This summer has been a bit like being back in 1995 as Britpop bands dominate the culture through clothing, festivals and the general spirit among young people
Britpop is back(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
Youngsters can’t get enough of Britpop amid a huge nostalgia craze for the 1990s.
Oasis, Blur and Pulp have enjoyed mega success with reunion tours while themed walking tours, clothing, festivals and tribute acts are popping up across the country. Modern artists including drum’n’bass star Nia Archives, music producer AG Cook and singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri are being inspired by the iconic era’s symbols including Union Jack flags.
And superstar Dua Lipa revealed the 90’s “honesty and attitude” had influenced her album Radical Optimism. Blur bassist Alex James, 56, said: “I guess now it just sort of means good times.
Maybe when outlooks were more positive, and there was less doom and gloom and scrutiny. Maybe it’s like ‘the swinging 60s’, only not quite as naff.
Noel and Liam have sparked a wave of 90s nostalgia(Image: Lewis Evans/Big Brother Recordings)
“You hear the phrase ‘swinging 60s’ and you’re like ‘yay!’, aren’t you?” Alex revealed he has trademarked the word “Britpop” to flog food and drink.
The word ‘Britpop’ used to totally give me the ick, as I think it maybe did for a lot of bands in that era. You know, ‘Britpop rocker Alex James’ – oh, God. I had to take control.
“So I thought, ‘that actually sounds like a really nice drink’.” Meanwhile, a play called The Battle on the feud between Oasis and Blur will star Matthew Horne and is set to open in February.
Blur’s Alex James has trademarked the word “Britpop”(Image: Getty Images)
Theatre producer Simon Friend, who is behind the show, said: “I think there’s a 30 year cycle of nostalgia: ten years ago, the 90s were still in the rear view mirror.
“Now, if you look at video footage or photos in the 90s, it does feel like a historical period compared to where we’re living now. It looks more fun. There is a certain anarchy about that time that, from a distance, people have a fondness for”.
Elsewhere, clothing designers Maude and Fox are selling Britpop clobber which are “classic British countryside meets 90s indie cool … countryside heritage with that Camden edge”.
Noel Gallagher recently admitted he and Oasis were “blown away” by the incredible response from fans at their reunion gigs. He also spoke fondly of his brother Liam, telling TalkSport: “Liam’s smashing it. I’m proud of him.”
He added: “I couldn’t do the stadium thing like he does it, it’s not in my nature. But I’ve got to say, I kind of look and I think ‘good for you, mate’. He’s been amazing.”
