Category: Band News

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Britpop Reunion are NME Nineties Music Experts available to hire for any live music event. Festivals, Corporate Events, Birthdays, Weddings, Parties and more. Since we formed back in 2014 we have gained the highest praise from every single one of our previous clients. You love the 90s are WE KNOW THE 90’s that’s why you can trust us to deliver the best songs from the last best decade in music. Contact band leader Andy Starkey to check on price and availability to hire live nineties music from Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Supergrass, James, Reef and more. We’ll take you back to the last sane decade when indie pop and Cool Britannia ruled the airwaves in the UK giving you the best Nineties Music Experience.

Hire Nineties Music Experts Experience for a live performance

Book an NME band now and have Britpop Reunion nineties music experts handle all your live entertainment at your event or party. We’ve been there and done that at every single type of live event conceivable. Hundreds of brides,  grooms and birthday clients have been incredibly happy with our wedding and party performances. And thousands and thousands of festival goers and corporate client guests have been ecstatic with our live shows too. We want you to enjoy yourselves as much as were enjoying ourselves on stage. 

When you book Britpop Reunion you’ll hear superb Brit Pop and 90’s songs like:

• Tubthumping
• Laid
• Mrs Robinson
• Ready To Go
• You & Me Song
• Roll With It
• Disco 2000
• and so much more from our 90s tribute band repertoire. 

Band leader and professional musician Andy Starkey lived through the 1990’s and has obsessed over it ever since. The sounds, the images, the fights, the breakups, the reconciliations, the clothing and so much more. Andy’s vast knowledge of all things 90s lead to the creation of Britpop Reunion back in 2014 and has taken the band from strength to strength ever since. Hire the UK’s best Britpop and 90s tribute band for you event by contacting Andy now. 

Shenstone 90s Christmas Party Band ‘Britpop Reunion’ was held on on Saturday 13th December 2025. More info on the nineties Xmas party. Or contact band leader Andy Starkey to hire Britpop Reunion. ADVANCE TICKET SALES have sold out from here.

Ticket prices for our 90s Xmas Party at Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire were:
£18 advance + booking fee
£28 on the door on the night

Shenstone 90s Christmas Party Band

Venue address:

Shenstone Village Hall
Barnes Road
Shenstone
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS14 0LT

Photos from A Very 90s Christmas 3 in December 2025

Britpop = Indie Pop, so ‘Britpop Reunion‘ returned once again to The Guildhall, Lichfield, Staffordshire for a special event. This time to perform as a 90’s Indie Wedding Band for Luke & Matt. This is the second time we’ve performed for these awesome guys having played for them a few years ago in the exact same venue for Matt’s 40th 90’s birthday party band. The first time we gave them a Glastonbury 90’s Festival Band themed event. We performed music from Britpop & 90’s artists who have played at the internationally known Glastonbury festival over the years. If you’d like something similar at your chosen wedding venue across the UK and beyond then contact Andy Starkey now for a quote.

At this 90’s Indie Wedding Reception

Matt & Luke (Isn’t it funny how they have the same name as the main two guys from 80’s band ‘Bros’ eh) are huge 90’s fans and wanted something a little different to the normal same-old-same-old funk, soul, modern pop bands out there for their unique wedding reception.  This time they chose our 90’s indie wedding band and added in our ‘Other Decades‘ option. Our 90’s package gave Matt & Luke all of their favourite 90’s cover band songs from Oasis, Blur, The Cure, James, Supergrass and more. Then our ‘Other Decades‘ option also gave their 150 guests amazing tunes from Amy Winehouse, Stereophonics, Florence + The Machine, Van Morrison, Arctic Monkeys, Chuck Berry, Kaiser Chiefs and more. The dance-floor was full the entire night, shapes were thrown up in the air, everyone had a good sing-along to our entire repertoire of “Don’t Look Back In Anger“, “Parklife“,  “Friday I’m In Love” and much more.

Prior to our indie band performing live Matt & Luke had worked out an entire dance routine to a mash-up of the 1991 INXS track “Never Tear Us Apart” and “The World Is Not Enough” by Garbage from the 1999 James Bond film of the same name. This was a smash hit with everyone including ourselves and it started the night off brilliantly. So even they themselves covered songs from the start to the end of the nineteen nineties. Absolutely brilliant eh what a unique way to celebrate your love for each other. 

