Black Grape

Black Grape is a Manchester alternative dance, alternative hip hop and britpop group formed in 1993 by Shaun Ryder and Bez, both formerly of Happy Mondays. The line-up also includes Paul Leveridge, Ged Lynch, Carl ‘Psycho’ McCarthy, Danny Saber, Martin Slattery and Paul Wagstaff, with the group’s early configuration drawing on musicians from several Manchester acts.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms in Manchester in 1993, when Ryder and Bez begin working together again after Happy Mondays. They recruit rapper Kermit and drummer Ged Lynch from The Ruthless Rap Assassins, along with guitarist Wags from The Paris Angels. Recording of new material starts the same year, even though the group does not yet have a record contract. Danny Saber later becomes an important addition and serves as Ryder’s main musical collaborator within the band.

Debut album and chart success

In 1995, Black Grape sign to Radioactive Records, an imprint of BMG, and release their debut album, It’s Great When You’re Straight...Yeah. The album is produced by Saber and Stephen Lironi, reaches number 1 in the UK and produces three Top 20 singles. Its sound is described as funky and eclectic, using varied instrumentation and samples, while Ryder’s lyrics rely heavily on nonsense rhymes and humorous catch-phrases. The record gains critical acclaim in Britain and becomes closely associated with the Britpop period.

Later work and split

The follow-up album, Stupid Stupid Stupid, appears in 1997 and charts at number 11 in the UK, but receives a less favourable response. The band splits in 1998 after Ryder dismisses the rest of the group during touring.

Reformation and reunion material

Black Grape later reunites for a one-off live performance at Get Loaded in the Dark at the Coronet in London on 1 April 2010, the first show in more than ten years. Five years later, the group announces plans for a tour marking the 20th anniversary of its debut album. Pop Voodoo follows in August 2017, with Ryder and Kermit remaining from the original line-up and Youth handling bass, songwriting and production duties.

Reception and influence

The debut album attracts attention beyond Britain, and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich names it as his favourite CD of 1996. Black Grape’s place in the Manchester scene and its mix of rock, rap, samples and dance-oriented elements make it a notable part of the 1990s alternative landscape.