2000s
2002 in British Music
Pop Idol creates stars, grime stirs in East London, and the guitar revival surges.
The Story of 2002
The Libertines formed, and the new rock revolution began. Pete Doherty and Carl Barât's chaotic, romantic vision of rock 'n' roll was a reaction against the sensitive indie of the late 90s. Their early gigs were legendary, their mythology building before they'd even released an album. The garage rock revival was in full swing – The Strokes' 'Is This It' had been huge, and British bands were responding. The Coral released their self-titled debut, psychedelic and brilliant. Coldplay's 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' was the year's biggest British album, 'Clocks', 'In My Place' and 'The Scientist' making them global superstars. The pop charts were still competitive – Will Young won the first Pop Idol, 'Anything Is Possible' becoming the fastest-selling debut single. Girls Aloud formed on Popstars: The Rivals, releasing 'Sound of the Underground', a fantastic pop single. Liberty X also emerged. The Queen's Golden Jubilee saw a Party at the Palace with British music royalty. 2002 was the year indie started getting its swagger back, while pop was revitalised by reality TV.
Key Events
Pop Idol's Will Young and Gareth Gates dominate — reality TV pop is born
Dizzee Rascal and Wiley begin making grime in Bow — a new British sound emerges
The Libertines release Up the Bracket — a chaotic, romantic rock revival
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →Reality TV becomes the new star-making machinery
- →Garage rock revival goes mainstream with The Libertines
- →Grime begins its journey from pirate radio to Britain's most vital sound
Key Artists of 2002
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