A Look at the Inspiral Carpets: An Overview of the Madchester Band

The Inspiral Carpets are a British rock band from the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, who had a series of chart successes in the UK and Europe. Formed in Oldham, Greater Manchester in 1989, the band quickly became one of the most popular alternative rock acts of the era. Their music has been described as a blend of neo-psychedelia, acid house and indie rock. With their instantly recognizable sound and classic hits, the band continues to draw in new fans and to remain a beloved part of the Madchester music scene.

This article will take a look at the members of the Inspiral Carpets and their contribution to this influential movement.

Inspiral Carpets

was an influential Madchester band that rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The band was formed in Oldham, England, in 1988, and consisted of lead vocalist Stephen Holt, guitarist Graham Lambert, keyboardist Clint Boon, bassist Martyn Walsh, drummer Craig Gill, and dancer Mark ‘Frosty’ Frost. The band's musical style can be described as a mix of psychedelic rock and indie pop, with influences ranging from punk rock to 1960s beat music. Inspiral Carpets released four albums during their career, with their most successful album being ‘Life’ (1990). This album included their two biggest hit singles – ‘This Is How It Feels’ and ‘Dragging Me Down’ – both of which reached the UK Top 10. Other hit singles released by the band include ‘Joe’ and ‘Saturn 5’.The Inspiral Carpets were closely associated with the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, alongside other bands such as The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and The Charlatans.

They were known for their energetic live shows, often featuring a horn section and dancers. Their music was also featured in the films ‘24 Hour Party People’ (2002) and ‘Human Traffic’ (1999).The band's influence can be seen in the work of other artists. In particular, Arctic Monkeys have cited Inspiral Carpets as an influence on their sound. Other bands influenced by Inspiral Carpets include Kaiser Chiefs, The Coral, The La's and The View. Although the Inspiral Carpets disbanded in 1995, their music remains relevant today.

Many of their songs have been sampled by other artists, including Fatboy Slim and 2Pac. Their song ‘This Is How It Feels’ has also been covered by a number of artists, including Paul Weller and Richard Ashcroft. The individual members of Inspiral Carpets have also gone on to have successful careers. Stephen Holt has released two solo albums and is currently a member of the band ‘The Rain Band’.

Martyn Walsh has released two solo albums and is currently a member of the band ‘Badly Drawn Boy’. Graham Lambert has released two solo albums and is currently a member of the bands ‘The Farm’ and ‘The Chameleons’. Clint Boon has gone on to become an influential radio DJ. The Inspiral Carpets have received a number of awards for their contribution to music. In 2004, they were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, and in 2009 they were awarded an honorary degree from Manchester Metropolitan University.

They have also been nominated for several Brit Awards throughout their career.

The Inspiral Carpets' Sound and Influences

The Inspiral Carpets were a Madchester band with a unique sound that combined different genres of music. Drawing from psychedelic rock, indie rock, post-punk, and garage rock, the Inspiral Carpets created an off-kilter, genre-bending sound. The band was influenced by a variety of other bands, such as the Happy Mondays, the Stone Roses, The Smiths, and The Jam. In turn, they were influential to other Madchester bands like James, Oasis, and the Charlatans. The Inspiral Carpets' sound was characterized by their use of jangly guitars, driving drums, and catchy melodies.

They often wrote lyrics that were reflective of the times, tackling issues like drug use and relationships. This combination of sounds and lyrical content made them stand out from other bands at the time. The Inspiral Carpets' influence can still be felt today. Many modern bands continue to draw inspiration from the Inspiral Carpets' unique sound. Their legacy remains alive in the Madchester scene and beyond.

The Inspiral Carpets' Legacy

The Inspiral Carpets are remembered as one of the most important bands of the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

They were a major influence on the era’s music and culture, and their legacy is still very much alive today. The band had a significant impact on the music of the time, with their blend of indie, psych, and funk elements. Their sound was unique and influential, and they found considerable success both in the UK and abroad. The Inspiral Carpets have been honoured with several awards and recognitions over the years, including being inducted into the Manchester Music Hall of Fame in 2020.

They have also been recognised as one of the most influential bands of their time by the British Music Industry Association (BPI). Despite not releasing any new material since 1996, their music is still very relevant today. Many modern bands cite them as an influence, and their songs have been covered by other artists. The band’s legacy can be seen in modern indie and alternative rock music, from Arctic Monkeys to Blossoms. The Inspiral Carpets were an important part of the Madchester scene, and their legacy lives on today.

Their music has endured for decades, influencing countless artists and inspiring new generations of fans.

The Formation of The Inspiral Carpets

The Inspiral Carpets were formed in Oldham, Manchester in the late 1980s by members Graham Lambert and Stephen Holt. The original lineup featured Graham Lambert on guitar and vocals, Stephen Holt on bass and vocals, Craig Gill on drums, and Martyn Walsh on guitar. They were later joined by bassist and vocalist Tom Hingley. The band’s first recording was in 1989, when they released a single entitled “Find Out Why”. This song was followed by their debut album “Life”, which was released the same year.

The album featured some of their most well-known songs such as “This Is How It Feels”, “Joe”, and “Dragging Me Down”.The Inspiral Carpets quickly gained popularity and success, touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe. They were one of the leading bands of the Madchester movement, along with The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and The Charlatans. Their music was a mix of psychedelia, punk, and pop and was highly influential in the Manchester music scene. The band released five albums in total and enjoyed moderate success, before disbanding in 1995. Although they are no longer performing together, their influence can still be felt today. They are remembered for their unique sound and style, which continues to inspire new generations of Madchester fans.

