The 1990s was a decade of unparalleled creativity and innovation in the British rock scene, with the rise of the Britpop movement catapulting many bands to international fame. This era of music was marked by a unique blend of rock, pop, and electronic influences, and it produced some of the most iconic and memorable songs of all time. From Oasis to Radiohead, Blur to The Verve, and The Stone Roses to Manic Street Preachers, British rock bands in the 1990s captured the spirit of a generation and defined the sound of a decade. Their music was characterized by its raw energy, catchy hooks, and innovative production techniques, and it has continued to influence new generations of musicians and fans to this day. In this article, we will explore the top 20 famous British rock bands of the 1990s, and take a deep dive into their music, their impact on popular culture, and their lasting legacy.
1. Oasis
Oasis is a British rock band that formed in Manchester in 1991. The band consists of the Gallagher brothers, Liam on vocals and Noel on guitar, as well as bassist Andy Bell and drummer Chris Sharrock. They quickly rose to fame in the mid-90s with their blend of catchy guitar hooks and anthemic sing-along choruses. Known for their brash attitude and rockstar lifestyle, Oasis became one of the biggest bands in the world with hits such as “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.” Despite their success, the band was plagued by infighting between the Gallagher brothers, leading to their eventual breakup in 2009. Despite their tumultuous history, Oasis remains one of the most beloved and influential bands of the 90s, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans.
2. Radiohead
Radiohead is a British rock band formed in Oxford in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke on vocals, Jonny Greenwood on guitar, Colin Greenwood on bass, Ed O’Brien on guitar, and Phil Selway on drums. They first gained fame in the 90s with their genre-defying sound that blended elements of rock, electronic, and experimental music. Their breakthrough album, “OK Computer,” is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, featuring hits such as “Paranoid Android” and “Karma Police.” Radiohead’s music often deals with themes of alienation and political disillusionment, with Yorke’s distinctive voice conveying a sense of vulnerability and yearning. Despite their critical acclaim, Radiohead has always remained independent, experimenting with new sounds and distribution methods. They have continued to evolve over the years, with their most recent album, “A Moon Shaped Pool,” showcasing a more stripped-back and introspective sound. Radiohead remains one of the most innovative and respected bands of their generation, inspiring countless musicians with their daring approach to music-making.
3. Blur
Blur is a British rock band that formed in London in 1988. The band consists of Damon Albarn on vocals and keyboards, Graham Coxon on guitar, Alex James on bass, and Dave Rowntree on drums. They emerged as one of the leading bands of the Britpop movement in the mid-90s, with hits such as “Girls & Boys,” “Parklife,” and “Song 2.” Blur’s music is known for its catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and experimentation with various genres, from punk to electronica. The band went through a hiatus in the early 2000s, with Albarn pursuing other projects such as Gorillaz, before reuniting in 2009. They remain a beloved and influential band, with their legacy continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.
4. The Verve
The Verve is a British rock band that formed in Wigan in 1989. The band consists of Richard Ashcroft on vocals, Nick McCabe on guitar, Simon Jones on bass, and Pete Salisbury on drums. They first gained fame in the mid-90s with their hit song “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” which featured a sample from an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time.” The song became a cultural touchstone, with its soaring strings and Ashcroft’s impassioned vocals capturing the spirit of the era. The Verve’s music is characterized by its psychedelic, atmospheric soundscapes and Ashcroft’s introspective lyrics. Despite the band’s success, they were plagued by infighting and creative differences, leading to multiple breakups and reunions. The Verve remains a seminal band of the 90s, with their music continuing to inspire fans around the world.
5. The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses is a British rock band that formed in Manchester in 1983. The band consists of Ian Brown on vocals, John Squire on guitar, Mani on bass, and Reni on drums. They were pioneers of the Madchester scene, fusing elements of indie rock, psychedelia, and dance music. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1989, is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, with hits such as “She Bangs the Drums” and “I Wanna Be Adored.” The Stone Roses’ music is characterized by Squire’s jangly guitar riffs, Mani’s grooving basslines, and Brown’s distinctive, nasally vocals. Despite their short-lived career, The Stone Roses’ influence on British music cannot be overstated, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of bands.
6. Bush
Bush is a British rock band that formed in London in 1992. The band consists of Gavin Rossdale on vocals and guitar, Robin Goodridge on drums, Chris Traynor on guitar, and Corey Britz on bass. They first gained fame in the mid-90s with their debut album “Sixteen Stone,” which featured hits such as “Glycerine” and “Comedown.” Bush’s music is known for its heavy, grunge-influenced sound, with Rossdale’s powerful vocals and Traynor’s melodic guitar riffs. Despite a hiatus in the early 2000s, Bush has continued to release music over the years, with their latest album, “The Kingdom,” released in 2020.