Standard 90’s indie wedding band packages we provide our clients with

• Two live performance sets of 90’s banging tunes (Or one long performance with no break which we usually recommend to clients)
• PA, speakers, mixing desk, guitars, amps, drum kit and all cabling
• Lighting for the dance-floor and stage area
• iPad DJ services until midnight and when the band aern’t performing live
• Hard copy contract/booking form
• No agencies fees saving you £400+

Chargeable wedding extras we can provide you with

• Late night DJ services past midnight
• Acoustic performances throughout the day
• Fog
• Customised projector lighting featuring your names, the date and a custom logo or corporate logo
• Wedding projector hire
• PA hire for speeches
• Professional photographer for your evening event

These lovely guys had gotten married a few weeks before in Bath and so this was their full on wedding party back in their home city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. Having received their photographers photos a few days before the event they took advantage of our wedding projector hire option. As you will see their wedding photos displayed up on stage with us looked absolutely brilliant. They also took advantage of our evening photographer services as you can see from the below images gallery.

Below you can watch a video of previous 90’s Indie weddings receptions that our professional wedding band have performed at. Here is Natalie & Jamies 90’s wedding in a tipi. Just look at the amazing time everyone had with ‘Britpop Reunion‘ handling the live entertainment.

Here is Vlog style video of our experiences at Claire & James’s festival style wedding that they put together entirely themselves. You’d be surprised how much cheaper doing this is than hiring a proper wedding venue.

To enquire on price and availability for 90’s tribute band ‘Britpop Reunion’ to perform at your 90’s Indie Wedding contact for a quote. We are the only band to have performed with actual 90’s musicians such as supporting The Bluetones and more nineties artists. 

Book a Coronation Bank Holiday Band for Monday 8th May 2023 just after the coronation of His Majesty The King on Saturday 6th May 2023. Have Britpop Reunion play British hits from bands like Blur, Oasis, Supergrass, Pulp and more and have a right good old British knees up. It really would be best if you get in touch with band leader Andy Starkey now to book and secure this date for your party. As it’s a highly sought after date for live music to help with the once in a lifetime celebration. Are you having a big party or a small party? It doesn’t matter to us we’ll put on the same superb live show for you. 

Hire a Coronation Bank Holiday Band

There’s only one coronation bank holiday on Monday the 8th of May 2023 and 90’s party band specialists Britpop Reunion can only perform at one venue. What’s better than having an extra day off work to celebrate the coronation of his majesty The King Charles the third. And spending it listening to a live British band? We’re not a band that put out multiple bands with multiple musicians at different locations. We are the band you see here. Four professional musicians with a passion for nineties indie pop. Big smiles and great tunes…and that’s just US! You’ll be singing and dancing along to every single song we’ll perform for you and your guests.

You already know all the words to Disco 2000 by Pulp “Your house was very small, with wood chip on the wall”. Also Wonderwall by Oasis “I said maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me”. Then what about this one “All the people, so many people. And they all go hand in hand, hand in hand through their Parklife”. Yeah, you know it makes sense to book a brit pop band for a British celebration.

All you need to do is contact Andy Starkey and advise where and when your party is taking place. Then he’ll email you back within 48 hours with a quote. It’s that simple. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Here’s how to play guitar like Damon Albarn from Blur with an instructional video by Andy Starkey lead singer from Britpop Reunion the UK’s best Britpop and 90’s tribute band. Hire Britpop Reunion for your festival, party, wedding, birthday or corporate event by getting in contact. We perform many songs by Blur and other Brit Pop bands in our live sets. 

How to play guitar like Damon Albarn from Blur. (His guitar tuning and technique)

Damon Albarn’s Four-String Guitar Technique

Damon Albarn, renowned for his work with Blur and Gorillaz, employs a distinctive four-string guitar technique that significantly shapes his musical style. By removing the top B and E strings, he focuses on the lower strings, creating a unique sound that enhances his songwriting and vocal delivery. This leaves just the E, A, D and G strings.

Chord Shapes and Progressions

With only four strings, Albarn simplifies his chord shapes, primarily utilizing E-shape barre chords. This allows for quick transitions and encourages exploration of alternative voicings. The limited string setup fosters creativity, prompting him to craft unique chord progressions that might not emerge from a standard six-string approach. Damon easily goes from a major to minor chord by simply moving his first finger down a fret.

Rhythmic Focus

Albarn often adopts a repetitive plucking pattern across the remaining strings, establishing a solid rhythmic foundation. This technique not only supports his vocals but also creates an engaging groove, essential for live performances. The absence of higher strings compels him to be intentional with note choices, resulting in a focused sound.

