The Beta Band: Biography

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• Scott 4
• Rome
• Broadcast
• The Brian Jonestown Massacre
• Spiritualized
• The Verve
• Kid Loco

• Beck
• Pink Floyd
• Can
• Jethro Tull
• Kraftwerk
• Thom Yorke
• Spacemen 3

• Illinois
• Tunng
• Dark Captain Light Captain
• Cash Cash
• Trembling Bells
• Harlem Shakes
• Guillemots

• King Biscuit Time
• Gordon Anderson
• The Aliens
• Black Affair
• Lone Pigeon

Formed:

Jan 1, 1997 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Disbanded:

Jan 1, 2004

Genres:

Electronic & Dance Music, Trip Hop Music, Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

Their sound veering from post-grunge balladry to funk and ambient breakbeat to Madchester acid-house, the Beta Band emerged on the British scene as (nominally) a pop group with few similarities to any other act going. Formed around three friends originally from Edinburgh -- vocalist Stephen Mason, drummer Robin Jones, and DJ/sampler John Maclean -- the group later added bassist Richard Greentree. Scant months after forming, the Beta Band gained a formidable ally in gaining exposure: manager Brian Cannon, the designer responsible for virtually every Oasis sleeve released to that point. The group's first EP, 1997's Champion Versions, featured mixing by the Verve's Nick McCabe. Two additional EPs followed in early 1998, The Patty Patty Sound and Los Amigos del Beta Bandidos. After collecting all three EPs on an album, the Beta Band began recording for their proper debut, a self-titled effort released in 1999. While prepping for the release of their sophomore effort, Hot Shots II in summer 2001, the Beta Band scored the opening slot on Radiohead's monumental summer tour of the United States.

- John Bush, All Music Guide