Supergrass

Supergrass

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1993
Headquarters	Oxford , United Kingdom
Products	Music albums, singles, live performances

Supergrass is a British rock group formed in 1993, primarily featuring the Coombes brothers—Gaz (lead vocals, guitar) and Rob Coombes (keyboards)—alongside Mick Quinn (bass, backing vocals) and Danny Goffey (drums, backing vocals). Initially a trio, Rob Coombes became an official member in 2002.

After signing with Parlophone Records in 1994, they released I Should Coco in 1995, which became the label's highest-selling debut since the Beatles' Please Please Me. The album's fourth single, "Alright", achieved international acclaim. Their discography expanded with five additional studio albums: In It for the Money (1997), Supergrass (1999), Life on Other Planets (2002), Road to Rouen (2005), and Diamond Hoo Ha (2008), complemented by the compilation Supergrass Is 10 (2004). In August 2009, they signed with Cooking Vinyl and started work on their seventh album, Release the Drones, which has yet to be released.

In April 2010, citing creative and musical differences, Supergrass announced their disbandment following four farewell concerts, culminating at La Cigale, Paris, on 11 June 2010. The band reunited in 2019 for several shows including the Pilton Party and a secret London performance. Their reunion concluded with a tribute set at the 2022 event honoring Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who had publicly praised the band and previously performed as a guest drummer.

At the close of 2024, Supergrass revealed plans for a UK tour in 2025 celebrating the 30th anniversary of I Should Coco, during which they will perform the album in its entirety alongside their well-known tracks.

The Jennifers and formation (1990–1993)

While attending Wheatley Park School near Oxford at ages 16 and 18, Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey were members of the Jennifers, alongside Nick Goffey and Andy Davies. Danny and Nick Goffey are sons of Chris Goffey, a former BBC Top Gear presenter.

The Jennifers gained recognition within Oxford’s indie music scene, drawing influences from bands such as Ride, the Charlatans, Inspiral Carpets, the Kinks, and the Who, incorporating shoegaze elements into their sound. They played at local venues including the Jericho Tavern. Their demo tape, recorded by Nick Langston at Stargoat Studios, contained three songs: "Flying," "Inside of Me," and "(Slow Song)." In 1992, they released a single titled "Just Got Back Today" on Nude Records—a collectible item today. A second single called "Tightrope" was never officially released due to disagreements with Nude Records but was later included on the compilation CD Days Spent Dreaming. The group disbanded late in 1992; Andy Davies pursued university studies while Nic Goffey partnered with Dom Hawley to direct numerous Supergrass music videos.

While employed at a local Harvester restaurant, Coombes met Mick Quinn. Sharing similar musical tastes, Coombes invited Quinn to join him and Goffey for jam sessions. In February 1993 they briefly performed as Theodore Supergrass before shortening their name to Supergrass after about two months. According to Goffey, he came up with the name based on an idea involving an animated character who would answer interview questions to avoid media interaction; however, financial constraints prevented this concept from proceeding.

Rob Coombes, Gaz’s brother, played flute during their first live show at Oxford’s Co-Op Hall in 1993. He made his initial keyboard appearance during a BBC Radio 1 John Peel session in January 1995. Although post-I Should Coco recordings credited "Supergrass and Rob Coombes," he was not formally recognized as an official band member until nearly ten years later.

Britpop era and rise to fame (1994–1998)

Supergrass introduced their first single, "Caught by the Fuzz", in mid-1994 through the indie label Backbeat Records. The track narrates lead vocalist Gaz Coombes' cannabis possession arrest. This limited vinyl pressing quickly sold out, boosted by BBC Radio One’s John Peel’s endorsement. Subsequently, Parlophone signed the group and reissued the single in autumn 1994, which simultaneously earned "Single Of The Week" honors from both NME and Melody Maker.

Their follow-up, "Mansize Rooster" (February 1995), climbed to number 20 on the UK Singles Chart, while "Lenny" marked their first entry into the top 10. The debut album, I Should Coco (May 1995), debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, selling over 500,000 copies domestically and exceeding one million globally. Receiving critical acclaim, it earned a nine out of ten rating from NME critic Steve Sutherland. Their double A-side single ""Alright"/"Time"" maintained a position in the UK Top Three for four weeks, peaking at number two.