Advantages of the Four-String Setup

Streamlined Songwriting

The four-string configuration simplifies Albarn’s songwriting process. Constraints can ignite creativity, allowing him to express musical ideas more efficiently. This setup enables quick song sketches without the complexity of intricate fingerings.

Unique Sound

The timbre produced by this four-string approach contributes to Albarn’s signature sound. The missing higher strings create space in the mix, allowing other instruments or vocals to shine. This minimalist approach often results in atmospheric arrangements that characterize many of his tracks.

Emphasis on Rhythm

Fewer strings allow Albarn to concentrate on rhythm, aligning well with his role as a frontman and primary songwriter. This rhythmic emphasis enhances the overall groove of his music while providing harmonic support.

Evolution of His Style

Albarn’s guitar technique has evolved throughout his career. Initially playing more conventional parts, he gradually embraced experimentation, leading to his current four-string method. This evolution reflects his adaptability and willingness to explore new musical directions.

Impact on Songwriting

The limitations of the four-string setup have influenced Albarn’s songwriting significantly. By pushing him to explore alternative melodic ideas, this approach contributes to the eclectic sound found in both Blur and Gorillaz music. It also allows for greater focus on other instruments and vocal arrangements.

Conclusion

Damon Albarn’s innovative use of a four-string guitar showcases his creativity and unique approach to music-making. By embracing limitations, he has developed a distinctive style that not only enhances his sound but also solidifies his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary music. This technique exemplifies how constraints can lead to artistic innovation and memorable musical experiences.

How many 90s Britpop singers can you name? Surely Liam Gallagher, Damon Albarn and Jarvis Cocker spring to mind to start with? Well you can ignite your event with the best of these three vocalists and lots more with Britpop Reunions Andy Starkey as the ultimate frontman choice. Our shows bring the energy, style, and attitude of Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Supergrass, James, and The Verve back to life. Whether you call it brit pop or Britpop, Andy Starkey and his band deliver an authentic trip back to the decade that defined a generation. Contact now to hire Andy solo or with a full professional band.

90s Britpop Singers to Hire – Meet Andy Starkey – The Voice of Britpop Reunion

Andy Starkey is more than just a singer — he is the driving force behind Britpop Reunion. As one of the most in-demand 90s Britpop singers to hire, Andy has spent years perfecting his vocal style and stage presence. His powerful delivery captures the swagger of Liam Gallagher, the cool confidence of Damon Albarn, and the charm of Jarvis Cocker. Guests at your event won’t just hear brit pop classics; they’ll feel like they’ve stepped into a 1990s concert.

Why Book Andy Starkey and Britpop Reunion?

• The most authentic 90s Britpop singers to hire in the UK.
• A setlist packed with brit pop anthems everyone loves to sing along to.
• Professional musicians led by Andy Starkey, ensuring a flawless show every time.
• Suitable for weddings, parties, corporate events, and festivals.
• Optional DJ service to keep the brit pop party going late into the night.

What You Get When You Hire Andy Starkey

Hiring Andy Starkey and Britpop Reunion guarantees more than music — it guarantees atmosphere. With Andy Starkey leading the band, you’ll enjoy:

• Iconic brit pop hits performed with energy and passion.
• Crowd interaction that gets every guest singing and dancing.
• A professional sound and lighting setup for a polished performance.
• A flexible set list tailored to your special occasion.
• Confidence that your chosen 90s Britpop singers to hire will deliver a night to remember.

Perfect for Every Event

• Weddings and receptions where Andy Starkey will make your party unforgettable.
• Festivals where brit pop classics pack the crowd in front of the stage.
• Corporate functions that need high-energy live entertainment.
• Private parties and birthdays that call for nostalgic brit pop magic.
• Reunions where guests relive the best of the 90s together.

Experience Andy Starkey and Britpop Reunion Live

Videos and client reviews prove why Andy Starkey is the top choice among 90s Britpop singers to hire. Audiences describe the shows as “just like being back in the 90s” and praise Andy’s voice, charisma, and ability to create a real party atmosphere.

Book Andy Starkey Today

For anyone looking for 90s Britpop singers to hire, Andy Starkey and Britpop Reunion are the clear answer. Whether you type brit pop band, Britpop singers, or Britpop Reunion, you’ve found the real deal.

Contact Andy Starkey and Britpop Reunion today to check availability and bring the brit pop era roaring back to your event.

