Supergrass
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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 Supergrass, the Oxford-born trio (later a quartet) whose exuberance, sharp hooks, and boundless energy made them one of the most celebrated bands of the Britpop era.
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: 1993–2010, 2019–2022, 2024–present
Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock
Record labels: Parlophone, Sub Pop, Cooking Vinyl, Island, Supergrass Records
Members: Gaz Coombes – vocals, guitar / Mick Quinn – bass, vocals / Danny Goffey – drums, vocals / Rob Coombes – keyboards
Formation and Early Years
Formed in Oxford in 1993, after Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey’s previous band, The Jennifers, split.
Mick Quinn joined after meeting Coombes while working at a Harvester restaurant. The trio originally called themselves Theodore Supergrass.
Played their debut gig at the Co-Op Hall in Oxford in 1993, with Rob Coombes contributing on flute.
Early influences included The Kinks, The Who, and the shoegaze movement.
Rise to Prominence
Released their debut single, "Caught by the Fuzz," in 1994. Based on Gaz Coombes’s real-life arrest for cannabis possession, it became a cult hit.
Signed to Parlophone and released their debut album, I Should Coco (1995), which became Parlophone’s fastest-selling debut since Please Please Me by The Beatles.
"Alright," a standout hit from the album, captured the carefree spirit of youth and became an anthem of the 1990s.
Followed with extensive touring, including appearances at Glastonbury and T in the Park.
Commercial Success and Albums
In It for the Money (1997) marked a shift towards more mature, experimental sounds and included hits like "Richard III" and "Sun Hits the Sky."
Supergrass (1999) was critically acclaimed, featuring hits like "Pumping on Your Stereo," whose Jim Henson Creature Shop-created video gained significant attention.
Released Life on Other Planets (2002), the first album to officially credit Rob Coombes as a member. Tracks like "Grace" and "Seen the Light" showcased their knack for blending quirkiness with pop appeal.
Road to Rouen (2005) showcased a more introspective side, reflecting personal challenges within the band.
Diamond Hoo Ha (2008) was a return to raucous rock, featuring the standout single "Bad Blood."
Later Activities and Legacy
Disbanded in 2010 while working on their unreleased album, Release the Drones.
Reunited in 2019, performing at Pilton Party and embarking on a world tour.
Released Live on Other Planets (2020), a live album celebrating their 25th anniversary.
Performed their final reunion gig at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in 2022.
Announced their return in 2024 with plans for a 2025 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of I Should Coco.
Notable Facts
Turned down lucrative ad deals, including Coca-Cola, due to ethical concerns.
Regularly collaborated with their fans and contributed to charity, including proceeds from Live on Other Planets going to grassroots music venues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Side project The Hot Rats showcased their versatility with covers of classic tracks.
Defining Lyric
"We are young, we run green, keep our teeth nice and clean." - Alright (1995)
Discography
I Should Coco (1995)
In It for the Money (1997)
Supergrass (1999)
Life on Other Planets (2002)
Road to Rouen (2005)
Diamond Hoo Ha (2008)
Essential Listening
"Alright" (1995): The song that defined their youthful exuberance and became a generational anthem.
"Pumping on Your Stereo" (1999): A playful, infectious rock hit with one of the most memorable videos of the era.
"Moving" (1999): A bittersweet anthem capturing the trials of life on the road.
Why You Should Be Listening to Supergrass Now
Supergrass combined wit, energy, and immense musical talent to craft a catalogue of songs that remain as vital today as they were in the 1990s. Their ability to balance fun with introspection ensures their music endures.
See you on down the road.