After extensive touring including appearances at festivals such as T in the Park and Glastonbury Festival, Supergrass performed at Rio de Janeiro's Hollywood Rock Festival in April 1996. There, they encountered train robber Ronnie Biggs, who humorously referenced their band name. A photograph of Biggs alongside Gaz was featured in the music video for their 1996 single "Going Out", which reached number five and was their final track produced by Sam Williams. Their subsequent album, In It for the Money (April 1997), co-produced with John Cornfield at Sawmills Studio, achieved platinum certification in the UK but showcased a stylistic change that divided their audience. Singles such as "Richard III" peaked at number two, whereas others charted lower.

During this timeframe, Supergrass graced the cover of The Big Issue, featuring an interview conducted by former drug smuggler Howard Marks.

Continued artistic evolution (1999–2004)

Template:Listen Following a short break, Supergrass returned in 1999 with the single "Pumping on Your Stereo", whose music video—created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop—featured amusing muppet-like bodies. The single’s release and a sold-out tour revitalized their public profile. Their third album, Supergrass (1999), again recorded at Sawmills with John Cornfield producing, attained platinum status in the UK but did not replicate earlier commercial heights. Singles such as "Moving" and "Mary" reached the UK Top Ten and Top 40 respectively.

After another three-year interval, Life on Other Planets was released in September 2002. Recorded across various studios with producer Tony Hoffer, it was distributed via Parlophone in the UK and Island Def Jam in the US. Although it did not achieve previous chart successes, it garnered strong critical acclaim and earned gold certification within the UK. This album officially incorporated Rob Coombes as an official band member; prior to this he had contributed as a session player and touring musician.

In June 2004, Parlophone proposed a singles collection that resulted in Supergrass Is 10, which included two newly self-produced songs: "Kiss of Life" and "Bullet". The compilation debuted at number four on UK charts and attained gold status, accompanied by a documentary DVD chronicling their initial decade.

Artistic development (2005–2008)

Work commenced on their fifth studio album, Road to Rouen, recorded in Normandy at a studio constructed by the band themselves. Collaborating with French engineer Pierre-Olivier Marger, they embraced a more refined sound. The lead single "St. Petersburg", released in August 2005, featured string arrangements; the album followed later that month, reaching number nine on UK charts and earning silver certification.

Subsequent singles included "Low C", accompanied by a video directed by Garth Jennings filmed in Florida, and "Fin", which received critical praise for its emotional depth. Their touring schedule incorporated both acoustic and electric performances with percussionist Satin Singh; appearances spanned Japan, South America, the US, Europe, culminating at Beijing Pop Festival.

Their sixth record, Diamond Hoo Ha, was produced at Berlin’s Hansa Tonstudio with producer Nick Launay, then mixed in Los Angeles. The summer 2007 tours featured new compositions and welcomed second guitarist Charly Coombes.

On 27 September 2007 bassist Mick Quinn sustained serious injuries due to a sleepwalking accident while in France, leading Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey to promote the lead single "Diamond Hoo Ha Man" as the duo Diamond Hoo Ha Men during Quinn’s recovery period. Quinn resumed performing by January 2008. Charly Coombes directed their rockumentary Glange Fever under the pseudonym "Chas Harrison".

Charly substituted on bass for some tour dates until Quinn's return; thereafter he continued as second guitarist for subsequent concerts.

The video for their second single "Bad Blood" secured Best Rock Video at the UK Music Video Awards. The final single from Diamond Hoo Ha, titled "Rebel In You", was independently released through their own label following Parlophone's acquisition by Terra Firma Capital Partners which ended their contract.

Independent phase and disbandment (2009–2010)

In 2009 Supergrass headlined multiple European festivals including Wychwood Festival, Provinssirock, BBK Live, Bikini Festival, Les Ardentes and Paredes de Coura. They also co-headlined Truck Festival alongside Ash.

On 12 April 2010 they declared their split after four farewell concerts concluding on 11 June in Paris.

