Northern Uproar
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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 Northern Uproar, the Stockport band whose youthful energy and anthemic singles earned them a place among Britpop's most exciting acts.
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: Stockport, England
Active years: 1995–1999 / 2004 / 2006–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, Britpop
Record labels: Heavenly / Tiny Rebel
Members: Leon Meya – lead vocals, bass / Jeff Fletcher – guitar (deceased) / Chris Gorman – guitar / Alex Stubbs – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in Stockport in 1995 by Leon Meya (vocals, bass), Paul Kelly (guitar), Jeff Fletcher (guitar), and Keith Chadwick (drums).
Known for their energetic live performances at Manchester's Roadhouse, which earned them praise from Melody Maker and NME.
Signed to Heavenly Records after a bidding war, recording their debut album with James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers as producer.
Rise to Prominence
Released debut single "Rollercoaster" in 1995, which reached No. 41 on the UK Singles Chart.
Follow-up single "From a Window" peaked at No. 17, becoming their highest-charting single.
Featured on the cover of Melody Maker and performed on Top of the Pops, cementing their status as rising Britpop stars.
Released their self-titled debut album in 1996, which reached No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart.
Commercial Success and Albums
Northern Uproar (1996): Their debut album captured their youthful energy, including singles like "Rollercoaster" and "From a Window."
Yesterday Tomorrow Today (1997): A more experimental follow-up, co-written with their guitar technician Nigel Banks, but less commercially successful than their debut.
Gained a dedicated fan base in the UK and Japan, thanks to their energetic live shows and relatable lyrics.
Later Activities and Legacy
Disbanded in 1999 after parting ways with Heavenly Records.
Reunited in 2006, with Jeff Fletcher rejoining for the comeback. Released Stand and Fight in 2007 and performed with The Coral during their tour.
Released All That Was Has Gone in 2013, funded via PledgeMusic, but lost Jeff Fletcher later that year in a tragic traffic accident.
Their final album, Hey Samurai! (2015), demonstrated their enduring passion and creativity.
Notable Facts
Chart Success: "From a Window" reached No. 17 in the UK Singles Chart, marking their highest-charting release.
Melody Maker Cover: Early in their career, the band landed on the cover of Melody Maker, symbolising their rapid ascent in the Britpop scene.
Japanese Success: They toured Japan multiple times, showcasing their ability to captivate international audiences.
Defining Lyric
"They promised me everything." — From a Window
Discography
Northern Uproar (1996)
Yesterday Tomorrow Today (1997)
Stand and Fight (2007)
All That Was Has Gone (2013)
Hey Samurai! (2015)
Essential Listening
"From a Window" (1996): Their breakout hit and a definitive Britpop anthem.
"Rollercoaster" (1995): A frenetic and infectious debut single.
"Goodbye" (1997): A poignant farewell from their initial run.
Why You Should Be Listening to Northern Uproar Now
Northern Uproar embodied the unfiltered spirit of Britpop with their raw energy and anthemic singles. Their music offers a nostalgic glimpse into a time of youthful rebellion and optimism. Rediscover their story and let their anthems reignite your Britpop memories.
See you on down the road.