Individual Members of The Inspiral Carpets

The Inspiral Carpets were an English alternative rock band formed in Oldham in 1983. The band was comprised of Graham Lambert (guitar, vocals), Stephen Holt (bass), Martyn Walsh (drums, vocals), and Craig Gill (drums).

They are remembered for their unique sound and style, which combined elements of indie rock, psychedelic rock, and dance music. The band's frontman and founder, Graham Lambert, was the primary songwriter for the group and provided the majority of their lead vocals. His distinctive voice and poetic lyrics helped to define their sound. Stephen Holt provided the bass guitar for the group, and his aggressive playing style helped to give the band a unique edge.

Martyn Walsh played drums, and his powerful yet precise playing was a major part of their sound. Craig Gill was the band's drummer, and his inventive drumming style helped to create a distinct rhythm section. He also provided backing vocals on many of the band's songs. He left the band in 1995, but rejoined in 2012 to tour with the group once more. Since leaving The Inspiral Carpets each member has gone on to pursue successful solo projects.

Graham Lambert has released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists such as Blur’s Damon Albarn and The Fall’s Mark E Smith. Stephen Holt has released two solo albums as well as a collaboration album with former Inspiral Carpet member Craig Gill. Martyn Walsh continues to be involved in various music projects and is currently touring with his band The Martyn Walsh Experience. Craig Gill is involved in producing music for other artists as well as releasing solo material.

The Inspiral Carpets' Sound and Influences

The sound of the Inspiral Carpets was an eclectic mix of genres, combining elements of indie rock, psychedelia, and dance music.

Drawing their influences from a variety of sources, such as The Velvet Underground, The Stone Roses, and the Madchester scene, they created a sound that was both innovative and familiar. The band’s biggest hit “This is How it Feels” was one of the defining songs of the Madchester movement. Combining a driving guitar riff with a catchy chorus, it was a commercial success as well as a critical favorite. Other notable tracks include “Saturn 5” and “She Comes in the Fall” both of which display the band’s genre-bending style.

The Inspiral Carpets had a considerable influence on other bands in the Madchester scene and beyond. Their sound paved the way for other bands to combine indie rock and dance music, creating a new wave of British music. Bands such as The Charlatans, Oasis and Blur all cite the Inspiral Carpets as an influence.

The Inspiral Carpets' Legacy

The Inspiral Carpets were one of the most influential Madchester bands of the late 80s and early 90s, and their legacy has been far-reaching. They helped to define the Madchester scene, bringing their unique, psychedelic sound to a new generation of music fans.

Their influence is still evident in modern music today, as many of their songs have been sampled or covered by other artists. The band has been recognized for their work, receiving awards including an NME Award for Best New Band in 1989. They have also been inducted into the Manchester Music Hall of Fame, a testament to their lasting impact. The Inspiral Carpets' legacy extends beyond awards and recognition though, as their music continues to be relevant and popular today. They were one of the first bands to embrace the ‘baggy’ style of dress, which is still popular amongst many young people today.

Their sound also continues to inspire modern artists, as they often sample their songs or use them as an influence. The Inspiral Carpets are remembered fondly by many and their influence on the Madchester scene is undeniable. They remain one of the most influential bands to come out of Manchester and have inspired generations of artists.

The Inspiral Carpets' Legacy

The Inspiral Carpets were an influential part of the Madchester scene, and their legacy has endured since their formation in the late 80s and early 90s. The band's musical style was a combination of psychedelia, indie rock and dance music, and they achieved a great deal of success during their time together.

They were one of the most popular acts in the UK for several years and were regularly featured on Top of the Pops. Their influence can still be felt today, with many modern bands citing them as an influence. The Inspiral Carpets were also recognised for their achievements, with several awards won over the years. They were nominated for Best British Group at the Brit Awards in 1990, and they won Best British Album at the Q Awards in 1992. The band's music has also been used in several films and television shows, including Brassed Off, The Simpsons and Grosse Pointe Blank. The Inspiral Carpets have left an indelible mark on the Madchester scene and their music is still relevant today. Their influence can be heard in many modern bands, and their music continues to be appreciated by fans around the world.

The band's legacy is an enduring one, and they will be remembered for many years to come.

The Inspiral Carpets' Sound and Influences

The Inspiral Carpets were known for their unique sound that combined elements of psychedelic rock, post-punk, indie rock and Madchester. They drew influences from a wide range of genres, including punk, indie, psych and funk. The band's music was highly experimental, incorporating elements of freeform jazz, dub and hip-hop. The Inspiral Carpets also helped define the Madchester sound, which was a mix of indie and dance music. The Inspiral Carpets were heavily influenced by the punk and post-punk bands of the late 70s and early 80s, such as The Clash, Buzzcocks, and Gang of Four.

They also took inspiration from the psychedelia of the 1960s, as well as the indie rock of the late 80s. The band's eclectic sound was rooted in their diverse range of influences. The Inspiral Carpets were highly influential in the Madchester scene, which was a mix of indie rock and dance music. The band's unique blend of post-punk, psychedelia and funk helped to define the genre. Other Madchester bands such as Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses and The Charlatans were heavily influenced by the Inspiral Carpets' sound. The Inspiral Carpets' influence can still be heard today in a wide range of modern bands, who draw on their unique blend of genres.

Their pioneering approach to creating music has been an inspiration for many contemporary artists. The Inspiral Carpets are a Madchester band that rose to fame in the late 80s and early 90s, and their influence on the scene is still felt today. The band was formed by Graham Lambert, Clint Boon, and Steve Holt, and their sound was characterized by a unique blend of psychedelia, punk, and indie rock. Their music was an important part of the Madchester scene, and they are remembered as one of the most important bands of that era. The Inspiral Carpets' sound continues to be relevant today, and they remain an important part of the Madchester scene.