The backdrop to Britpop
BRITPop developed in the early 1990s.
New indie bands were creating a new sound. The sound was influenced by rockers such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones; Mod bands like The Who and The Kinks; glam artists such as David Bowie and T. Rex; as well as punk rock acts like The Sex Pistols and The Jam.
Early Britpop bands include Blur, Lush and Suede. The mid-1990s saw Britpop become one of the most popular music genres, as huge bands Oasis and The Verve were formed.
The 2000s is considered the third wave of Britpop. Acts like Coldplay, Travis, Muse and Kasabian have all shown Britpop influences in their work.
Oasis
Formed in Manchester, Oasis cite bands such as The Beatles, and Slade among their many influences.
Their debut album Definitely Maybe (1994) was a success, followed by the multi-million-selling (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995).
Their fame reached its peak with the 1997 release Be Here Now, which became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history with 500,000 copies sold on the first day.
The Verve
The now-defunct The Verve were formed in 1989 .
They endured major breakups, health problems, drug abuse and a series of lawsuits. After their most commercially successful point in 1997, the band split amid creative struggles between vocalist Richard Ashcroft and guitarist Nick McCabe.
The now classic album Urban Hymns brought them success in 1997, when single Bitter Sweet Symphony entered the UK charts at number two and reached No 12 on the US charts.
In 1999, the band announced their split and Ashcroft embarked on a solo career. He has so far released three albums.
Travis
Glasgow band Travis have had a string of UK hits, including Driftwood, Sing, and Why Does It Always Rain on Me?
They made headline news in 2000 when they performed a cover of Britney Spears' ... Baby One More Time live at the Glastonbury Festival.
They are currently working on their fifth album. It is due to be released this autumn.
Coldplay
Coldplay, who recently performed in Hong Kong, are one of the most successful post-Britpop acts. Since the release of A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2002, Coldplay have been active supporters of various causes, such as Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign.
Their hit singles include Yellow, Trouble and Fix You.
Franz Ferdinand
The Scottish band's self-titled debut album, released in 2004, was an instant success.
Rapper Kanye West declared Franz Ferdinand to be his favourite band in early 2005. The band asked him about how to improve their second album, You Could Have It Much Better (2005).
It topped the UK charts and produced hit singles Do You Want To and Walk Away.
Their third album is due in early 2007.
