Gene (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Martin Rossiter, Steve Mason, Matt James, Kevin Miles |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Gene is a British rock group that gained recognition during the mid-1990s. Established in 1993, the UK music media often classified them within the Britpop genre and frequently likened them to the Smiths due to the comparable tone and lyrical approach of frontman Martin Rossiter. Their sound drew inspiration from bands such as The Jam, The Smiths, The Style Council, Faces, and The Clash. The band disbanded at the close of 2004.
The Go Hole and Sp!n
Gene's beginnings trace back to an earlier ensemble originally named The Go Hole, a reference to a fictional "Beat" club featured in John Clellon Holmes' novel Go. This group released the single "Flight of Angels" through Big Pop Records in 1987. Subsequently, they rebranded as Sp!n, forming a quartet led by Lee Clark (vocals/guitar) and Darryl James Walton (bass). Walton was soon replaced on bass by John Mason, with Matt James joining on drums; Walton transitioned into band management. Their debut single was issued via Walton's Big Pop label. A session with John Peel boosted their early profile, connecting them with Camberwell's music scene, including members of The House of Love, My White Bedroom, and comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. Walton managed bookings, contracts, and media relations throughout the band's development. After approximately eighteen months, Clark, Mason, and James brought in Steve Mason on lead/rhythm guitar, enabling Clark to concentrate solely on vocals.
In 1990 and 1991, Sp!n released two singles: "Scratches (In the Sand)" and "Let's Pretend." They also recorded an album produced by Stephen Street.
A serious car accident caused a major disruption when John Mason was hospitalized in a coma for eleven days; Walton was injured as well. The day prior, Clark had tendered his resignation due to frustrations with Walton and their label Foundation’s direction. Clark later described the album In Motion as "so naff it beggared belief." The band released a final EP titled Hot Blood in late 1991. Media attention shifted from their music to the accident, leading to significant changes within the group.
John Mason left the music industry to pursue writing; Clark briefly worked on demos before deciding to become a primary school teacher, feeling he was too old for rock stardom.
Steve Mason and Matt James continued by recruiting bassist Kevin Miles. After encountering Welsh vocalist Martin Rossiter at a club, Mason invited him for an audition. Rossiter appeared on Sp!n's final demos under the pseudonym "Martin T. Falls" before the band adopted the name Gene.
Breakthrough
By the time journalists Keith Cameron and Roy Wilkinson from NME discovered Gene, the band had accumulated live performance experience and developed several songs. Impressed by their potential, they established the independent label Costermonger exclusively to support Gene. In May 1994, Gene released their debut double A-side single "For The Dead" / "Child's Body". This release attracted considerable media acclaim: Select designated it as "Single Of The Month," while NME honored it as "Single of the Week."
The limited run of 1,994 copies sold out within two days. Following numerous live appearances, Gene’s supporting slot for Pulp at London's The Forum was celebrated by NME as a pivotal moment. According to NME, "Gene have just played third on the bill and willed the crowd into treating them like headliners who are very, very big indeed."
With their audience expanding rapidly, Gene issued a second single—a triple A-side featuring "Be My Light Be My Guide," "This Is Not My Crime," and "I Can't Help Myself"—on 1 August 1994 through Costermonger. Melody Maker awarded "Be My Light Be My Guide" its "Single Of The Week" accolade.
Commercial achievements
Following their ascent to the top of the UK indie chart and securing the 54th spot on the UK Singles Chart, Gene launched their inaugural UK headline tour,[1] which featured a sold-out performance at London's Paradise Club, an 800-capacity venue. This success attracted interest from major record companies, leading to Gene signing with Polydor Records.[1] After appearing live at the Reading Festival, they released their third single, "Sleep Well Tonight," which preceded an extensive national tour and several sold-out concerts in France.[1]
Gene received significant recognition in both critics' and audience year-end rankings, securing the first-ever NME Brat Award for 'Best New Act' and performing at the fully booked ceremony held at London Astoria. They appeared on the covers of NME and Melody Maker, with the latter naming them 'Brightest Hope' for 1995. Their fourth single, "Haunted By You,"[1] became their second Top 40 entry, peaking at number 32, while their debut album, Olympian, climbed to number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and garnered favorable reviews. The album achieved silver certification for sales exceeding 70,000 copies in the UK, and its final single, "Olympian," reached the Top 20.
