BBC - Music - Supergrass

Biography

Supergrass are an English alternative rock band from Oxford. The band consists of brothers Gaz (guitar and lead vocals) and Rob Coombes (keyboards), Danny Goffey (drums and backing vocals), and Mick Quinn (bass and backing vocals).

The main trio formed in 1993 in Oxford with Gaz's brother Rob Coombes occasionally brought in as keyboard player on recordings (but never live, initially). The band released their first single "Caught by the Fuzz" in October 1994 on the Parlophone label. The single reached number 43 in the UK Singles Chart, but failed to chart in the US. Supergrass followed up with their debut full-length album I Should Coco in May 1995. The album reached number one in the UK where it stayed for three weeks. The band's second album In It for the Money (1997) was the first album to be produced entirely by Supergrass and it peaked at number two. Their third self-titled album Supergrass (1999) (often referred to as "the X-ray" album due to the picture on the sleeve) peaked at number three in the UK albums chart. Their fourth album, Life On Other Planets (2002) was the first to include Rob Coombes as an official member of the band, who until then was employed on session and touring basis. The album peaked at number nine in the UK album charts.

In 2004 the band released a singles compilation entitled Supergrass Is 10 to celebrate ten years since the band formed. This was available on CD and DVD format. The DVD version featured a documentary film in which the band members recall moments during their career in the group. This also shows behind the scenes footage of recording sessions and live performances. Road to Rouen (2005) the fifth studio from the band was difficult for the band due to personal reasons including Danny Goffey's tabloid ordeal and the death of the Coombes' mother. This album also peaked at number nine in the UK album charts. Diamond Hoo Ha (2008) is the sixth album from the band and only peaked at number 19 in the UK album charts which makes the release their lowest charting album to date. In 2008, Supergrass ended their contract with EMI, instead resorting to releasing the single 'Rebel In You' independently on 'Supergrass Records'. Supergrass signed to Cooking Vinyl in August 2009 and are working on their 7th studio album Release the Drones due for release in May 2010.