Bluetones (The)
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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 The Bluetones, the melodic indie heroes of Britpop, whose infectious hooks and thoughtful lyrics brought them chart success and a dedicated fanbase.
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: Hounslow, London, England
Active years: 1993–2011; 2015–present
Associated genres: Britpop, indie rock, indie pop
Record labels: A&M, Superior Quality, Cooking Vinyl
Members: Mark Morriss (vocals)/Adam Devlin (guitar)/Scott Morriss (bass)/Eds Chesters (drums)Past members: Richard Payne (keyboards, guitar)
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1993 in Hounslow, Greater London, originally named "The Bottlegarden."
Signed to A&M Records after releasing two singles on Fierce Panda Records.
Broke through with their debut album, Expecting to Fly (1996), featuring standout singles "Bluetonic" and "Slight Return".
Rise to Prominence
Expecting to Fly debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Platinum.
Released the standalone single "Marblehead Johnson" in 1996, bridging the gap between albums.
Second album, Return to the Last Chance Saloon (1998), included the hits "Solomon Bites the Worm" and "If...", further cementing their place in Britpop.
Commercial Success and Albums
Released Science & Nature in 2000, featuring "Keep the Home Fires Burning" and "Autophilia".
While later albums like Luxembourg (2003), The Bluetones (2006), and A New Athens (2010) didn’t replicate their earlier commercial success, they remained critical favourites with a loyal fanbase.
Their debut album Expecting to Fly remains one of Britpop's iconic releases.
Later Activities and Legacy
Announced their split in 2011 after a farewell tour, only to reunite in 2015 for another UK tour.
Co-headlined the Star Shaped Festival tour with Sleeper in 2017, celebrating the enduring legacy of Britpop.
Known for their melodic style, introspective lyrics, and vibrant live performances, they continue to be a fixture in Britpop nostalgia.
Notable Facts
Their single "Slight Return" became a defining anthem of the Britpop era, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
The band’s chemistry was bolstered by the brotherly bond of Mark and Scott Morriss.
Their live DVD Beat About the Bush (2007) captures their dynamic stage presence.
Defining Lyric
"When the knives came out for you" – Slight Return
Discography
Studio Albums
Expecting to Fly (1996) – UK No. 1, Platinum
Return to the Last Chance Saloon (1998) – UK No. 10, Gold
Science & Nature (2000) – UK No. 7
Luxembourg (2003) – UK No. 49
The Bluetones (2006) – UK No. 100
A New Athens (2010)
Compilation and Live Albums
A Rough Outline (2006): A comprehensive singles and B-sides box set.
BBC Radio Sessions (2007): Tracks recorded for the BBC between 1994 and 2000.
Once Upon a Time in West Twelve (2007): A live album recorded at Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Blue Movies (2007): A DVD collection of all their music videos.
The Early Garage Years (2007): A compilation of early demo recordings.
Essential Listening
Slight Return (1996): A heartfelt Britpop classic that became their signature hit.
Bluetonic (1996): A perfect encapsulation of their melodic style and lyrical wit.
Solomon Bites the Worm (1998): An upbeat, infectious single from their second album.
Why You Should Be Listening to The Bluetones Now
The Bluetones’ music embodies the heart of Britpop, combining poetic lyrics with rich melodies. Their songs remain as engaging and poignant as ever, making them essential for anyone revisiting or discovering the 90s Britpop scene.
See you on down the road.
