Spacehog: The Glam-Rock Resurgence of Britpop-Era New York

Spacehog is a British-American rock band known for its swaggering, glam-infused alternative rock and a bass-driven sound that became a staple of 1990s radio. Originally formed in New York City by English brothers Royston and Antony Langdon with drummer Jonny Cragg, the band achieved immediate commercial success with their 1995 debut album and its era-defining single.

Early career

Spacehog coalesced in 1994 in the vibrant East Village music scene of New York City. The founding members, all British expatriates, fused their love for 1970s glam rock and punk with the gritty energy of the city, quickly developing a theatrical and hook-laden sound.

Their demos caught the attention of Sire Records, a major label with a storied history in alternative music, which signed the band and rushed them into the studio.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1996 with the single "In the Meantime," a track built on an indelible, fuzzed-out bass riff. The song propelled their debut album, Resident Alien, to critical and commercial acclaim, ultimately selling over 500,000 copies in the United States and earning a gold certification from the RIAA.

"In the Meantime" became a massive alternative and mainstream rock hit, dominating airwaves and MTV, and peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Key tracks

In the Meantime — The band's signature anthem, this gold-certified single defined their slinky, bass-heavy glam-rock sound and remains a 90s rock staple.

Cruel to Be Kind — A standout track from Resident Alien that showcased their melodic songcraft and earned significant album-oriented rock radio play.

Mungo City — This deep cut exemplifies the band's more progressive and ambitious side, featuring complex structures and theatrical flair.

I Want to Live — A key track from their 2021 album Music for Lesbians, Dogs, and Squirrels, it highlights their enduring energy and melodic power in their later career.

Following the success of their debut, Spacehog released the ambitious The Chinese Album in 1998, but internal pressures and shifting musical trends led to a hiatus in the early 2000s. The original lineup reconvened in 2013, releasing the acclaimed comeback album As It Is on Earth and re-establishing their creative momentum. They have since maintained a steady and prolific output, including 2021's Music for Lesbians, Dogs, and Squirrels and 2024's Here Comes the Noise, proving their songwriting has endured far beyond their initial 90s fame. The band's story is also one of family, with frontman Royston Langdon being married to actress Liv Tyler for a period during their initial peak, and brother Antony Langdon being an accomplished artist and musician in his own right.

Fans of Spacehog's brand of hook-heavy, theatrical rock often enjoy the work of similar artists like The Darkness, who share a penchant for glam-rock revivalism and massive choruses. The melodic crunch and 90s alternative roots align with Our Lady Peace, another band known for crafting anthemic rock songs with distinct vocals. The British rock energy and sardonic wit can also be found in the music of Supergrass, a fellow Britpop-era act. Listeners may also appreciate the driving bass lines and cool swagger of Cake, though from a more American alt-rock perspective.

The music of Spacehog maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic alternative and modern rock FM stations that celebrate the 1990s, as well as on independent music radio stations dedicated to guitar-driven rock. Their newer material continues to find airplay on online rock radio streams that support veteran artists with consistent quality output.

You can hear the iconic bass riff of "In the Meantime" and explore Spacehog's extensive catalog of glam-infused rock on the radio stations featured here. Listeners can discover their journey from 90s stars to resilient rock veterans through the variety of rock radio stations available on onairium.com.