7. Pulp
Pulp is a British rock band that formed in Sheffield in 1978. The band consists of Jarvis Cocker on vocals, Russell Senior on guitar, Candida Doyle on keyboards, Steve Mackey on bass, Nick Banks on drums, and Mark Webber on guitar. They first gained fame in the mid-90s with their album “Different Class,” which featured hits such as “Common People” and “Disco 2000.” Pulp’s music is characterized by Cocker’s witty and sardonic lyrics, as well as the band’s eclectic blend of pop, rock, and electronic music. Despite a hiatus in the early 2000s, Pulp has remained a beloved and influential band, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans.
8. Suede
Suede is a British rock band that formed in London in 1989. The band consists of Brett Anderson on vocals, Richard Oakes on guitar, Neil Codling on keyboards, Mat Osman on bass, and Simon Gilbert on drums. They emerged as one of the leading bands of the Britpop movement in the mid-90s, with hits such as “Animal Nitrate” and “Trash.” Suede’s music is known for its glam rock influences, with Anderson’s theatrical vocals and Oakes’ intricate guitar work. Despite a hiatus in the early 2000s, Suede has continued to release music over the years, with their latest album, “The Blue Hour,” released in 2018. Suede remains a seminal band of the 90s, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.
9. Jesus Jones
Jesus Jones is a British alternative rock band that formed in London in 1988. The band consists of Mike Edwards on vocals and guitar, Jerry De Borg on guitar, Iain Baker on keyboards, Al Jaworski on bass, and Gen on drums. They first gained popularity in the early 90s with their hit single “Right Here, Right Now,” which featured a distinctive blend of rock, dance, and electronic music. Jesus Jones continued to release music throughout the 90s, experimenting with different genres such as industrial and trip-hop. Although they never quite reached the same heights of success as they did in their early days, Jesus Jones remains an influential and beloved band, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans.
10. Manic Street Preachers
Manic Street Preachers are a Welsh rock band that formed in Blackwood in 1986. The band consists of James Dean Bradfield on vocals and guitar, Nicky Wire on bass and Sean Moore on drums. The band gained fame in the early 90s with their politically charged lyrics, and their unique blend of punk, glam rock, and metal music. Manic Street Preachers have remained one of the most important bands of the UK alternative rock scene, with their music continuing to evolve and inspire new generations of fans. They have released several critically acclaimed albums over the years, including “The Holy Bible” and “Everything Must Go,” and have won numerous awards for their contributions to music. Manic Street Preachers are widely regarded as one of the most important bands of their generation, with their music and lyrics continuing to resonate with fans around the world.
11. The Charlatans UK
The Charlatans UK are an English indie rock band that formed in the late 1980s in the city of Manchester. The band is made up of lead vocalist Tim Burgess, guitarist Mark Collins, bassist Martin Blunt, keyboardist Tony Rogers, and drummer Jon Brookes. Their music is a blend of indie rock, alternative, and dance-pop, with catchy hooks and memorable melodies. The Charlatans UK are known for their lively and energetic live performances, and their music often incorporates elements of psychedelia and classic rock. Over the course of their career, The Charlatans UK have released over a dozen studio albums, including their breakthrough 1990 debut “Some Friendly” and their 1996 hit record “Tellin’ Stories.” The band has experienced both critical acclaim and commercial success, and they continue to tour and release new music to this day.
12. Supergrass
Supergrass is an English alternative rock band that formed in Oxford in the early 1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Gaz Coombes, bassist Mick Quinn, and drummer Danny Goffey. Supergrass’ music is characterized by its high-energy, guitar-driven sound, and catchy, melodic hooks. They are known for their eclectic musical style, which blends elements of punk, Britpop, and classic rock. Supergrass gained fame in the mid-1990s with their hit single “Alright,” which became a defining anthem of the Britpop era. The band went on to release several successful albums, including their eponymous 1999 album and their 2002 record “Life on Other Planets.” Supergrass disbanded in 2010 but reunited in 2019 for a series of concerts and the release of their greatest hits album “The Strange Ones: 1994-2008.” The band’s legacy continues to influence alternative rock and Britpop to this day.
13. Travis
Travis is a Scottish alternative rock band that formed in Glasgow in the mid-1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist Fran Healy, guitarist Andy Dunlop, bassist Dougie Payne, and drummer Neil Primrose. Travis’ music is characterized by its melodic hooks, introspective lyrics, and soaring vocal harmonies. They are known for their live performances, which often feature stripped-down acoustic arrangements and intimate audience engagement. Travis gained international recognition in the late 1990s with their hit single “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” The band has released several successful albums, including their breakthrough record “The Man Who” in 1999, and their 2016 album “Everything at Once.” Travis’ music has been described as both introspective and uplifting, and their legacy continues to influence alternative rock and indie music.