During the summer and fall of 1995, Gene embarked on an international tour circuit that included performances at Glastonbury Festival, headlining the Reading Festival, tours across Japan and Europe, and a visit to the United States. They commenced pre-production on a follow-up album scheduled for release the following year. Early in 1996, a remixed version of "For the Dead," their most successful single to date (peaking at number 14), led to their first appearance on Top of the Pops. The rarities and live compilation To See The Lights, released in January, attained number 11 on the charts. A nationwide tour followed, culminating in two sold-out shows in London at Shepherd's Bush Empire and London Astoria.
In advance of their sophomore studio album, October 1996 saw the release of "Fighting Fit," an energetic rock track that reached number 22. Early 1997 brought "We Could Be Kings," which peaked at number 18. The album Drawn to The Deep End (1997),[1] named after a B-side from "Fighting Fit," showcased elaborate production featuring string arrangements, prominent guitar solos by Mason, and an evolving vocal approach from Rossiter. This release represented artistic development with keyboard players incorporated into live performances (including Julian Wilson [1996-98], Mick Talbot [1999-2001], Marcus Brown [2001], Angie Pollack [2003-2004]). Rossiter also began performing vocals while playing keyboards during concerts. Thematically centered on isolation and longing—mirroring Rossiter’s struggles with depression during recording—the album received critical acclaim; Q awarded it four stars. It secured a Top 10 position on album charts; singles "Where Are They Now?" and "Speak to Me Someone" reached numbers 22 and 30 respectively.
A notable milestone occurred in March 1997 when Gene performed alongside a full orchestra before a sold-out crowd at the Royal Albert Hall. This concert was broadcast by BBC Radio 1 and commemorated through two live EPs linked to their final two singles from Drawn to the Deep End. That same year included an appearance in Hong Kong during celebrations marking the UK's handover.
By late 1997, Rossiter had achieved modest celebrity status with media engagements including appearances on Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Public interest grew around his sexuality; Rossiter openly identified as bisexual. He also attracted media attention following a nightclub confrontation with comedian Paul Kaye, which culminated in Rossiter headbutting Kaye.
Revelations era and departure from Polydor
The year 1998 saw Gene maintaining a low profile, dedicating time to composing new songs and performing understated gigs such as Radio 1's Sound City. Martin Rossiter notably embraced a mod-inspired style, mirroring the band's shift toward a grittier rock sound on their forthcoming album, Revelations. After a year-long hiatus, Gene's standing within the indie community had diminished somewhat. Their lead single "As Good As It Gets" reached number 23 on the charts but received mixed critical responses. When Revelations was released in March 1999, it garnered tepid reviews; for instance, NME awarded it a 5/10 score, describing it as "fairly sparse".
The record contained politically motivated songs like "As Good As It Gets", "The British Disease", and "Mayday", with Rossiter offering commentary on New Labour's initial term in government. Despite a robust touring schedule and an appearance at Reading Festival, the album stalled at number 23 on the charts; its follow-up single "Fill Her Up" peaked at number 37. Gene subsequently ended their relationship with Polydor, citing inadequate promotional efforts and lack of support. Rossiter commented on the label’s detachment during their touring period. Although the band had aimed to capture a raw live feel on the album, they later acknowledged that additional time might have enhanced its quality.
Creative independence and Libertine
Operating without the backing of a major label, Gene embarked on extensive tours throughout 2000, culminating in a sold-out series of shows in the United States. A standout performance at Los Angeles' Troubadour was streamed online to an audience exceeding 60,000 viewers—a groundbreaking webcast at the time. Two months later, they issued Rising for Sunset, a live album documenting that concert, which was promoted through an innovative global internet-only campaign that sold 40,000 copies worldwide. Alongside fan favorites, the band introduced new material that suggested a revival of their more romantic musical style.
Their subsequent studio release, Libertine, came out in October 2001 under their own imprint, Sub Rosa Records.
Disbandment
After delivering well-received live performances—including an appearance at Morrissey-curated Meltdown Festival in 2004—Gene amicably dissolved later that same year. Their final show took place on December 16, 2004, at London Astoria.