Every Britpop band & Blur fan instantly recognises the front cover of Parklife by Blur (By photographer Bob Thomas) featuring Greyhounds at Walthamstow Stadium Dog track races. But did you know Blur’s Parklife was going to be called a multitude of alternative titles first? Oh no? Well that’s hardly surprising, it’s not spoken about much.  Britpop Musician Andy Starkey from Brit pop tribute band Britpop Reunion takes you through the stories behind the naming of and various front covers of Parklife. Hire Blurred a Blur tribute band performing the songs of Blur by contacting me Andy now. 

Blur Parklife Alternative Titles

While Parklife by Blur was being recorded there were a number of possible alternative titles plus many different sleeves/artwork going around.  Chris Thomson & Rob O’Connor (Graphic designers at Stylorouge and designers of Parklife album sleeve) met Damon Albarn and Blur at Worlds End pub on Kings Road,  Chelsea where they proceeded on to a William Hill betting shop. Between them all they had been exploring “Britishness”. Including the atmosphere within betting shops and bookmakers and the types of punters visiting these sorts of establishments.

Damon was also reading ‘London Fields’ by Martin Amis, a novel about the seedier, working class side of London lives and realised his songs for Parklife were somewhat based on that book. (Drinking, sex etc). In fact I personally would say the book was a HUGE influence to Damon.  Subjects like visiting America…”Magic America”, fast cars driving curiously through London streets as in “London Loves” so too there are the lyrics “The mystery of a speeding car.” Certainly not a coincidence is it. 

Was London Fields by Martin Amis an influence on Parklife?

Having read ‘London Fields’ myself, I feel that Damon Albarn may have started reading it even further back than Parklife. Specifically during the recording of Blur’s second album ‘Modern Life Is Rubbish.’ There are multiple mentions of Portobello Road. There’s a character called “Missy” and going to “America” (Miss America)  There is a chance Damon was still reading it while writing songs from their fourth album “The Great Escape” as London Fields features a character called “Kwango”. A variant spelling for the song Mr. Robinson’s “Quango” perhaps? Side note: London Fields was made into a film and released in 2018, directed by Mathew Cullen and featuring Amber Heard & Jim Sturgess. It was unfortunately mainly disliked by critics and the average film lover. And I completely agree with those reviews. 

The alternative titles suggested instead of Parklife included:

• London.
• Sport.
• Soft Porn (Spelled as one whole word ‘Softporn’ on the album sleeve).
• Magic Arrows.
• Park Life (Two separate words)

Parklife artwork

Chris & Rob’s images depicted the class divide in London, but leaned more towards the Upper Middle Class of society. As can be seen in the 1960s image of a posh tennis player. But Damon wasn’t 100% sold on this exactly and seeing these images helped him to focus on his working class and social class ideas. Between them they were using images of every day mundane things in London and reappropriating them. “Tourist Tat” like images of The Queen’s Guards would now be made newly famous for use within a different format. This was similar to how Pop Art artists like Peter Blake had done so back in the 1960s with The Beatles and The Who. 

As you’ll see a number of different album sleeves were also trialed for Parklife including:

• Park Life (With a space) featuring the front grill of a Rolls Royce car.
• 1960’s image of a male model dressed as an upper class tennis player.
• Toy models of Buckingham Palace Guards aka The Queen’s Guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats (Tourist Tat)
• Soft Porn featuring Buckingham Palace and its guards (Again)

Another alternative cover for the Parklife album cover featured a fruit and veg stall in London’s Portobello Road but no images of this are available (as far am I am aware but contact me if you have any). The alternative album sleeves were shown to the band at Maison Rouge Studio where they were recording and mixing Parklife with Stephen Street in London during 1993 & 1994. Finally of course they settled on the Greyhounds artwork and the name ‘Parklife’. But where did the name ‘Parklife’ come from?

A possible reason Blur’s third album ended up being called Parklife.

Dave Rowntree (Blur drummer) shared this image on Twitter from the Evening Standard newspapers ‘Flat Buyers Guide” that was pinned to the studio wall during the recording of Blur’s third album giving insight into the possible naming of PARKLIFE. It shows an advert for newly built flats for sale on Empire Wharf (On the banks of Hertford Union Canal) which overlook Victoria Park. Thus you can have a “Parklife” starting from £54,995 for a one bedroom apartment. Or £69,995 for a two bedroom flat. Imagine how much they must be worth now?

Track listing for Parklife

There are 16 songs on Parklife by Blur, two of which are instrumentals. The whole albums run time is 53 minutes.

• Girls & Boys
• Tracy Jacks
• End of a Century
• Parklife (featuring Phil Daniels)
• Bank Holiday
• Badhead
• The Debt Collector (instrumental)
• Far Out
• To the End
• London Loves
• Trouble in the Message Centre
• Clover Over Dover
• Magic America
• Jubilee
• This Is a Low
• Lot 105 (instrumental)

Other musings about Parklife.

