Ride
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 Ride, a band that bridged the shoegaze and Britpop movements with their dreamy, noise-laden soundscapes and anthemic melodies. While they are often considered pioneers of shoegaze, their influence rippled through the Britpop era, connecting the introspective haze of the early '90s with the Britpop boom.
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: 1988–1996, 2014–present
Associated genres: Shoegaze, alternative rock, noise pop, dream pop, neo-psychedelia, Britpop
Record labels: Creation, Warner, Sire, Wichita
Members: Mark Gardener – vocals, rhythm guitar / Andy Bell – vocals, lead guitar, keyboards / Steve Queralt – bass / Laurence "Loz" Colbert – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1988 by schoolmates Andy Bell and Mark Gardener, joined by bassist Steve Queralt and drummer Loz Colbert. The band took its name from the ride cymbal and the idea of travel.
Heavily influenced by My Bloody Valentine, the Stone Roses, Sonic Youth, and The Smiths, Ride quickly made a name for themselves with their swirling, guitar-driven sound.
Signed to Creation Records in 1989 after a demo tape impressed Alan McGee. Their early EPs, Ride, Play, and Fall, gained critical acclaim and charted in the UK.
Rise to Prominence
Released their debut album, Nowhere (1990), to widespread acclaim. The album, featuring tracks like Vapour Trail, became a landmark of the shoegaze genre.
Their second album, Going Blank Again (1992), reached No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart and included the hit single Leave Them All Behind, which peaked at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart.
Extensive touring, including sold-out shows in Japan and support slots for major acts, solidified their international reputation.
Commercial Success and Albums
Carnival of Light (1994) saw the band experimenting with classic rock influences, featuring a guest appearance by Jon Lord of Deep Purple.
Struggled with creative differences and shifting trends during the Britpop era, leading to the polarising Tarantula (1996), released shortly before their initial breakup.
Reunited in 2014, releasing Weather Diaries (2017) and This Is Not a Safe Place (2019), blending their signature sound with modern influences.
Later Activities and Legacy
Ride's reunion tours were a major success, including performances at Coachella and Primavera Sound. Their live shows revisited seminal albums like Nowhere and Going Blank Again in full.
Released Interplay in 2024, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Members pursued notable post-Ride projects: Andy Bell joined Oasis and later formed Beady Eye, while Mark Gardener released solo work and collaborated with numerous artists.
Notable Facts
Ride's debut album, Nowhere, was included in Pitchfork's "Top 50 Shoegaze Albums of All Time" and remains a genre-defining record.
In 92, their single Leave Them All Behind was the highest-charting shoegaze track in the UK, peaking at No. 9.
Performed a full 30th-anniversary tour for Nowhere from 2022 to 2024, including a co-headlining tour with The Charlatans in North America.
Defining Lyric
"Until we get there, just let it flow" – Leave Them All Behind (1992)
Discography
Nowhere (1990)
Going Blank Again (1992)
Carnival of Light (1994)
Tarantula (1996)
Weather Diaries (2017)
This Is Not a Safe Place (2019)
Interplay (2024)
Essential Listening
"Leave Them All Behind" (1992): A sprawling, anthemic track that epitomises Ride’s shoegaze-meets-Britpop sound.
"Vapour Trail" (1990): A hauntingly beautiful song, often cited as one of their finest.
"Charm Assault" (2017): A triumphant return to form, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.
Why You Should Be Listening to Ride Now
Ride’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots makes them a band worth exploring. Their rich back catalogue and continued innovation ensure their place as both pioneers and enduring legends of alternative music.
See you on down the road.