At that time they were developing a seventh studio album entitled Release the Drones. Drawing inspiration from krautrock groups like Can and drone music, it featured members switching instruments among themselves. Although slated for May release, this project remains incomplete and unreleased.

Reunion (2019–present)

In July 2019 rumors surfaced about Supergrass reuniting to perform at Pilton Party on September 6, later confirmed through interviews where members stated no intention of creating new material but focusing solely on live shows.

Following warm-up performances at Coventry's Empire Theatre and Frome's Cheese & Grain venue, they toured Europe before completing a sold-out UK tour culminating with two shows at Alexandra Palace.

Tours planned across America and Australia along with festival appearances were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

On August 21 they delivered a live-streamed concert from Oxford's Bullingdon venue partnering with Goose Island Brewery to launch “Man Sized Brew Sir,” a beer named after their track "Mansize Rooster." Proceeds benefited Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity alongside suicide prevention charity CALM. Additionally, they performed a socially-distanced concert at Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle.

On November 27 they released Live on Other Planets, a live album compiled from reunion tour performances commemorating their 25th anniversary; proceeds supported the #SaveOurVenues initiative aiding grassroots venues impacted by the pandemic.

On September 3, 2022 they appeared at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert held at Wembley Stadium. Gaz Coombes also performed covers alongside Nile Rodgers and members of Foo Fighters. Following this final reunion performance announcement, Coombes resumed his solo career, while Goffey confirmed taking a hiatus to focus on personal projects.

On September 16, 2024 Supergrass announced a UK tour celebrating thirty years of I Should Coco, scheduled for May 2025.

Solo endeavors

In 1998 Coombes and Quinn contributed to Dr John's album Anutha Zone, while Goffey collaborated on Lodger's debut release.

Goffey pursued solo ventures under the alias "Van Goffey," releasing tracks through MySpace in August 2006. He also provided drumming for charity singles including Twisted X's "Born In England," which reached number eight on UK charts (2004), as well as Band Aid 20's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

In July 2008 Coombes lent vocals during Foo Fighters’ performance at VH1 Rock Honors honoring The Who.

During Mick Quinn’s recovery period (2007–08), Goffey and Gaz performed as Diamond Hoo Ha Men adopting alter egos Duke Diamond and Randy Hoo Ha, including an Apple Store show featuring Quinn’s return under the pseudonym Biff Hymen.

Goffey and Coombes formed side project the Hotrats, releasing their cover album Turn Ons produced by Nigel Godrich in January 2010. They also collaborated with Air performing live scores for The Virgin Suicides across multiple concerts.<refs/>

Mick Quinn founded DB Band releasing EP "Stranger in the Alps" (2011), touring Europe including Oxford’s Truck Festival.<refs/>

Gaz Coombes launched his solo career with albums: Here Come the Bombs (2012), produced by Sam Williams;<refs/> followed by Matador (2015), which reached number eighteen on the UK Albums Chart<refs/> and received Mercury Prize nomination;<refs/> then released World's Strongest Man (2018).

Since 2015 Quinn has toured extensively before joining Swervedriver full-time contributing to their album Future Ruins (2019).<refs/>

Band lineup

• Gaz Coombes – lead vocals, guitar, bass (1993–2010, 2019–present)
• Mick Quinn – bass guitar, guitar, backing vocals; lead vocals (1993–2010, 2019–present)
• Danny Goffey – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1993–2010, 2019–present)
• Rob Coombes – keyboards, piano, occasional backing vocals (official member since 2002; session/touring since 1993)

Discography

Main article: Supergrass discography

Studio albums

• I Should Coco (1995)
• In It for the Money (1997)
• Supergrass (1999)
• Life on Other Planets (2002)
• Road to Rouen (2005)
• Diamond Hoo Ha (2008)

Awards

Year	Event	Category	Outcome
1996	Ivor Novello Awards	Best Contemporary Song ("Alright")	Won
1995	Mercury Prize	Best Album (I Should Coco)	Nominated
1995	NME Awards	Best New Band	Won
		Best Single ("Alright")	Nominated
1995	Q Awards	Best New Act	Won
1996	BRIT Awards	British Breakthrough Act	Won
1996	Silver Clef Awards	New Music Award	Won

External links

• The Jennifers on Myspace