This section of my site is
about my favourite band. They reformed in 2011, just as I am about to tell you they split up.So bear with this page and read on in later section about their reformation. The next paragraph will sound a little confusing but when you read the beginning of Suede in 2011, it will all make sense.
Actually they have now split up but as I
still remain passionate about them, these pages will continue. Just
pretend, initially, that I am writing as if they still exist, it will
be too difficult to change the entire section.
(N.B. Suede titles were done
in Suede Font, but unless you have this installed, it will show as
your default font (which can look ugly). I have left it on the front
page but have changed all other titles to different fonts. If you
have a comment or suggestion, please mail me.)
The original band has changed
so much since their beginning, so instead of rewriting, I will just
add all new line-ups and the music as it happens. (Two members of
Suede, Mat and Brett were once in a band called 'Suave and Elegant',
hence the site name.)So
from the next paragraph, the story remains the same!
Circa
1992, Suede are commissioned as the best new band in Britain, reintroducing
a swaggering, sparky substance and style of music, with a hint of
arrogance and androgyny. Not celebrated for some time, it gave hope
to a new British sound which would banish baggy and shoe gazing into
oblivion.
This promo video is 'The Drowners'.
Their first singles release.
Yet as soon as Suede had the
Rock Gods of music shining upon their success, they were seemingly
to tumble into obscurity with tail lights diminishing into the dark.
After an extremely successful eponymous
debut album: followed by the explosive, angst ridden orchestral
delight of Dog
Man Star in 1994 the band were in danger of dissolution
after the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler.The music world assumed
this was the end of Suede.
This is a live video I found
of my favourite song called 'Still Life' from the second album. Listen
to it as you scroll down this page. It is the most beautiful song
ever. And although the acoustic version is perfect, you must listen
to it with The Sifonia of London Orchestra. Richard Oakes is now playing
guitar.
So at this point let's introduce the band. *Put cursor on both pictures
of each member.It will make more sense.*
Enigmatic front man, Brett
Anderson, once a tantalizing fop; now he rocks! Driven like a demonic
dog, these days he has, not a glint but a raging fire in his eyes.
The impish, yet devilish grin is still there, as is the wiggle in
his walk, better seen with his onstage movements. He delivers refreshing,
direct energy to a totally mesmerised audience that serves notice
that Suede will continue to soar (only if the rest of the world can
keep up.)
Original band member bass
guitarist Mat Osman, and Drum Machine replacement (thank God), Simon
Gilbert form the tight rhythm section who will let loose with a cyclonic
swell of enthusiasm as circumstance requires. Mat is the dark brooding
giant in the background until a dynamic bass charge drives him into
the front line and Simon, known as the most open and so it's been
said, friendliest band member, drums with enthusiastic, funky professionalism,
keeping the band in check.
Lead guitarist replacement Richard Oakes proved he was no slouch in
the starmaker role, wreaking love and poison with his swanky, melodic,
articulate riffs, restoring a balance within the band after Butler's
defection. With his newfound self-confidence, he has developed his
own flair and stage presence.
The next recruit was Neil Codling, cousin of Simon. Simply put, the
Lounge Lizard; King of Cool. This elegant creation of cheekbone, who
plays a deft piece of piano, adds the definitive touch to the backing
vocals and gives a hitherto unknown addition to the exuberant, antagonistic
yet classy sound built upon sheer brilliance. Unfortunately, due to
his long-running battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, Neil decided
to leave the band in January 2001, concerned that his illness was
getting in the way of their gigs and the next album.
Finally enter Alex Lee, a member of the now defunct Srangelove, who
joined Suede after Neil left. The two bands had toured together, with
Brett and Richard making guest vocalist appearances on the Strangelove
Album, Love and Other Demons. He initially began appearing with Suede
in 1999, when Neil's illness prevented him playing. Alex plays guitar,
harmonica, piano, organ and synthesiser. He can also provide backing
vocals and has co-written new songs with the band. Brett is hoping
that Alex's style will add a different sound to the band's next album.
