Menswear
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 Menswear, the Camden quintet whose sharp style and whirlwind rise to fame epitomised the glam and chaos 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 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: Camden, London, England
Active years: 1994–1998 / 2013–2015
Associated genres: Britpop, indie rock
Record labels: Laurel / Polydor
Members: Johnny Dean – lead vocals / Chris Gentry – guitar / Simon White – guitar / Stuart Black – bass / Matt Everitt – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1994 at London’s Blow Up Club by frontman Johnny Dean and bassist Stuart Black, later joined by guitarist Chris Gentry, drummer Matt Everitt, and second guitarist Simon White.
Known for their mod-inspired style, crafted by Soho tailor Mark Powell, and their association with Blur’s Graham Coxon, who became an early supporter.
Signed to Laurel Records in a whirlwind bidding war, securing major deals after only five live performances.
Released debut single "I’ll Manage Somehow" in 1995, marking their arrival in the Britpop scene.
Rise to Prominence
Gained notoriety with "Daydreamer," their second single, which peaked at No. 14 in the UK Singles Chart and demonstrated their commercial potential.
Received a Melody Maker cover feature before releasing any music, thanks to their compelling style and charismatic image.
Performed on Top of the Pops before their debut single was even released, solidifying their reputation as Britpop’s most hyped newcomers.
Commercial Success and Albums
Nuisance (1995): Debut album featuring hits like "Being Brave" (their only Top 10 single) and "Stardust." Peaked at No. 11 on the UK Albums Chart, praised for its exuberant Britpop energy.
Released "We Love You" (1996) as a standalone single, which hinted at a more experimental direction but stalled at No. 22.
¡Hay Tiempo! (1998): Their second album was rejected by their UK label and only released in Japan. It showcased a more eclectic sound but failed to find widespread success.
Later Activities and Legacy
The band split in 1998, with members pursuing other projects. Johnny Dean later revealed personal struggles, including a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.
In 2013, Dean reformed the band with a new lineup, performing live and releasing "Crash '14" as a single.
In 2020, the release of The Menswear Collection, a 4-CD retrospective box set, sparked renewed interest in the band’s legacy, including the first international release of ¡Hay Tiempo!
Notable Facts
Melody Maker Cover Stars: Menswear landed a Melody Maker cover feature before releasing their debut single, showcasing their ability to captivate attention during Britpop’s peak.
Blow Up Beginnings: The band’s formation was rooted in London’s Blow Up Club, a pivotal venue in the emergence of Britpop culture.
First Single Success: "Daydreamer," their second single, peaked at No. 14, demonstrating their instant impact in the Britpop scene.
Defining Lyric
"Rub the sleep out of my face" — Being Brave
Discography
Nuisance (1995)
¡Hay Tiempo! (1998)
Essential Listening
"Being Brave" (1995): Their most successful single, encapsulating their anthemic Britpop energy.
"Daydreamer" (1995): A sharp, Wire-inspired track that announced their arrival on the scene.
"We Love You" (1996): A standalone single showcasing their stylistic shift toward a more experimental sound.
Why You Should Be Listening to Menswear Now
Menswear embodied the glamorous chaos of Britpop, from their whirlwind rise to fame to their sharply tailored looks. Their music remains a snapshot of a time when confidence, charisma, and a bit of cheek could take you straight to the top.
See you on down the road.
