During the writing and recording of The Bends, it was reported that Radiohead’s UK label Parlophone “gave the band a six-month ultimatum,” while their US label Capitol “were withholding their second-album option until they heard promising new material,” according to a 2000 issue of Uncut. Of course, Radiohead went on to record The Bends and have since devoured the entire earth, but in between this brief period of uncertainty, Radiohead managers Chris Hufford and Bryan Edge started looking for new acts, when they found the one, the only Supergrass.
Seventeen years later and six albums later, the Oxford quartet Supergrass have decided to call it quits. In a statement from the band:
Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. We still love each other but — cliché notwithstanding — musical differences have led to us moving on and of course we all wish each other well in the future.
The band signed to Cooking Vinyl late last year and were expected to release a new album, Release the Drones, in early 2011. The status of the album is unknown, but if “musical differences” is what led to the breakup, then it’s not a stretch to wonder if 2008’s Diamond Hoo Ha will be their last album. Though, I’ll still remember them for their awesome run of I Should Coco (1995), In It for The Money (1997), and their untitled 1999 release.
The band will play some “farewell” gigs in Glasgow, Manchester, and London. Their final gig will be in Paris on June 11.
06.08.10 - Glasgow, Scotland - Barrowlands
06.09.10 - Manchester, England - Academy
06.10.10 - London, England - Brixton Academy
06.11.10 - Paris, France - La Cigalle
• Supergrass: http://www.supergrass.com