Considered by many to be ‘The Best Blur Album’ Parklife wasn’t just 16 songs. There were also eleven b-sides in total from various formats of singles Girls & Boys, To The End, Parklife and End Of A Century. They were all recorded during the same sessions as Parklife but we’re kept back for none album / b-side tracks. These included:

• Magpie
• Anniversary Waltz
• People in Europe
• Peter Panic
• Threadneedle Street
• Got Yer!
• Beard
• Supa Shoppa
• Theme from an Imaginary Film
• Rednecks
• Alex’s Song

All of which are featured on the “The Special Collectors Edition” Blur compilation album. If you’re a big Blur fan (Especially so of the ‘Britpop’ era) then this a great selection of tunes. You really can hear the Parklifeness in all of the songs……I bet ‘People In Europe’ very nearly made it onto the actual album.

Below is a nice bit of Blur memorabilia from back in the day. It is a tracking sheet for the song ‘This Is A Low’ recorded at Matrix Studios, Little Russell Street, London WC1.  A track sheet displays what track numbers were used for each instrument while being recorded.

Britpop Reunion perform numerous Blur songs from Parklife and their follow up Blur album Great Escape including Parklife and County House. Below is live video footage from a recent festival performance. After you’ve read this article then please follow Britpop Reunion on Facebook. Similarly contact myself to hire a 90’s tribute band for a festival, wedding, birthday, corporate event or party. 

Experience the magic of Half the World Away acoustic cover by Andy Starkey, the talented frontman of Britpop Reunion, the UK’s premier tribute band dedicated to the unforgettable sounds of the 90s. This rendition not only highlights Andy’s musical talent but also captures the essence of a beloved era in British music. This song was used as the theme tune to the Caroline Aherne 1998 tv show The Royle Family.

About Britpop Reunion

Britpop Reunion was established in 2014 and has quickly become a staple in the UK’s live music scene. The band is known for its energetic performances that celebrate the biggest hits from the 90s, featuring songs from iconic artists such as Oasis, Blur, Pulp, and Supergrass. With a repertoire that spans numerous genres and styles from that vibrant decade, Britpop Reunion guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with nostalgia.

Live Performances: The band performs at festivals, weddings, and corporate events, bringing the spirit of Britpop to life. Their shows are characterised by singalong anthems and danceable hits that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Andy Starkey’s Role: As the lead singer and bassist, Andy Starkey plays a pivotal role in delivering these classic songs with authenticity and flair. His passion for 90s music shines through in every performance, making him a standout figure in the tribute band scene.

Half the World Away acoustic cover

Andy Starkey’s very quickly recorded acoustic version of “Half the World Away” breathes new life into this Oasis classic. Originally penned by Noel Gallagher, the song reflects themes of longing and escapism, resonating deeply with listeners.

Vocal Interpretation: Andy’s vocal delivery captures the emotional depth of the lyrics while adding his unique touch. His ability to convey feeling through music allows audiences to connect with the song on a personal level.

Guitar Arrangement: The acoustic guitar work complements Andy’s voice beautifully, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the song’s introspective nature. This arrangement makes it an ideal choice for both intimate settings and larger venues.

A Celebration of 90s Music

Britpop Reunion is more than just a tribute band; it’s a celebration of an entire era. The group performs a wide range of hits from various artists who defined the 90s music scene.

Diverse Setlist: In addition to Half the World Away by Oasis fans can enjoy other classics from Oasis as well as tracks from Blur, Pulp, Supergrass, and many more. Each performance is designed to evoke nostalgia while keeping the energy high.

Special Events: Britpop Reunion hosts themed nights and special events like “A Very 90’s Christmas” where they perform festive favourites alongside beloved 90s hits. These events provide fans with an opportunity to relive their favourite memories while enjoying live music.

Connect with Britpop Reunion

Stay updated on upcoming performances and new releases by following Britpop Reunion on social media or by joining our mail list. Fans can find information about shows, ticket availability, and exclusive content that celebrates Britpop’s rich legacy.

Whether you’re revisiting your youth or discovering these classics for the first time, Andy Starkey’s acoustic cover of “Half the World Away” is a heartfelt tribute to one of Britpop’s most cherished songs. Join us in celebrating this iconic era through live music that captures its spirit and energy. Experience Britpop Reunion today and let them take you back to a time when British indie-pop ruled! 

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