Spacehog

Spacehog fused glam rock touches from David Bowie and T. Rex with a thick layer of distorted guitars, a blend that allowed the group to register a modest impact on the alternative rock landscape of the late 1990s. The four-piece came together in New York City in 1993 after British drummer Jonny Cragg relocated from Leeds to the city; while working a basement job exterminating rats at an espresso bar, he encountered guitarist and fellow Brit Antony Langdon. The pair soon began frequenting topless bars and playing music together, after which Antony’s brother Royston entered the fold on vocals and guitarist Richard Steel completed the roster. Shortly after the lineup stabilized, Sire Records president Seymour Stein took notice, resulting in the release of the band’s debut album, Resident Alien, on the label in 1995. The single “In the Meantime” served as their breakthrough, drawing listeners across multiple countries and topping the American rock chart. Within less than a year the album surpassed 500,000 copies sold, achieving gold certification. The Chinese Album arrived in 1998, marked by an overall artier direction and a guest spot from Michael Stipe. Three years afterward, now signed to Artemis Records, Spacehog delivered their third album, The Hogyssey. Following tours alongside the Black Crowes and Oasis, the band dissolved, and several members later formed Arckid.