5 Engaging Facts About the Britpop Band Supergrass

In the bustling Britpop scene of the 1990s, Supergrass emerged as an energetic group alongside giants like Blur, Pulp, Oasis, and Radiohead. While they may not have reached the same level of fame in the United States, they left their mark with a series of albums that showcased their evolving musical prowess. The core of Supergrass was formed by guitarist and singer Gaz Coombes and drummer Danny Goffey, originally performing as The Jennifers. With the addition of bassist Mick Quinn, they shifted towards playing originals and adopted the name Supergrass after bagging a production deal and signing to Parlophone Records.

1. Their Almost Animated Beginning

Supergrass initially toyed with the idea of having an animated character, Theodore Supergrass, feature in their videos and interact with the media, a concept that was eventually dropped due to cost. Instead, they focused on their music, making waves with their debut album I Should Coco, thanks to its infectious rock tunes, creative videos, and dynamic live performances, including a memorable television debut on 'The Word'.

2. Spielberg's Interest and Monkees Comparisons

The band's hit 'Alright' caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, leading to rumors about a Monkees-style TV show, which Supergrass later denied. Despite the hit's success in the UK, it didn't chart in the US, but the band remained committed to their music, working on their next album and continuing to feature family in their live performances and videos.

3. Innovating With Outdoor Recording

For their second album In It for the Money, Supergrass experimented with recording some parts in a tent outside Sawmills Studios, working with engineer John Cornfield. The album produced significant hits in the UK alongside extensive touring, consolidating their presence in the music scene.

4. The Foo Fighters Connection

Although not as successful stateside, Supergrass found fans in other bands, including Foo Fighters' drummer Taylor Hawkins. This connection led to memorable live moments and also saw Supergrass participate in a touching tribute concert after Hawkins' passing.

5. Overcoming Personal Challenges

Despite personal setbacks, like bassist Mickey Quinn's injury from a fall, the band continued to play music, with Quinn eventually forming the DB Band after Supergrass disbanded in 2010. The members pursued other projects before reuniting in 2019, showing that beyond their hype, they were a band of substance with a rich musical legacy.

Britpop, Supergrass, Music