin Hunt – vocals / Richard Hawley – guitar / Simon Stafford – bass / Dee Boyle – drums (1993–1998) / Andy Cook – drums (1998–2000)

Formation and Early Years

• Formed in Sheffield in 1993 by lead vocalist Crispin Hunt, guitarist Richard Hawley, bassist Simon Stafford, and drummer Dee Boyle.

• Initially signed to Elektra Records, but their future was thrown into jeopardy after lead singer Hunt was seriously injured in a car accident, leaving him in a coma for three days.

• After Elektra’s UK arm shut down, the band’s contract was bought by U2's Mother Records, giving them a second chance.

Rise to Prominence

• Began building a reputation through extensive touring, opening for acts like Echobelly, Supergrass, and Radiohead in the mid-1990s.

• Their breakthrough came in 1996 with the release of their debut album The Sun Is Often Out, which reached No. 26 in the UK Albums Chart.

• Singles "On and On" and "She Said" became their most notable hits, both breaking into the UK Top 20.

Commercial Success and Albums

• Debut album The Sun Is Often Out was critically acclaimed, with Q and Melody Maker naming it one of the best albums of 1996.

• Followed up with Mobile Home in 1999, which included singles "Blue Skies" and "The Frank Sonata" but failed to achieve the same level of success.

Later Activities and Legacy

• Guitarist Richard Hawley went on to achieve solo success, earning Mercury Prize nominations for Coles Corner and Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

• Bassist Simon Stafford joined Joe Strummer’s Mescaleros and later became a multi-instrumentalist with Liverpool-based Bonnacons of Doom.

• Crispin Hunt transitioned to songwriting and production, collaborating with artists like Ellie Goulding, Florence and the Machine, and Jake Bugg.

• In 2013, a compilation album On and On: The Anthology was released, featuring material from their two albums and unreleased tracks.

Notable Facts

• The single "On and On" was featured on the Mission: Impossible soundtrack and became a minor U.S. alternative radio hit.

• Opened for U2 during their PopMart world tour, gaining international exposure.

• Former drummer Dee Boyle, who passed away in 2017, was previously a member of the influential band Cabaret Voltaire.

Defining Lyric

"Wind yourselves up until you drop" – "She Said"

Discography

• The Sun Is Often Out (1996)

• Mobile Home (1999)

Essential Listening

• "On and On" – A timeless anthem of melancholy and hope, perfectly showcasing their sound.

• "She Said" – A rousing and emotional track that cemented their place in Britpop history.

• "Lost Myself" – A hauntingly beautiful track that highlights Crispin Hunt’s distinctive vocals.

Why You Should Be Listening to Longpigs Now

Longpigs were never quite in the Britpop spotlight, but their emotive lyrics and soaring melodies have stood the test of time. Whether you’re rediscovering The Sun Is Often Out or finding it for the first time, their music remains as raw and resonant as ever.

See you on down the road.