14. The Cranberries
The Cranberries are an Irish rock band that formed in the late 1980s in Limerick. The band consists of lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler. The Cranberries’ music is characterized by O’Riordan’s distinctive, ethereal vocals, and their blend of alternative rock, post-punk, and Celtic folk influences. The Cranberries gained international fame in the mid-1990s with their hit songs “Zombie” and “Linger.” The band has released several successful albums, including their debut record “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” and their 2019 album “In the End.” The Cranberries’ music often explores themes of love, loss, and social and political issues, and their legacy continues to influence alternative rock and Irish music.
15. The Seahorses
The Seahorses were an English alternative rock band that formed in the late 1990s. The band was formed by former Stone Roses guitarist John Squire, and also featured lead vocalist Chris Helme, bassist Stuart Fletcher, and drummer Andy Watts. The Seahorses’ music is characterized by its driving guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and Squire’s signature guitar style. The Seahorses gained popularity in the late 1990s with their hit single “Love Is the Law,” and their debut album “Do It Yourself” reached number two on the UK charts. The band disbanded in 1999 after releasing only one album, but their legacy continues to influence alternative rock and British guitar music.
16. Placebo
Placebo is an English alternative rock band that formed in the mid-1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist Brian Molko, bassist Stefan Olsdal, and drummer Steve Forrest. Placebo’s music is characterized by Molko’s distinctive androgynous vocals, their introspective lyrics, and their blend of alternative rock, glam rock, and post-punk influences. Placebo gained international fame in the late 1990s with their hit single “Pure Morning.” The band has released several successful albums, including their 1998 record “Without You I’m Nothing” and their 2013 album “Loud Like Love.” Placebo’s music often explores themes of sexuality, identity, and addiction, and their legacy continues to influence alternative rock and LGBTQ+ culture.
17. Ash
Ash is a Northern Irish alternative rock band that formed in the early 1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton, and drummer Rick McMurray. Ash’s music is characterized by its energetic, guitar-driven sound, and their blend of punk, grunge, and pop influences. Ash gained fame in the mid-1990s with their hit singles “Girl from Mars” and “Kung Fu.” The band has released several successful albums, including their debut record “1977” and their 2018 album “Islands.” Ash’s music often explores themes of youth, rebellion, and pop culture, and their legacy continues to influence alternative rock and British guitar music.
18. Stereophonics
Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band that formed in the early 1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist Richard Jones, and drummer Javier Weyler. Stereophonics’ music is characterized by its melodic hooks, Jones’ distinctive gravelly vocals, and their blend of alternative rock, indie, and blues influences.
Stereophonics gained international recognition in the late 1990s with their hit singles “The Bartender and the Thief” and “Just Looking.” The band has released several successful albums, including their 1999 record “Performance and Cocktails” and their 2019 album “Kind.” Stereophonics’ music often explores themes of working-class life, relationships, and social issues, and their legacy continues to influence alternative rock and Welsh music.
19. The Lightning Seeds
The Lightning Seeds are an English pop rock band that formed in the late 1980s. The band was founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Ian Broudie, who is the only permanent member of the group. The Lightning Seeds’ music is characterized by its upbeat, melodic sound, and its blend of pop, rock, and electronic influences. The Lightning Seeds gained fame in the 1990s with their hit single “Pure,” which became an anthem for England’s football team at the Euro ’96 tournament. The band has released several successful albums, including their 1992 record “Sense” and their 2019 album “Jollification.” The Lightning Seeds’ music often explores themes of love, optimism, and nostalgia, and their legacy continues to influence pop and rock music in the UK and beyond.
20. Ocean Colour Scene
Ocean Colour Scene are an English rock band that formed in the early 1990s. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Fowler, guitarist Steve Cradock, bassist Oscar Harrison, and drummer Ray Meade. Ocean Colour Scene’s music is characterized by its bluesy, soulful sound, and its blend of rock, pop, and R&B influences. Ocean Colour Scene gained fame in the mid-1990s with their hit singles “The Riverboat Song” and “The Day We Caught the Train.” The band has released several successful albums, including their 1996 record “Moseley Shoals” and their 2013 album “Painting.” Ocean Colour Scene’s music often explores themes of working-class life, nostalgia, and love, and their legacy continues to influence Britpop and British rock music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
