Suede
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 Suede, the band that ignited the Britpop movement and brought a touch of glamour, grit, and introspection to 1990s British rock.
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: London, England
Active years: 1989–2003, 2010–present
Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock, glam rock, art rock
Record labels: Nude, Columbia, Warner Music, BMG
Members: Brett Anderson – vocals / Mat Osman – bass / Simon Gilbert – drums / Richard Oakes – guitars / Neil Codling – keyboards, rhythm guitar
Former members: Justine Frischmann – guitars / Bernard Butler – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals / Alex Lee – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals / Justin Welch – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1989 by Brett Anderson, Justine Frischmann, and Mat Osman while at university in London.
Influenced by David Bowie, The Smiths, and Roxy Music.
Placed a quirky ad in NME seeking a guitarist, specifying "No musos," which attracted Bernard Butler.
Initially used a drum machine for early gigs before recruiting Simon Gilbert as drummer.
Gained early recognition with their demo "Wonderful Sometimes," which won a local radio contest.
Rise to Prominence
Declared "The Best New Band in Britain" by Melody Maker on 25 April 1992, before releasing a single.
Morrissey was so impressed by their B-side "My Insatiable One" that he performed it live during his 1992 tour.
Their first three singles, including "The Drowners," set the stage for their debut album, Suede (1993), which won the Mercury Prize and topped the UK charts.
Commercial Success and Albums
Dog Man Star (1994) showcased a darker, experimental sound, but the sessions were plagued by tensions that led to Bernard Butler’s acrimonious departure. His guitars were famously left outside the studio as a symbolic gesture.
Coming Up (1996) marked a triumphant return, achieving five UK Top 10 singles, including "Trash" and "Beautiful Ones," a rare feat in British music history.
Head Music (1999) reached number one but divided fans, with critics noting a shift towards a more synthesised sound.
Later Activities and Legacy
Disbanded in 2003 after the commercial disappointment of A New Morning (2002).
Reunited in 2010 for a now-legendary performance at the Royal Albert Hall, described by Brett Anderson as the "pinnacle of [his] career."
Subsequent albums, including The Blue Hour (2018), incorporated orchestral elements and eerie folklore-inspired themes, solidifying their artistic resurgence.
Notable Facts
Suede’s Melody Maker cover and early singles are often credited with kickstarting the Britpop movement.
They donated their £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to Cancer Research.
Due to a lawsuit in the US, they were forced to rename themselves The London Suede for American releases, a change Brett Anderson openly resented.
Their 1996 hit "Trash" became an anthem for outcasts, celebrated for its unapologetic embrace of misfits.
Defining Lyric
"You wake up with a gun in your mouth" - We Are the Pigs (1994)
Discography
Suede (1993)
Dog Man Star (1994)
Coming Up (1996)
Head Music (1999)
A New Morning (2002)
Bloodsports (2013)
Night Thoughts (2016)
The Blue Hour (2018)
Autofiction (2022)
Essential Listening
"Animal Nitrate" (1993): The provocative track that set the tone for Britpop’s hedonism.
"Trash" (1996): An exuberant celebration of misfits, defining Suede’s outsider appeal.
"The Wild Ones" (1994): Often described as Suede’s greatest song, blending heartfelt lyrics with cinematic production.
Why You Should Be Listening to Suede Now
Suede’s music remains timeless, balancing raw emotion and theatrical flair with introspective songwriting. Their role in defining Britpop and their ability to evolve artistically over decades make them essential listening for any music fan.
See you on down the road.