Following the split, members stayed active within the music industry: Roy Wilkinson took on management duties for British Sea Power; Snake Newton worked as a mixer for artists such as Duran Duran and Snow Patrol.
In January 2008, all four members briefly reunited to celebrate ex-manager Jerry Smith’s birthday by performing five songs at London’s 100 Club.
Album reissues
In January 2014, Gene’s entire studio catalog along with To See the Lights was re-released as deluxe double-disc editions featuring demos and live recordings. Drummer Matt James discussed these reissues and reflected on the band's history during an interview.
The 2020 box set titled Gene: The Albums compiled these 2014 deluxe editions together with the live album Rising For Sunset into an extensive 8- or 9-disc collection. Simultaneously, a condensed double-album compilation called Yours For The Taking - the best of Gene was made available at a more accessible price.
Reunion
On January 17, 2025, Gene Touring Limited was officially registered with Companies House listing all four original members as directors. Shortly thereafter, an official Facebook page was launched featuring teasers hinting at a London event commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut release Olympian.
On March 20, 2025, Gene revealed plans for a one-off reunion concert scheduled for October 4 at London’s Eventim Apollo. Warm-up performances were arranged for September 28 in Leeds and October 2 in Sheffield.
Owing to overwhelming demand, a brief UK and Ireland tour was announced for March 2026 with dates set in Nottingham, Glasgow, Bristol, Dublin, and Manchester.
Members
- Martin Rossiter – lead vocals, keyboards, piano
- Steve Mason – guitar
- Kevin Miles – bass guitar
- Matt James – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Touring members
- Julian Wilson – keyboards (1996–1998, 2004)
- Mick Talbot – keyboards (1999–2001)
- Marcus Brown – keyboards (2001)
- Angie Pollock – keyboards (2004)
Studio albums
- 1995 Olympian – reached UK chart position 8
- 1997 Drawn to the Deep End – peaked at No. 8
- 1999 Revelations – attained No. 25
- 2001 Libertine – reached No. 92
Live album
- 2000 Rising for Sunset – charted at No. 118
Compilation albums
- 1996 To See the Lights – peaked at No. 11
- 2001 As Good As It Gets: The Best Of
- 2006 The Collection
- 2006 The John Peel Sessions
- 2020 Gene: The Albums
- 2020 Yours For The Taking - the best of Gene
Singles
- 1994 "For the Dead" / "Child's Body" – UK chart position 86
- 1994 "Be My Light, Be My Guide" / "This Is Not My Crime" / "I Can't Help Myself" – peaked at No. 54
- 1994 "Sleep Well Tonight" / "Sick, Sober And Sorry" / "Her Fifteen Years" – reached No. 36
- 1995 "Haunted by You" / "Do You Want To Hear It From Me" / "How Much For Love" – attained No. 32
- 1995 "Be My Light, Be My Guide" / "I Can't Help Myself"
- 1995 "Olympian" / "I Can't Decide If She Really Loves Me" / "To See The Lights" – reached No. 18
- 1995 "Still Can't Find the Phone" / "I Can't Decide If She Really Loves Me" / "Don't Let Me Down" (Germany release)
- 1996 re-issue of "For the Dead" / "Child's Body" / "Sick, Sober & Sorry (Live - Helter Skelter 6/7/95)" – charted at No. 14
- 1996 "Fighting Fit" / "Drawn To The Deep End" / "Autumn Stone" – reached No. 22
- 1997 "We Could Be Kings" / "Dolce & Gabbana Or Nowt" / "Wasteland" – peaked at No. 17
- 1997 "Where Are They Now?" / "Cast Out In The Seventies" / "Nightswimming" – attained No. 22
- 1997 "Speak to Me Someone" / "As The Bruises Fade" / "The Ship Song" – reached No. 30
- 1999 "As Good As It Gets" / "Toasting The Union" / "Man On Earth" – charted at No. 23
- 1999 "Fill Her Up" / "Pass On To Me" / "Touched By The Hand Of Havoc" – peaked at No. 36
- 2001 "Is It Over?" / "Supermarket Bombscare" / "Little Diamond" / "Who Said This Was The End?" – did not enter charts
- 2001 promo release: "Does He Have a Name?" with additional tracks
- 2004 "Let Me Move On" / "Is It Over?" / "With Love In Mind" / "If I'm A Friend" – reached No. 69