The British Invasion: The Sequel
Bridgerton. Royal Weddings. The Great British Baking Show. For decades, the U.S. has been enamored with English culture, media, and more. This fixation has seen an uptick in recent years with the popularity of British media in the U.S. and with U.S. media centered around the Brits (think Ted Lasso just last year). But, this major obsession really seems to be just a second wave, reflecting back to what was known as the O.G. “British Invasion” back in the 1960s and 70s. So, enjoy a stroll down recent (and not-so-recent) memory lane through a deep dive into British mania here in the states – specifically in the form of English musicians.
The “British Invasion” was a phrase coined in the mid-1960s, when rock and pop music from the UK (as well as other cultural elements) became popular in the states. This counterculture movement was headlined by plenty of popular groups and solo artists – The Rolling Stones, The Who, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and countless others – but few music groups properly encompass the British Invasion as well as The Beatles. This rock band composed of four Brits was also known as “The Fab Four” and was led by primary songwriters John Lennon and Paul McCartney. These four headlined the British Invasion almost single handedly with the so-called “Beatle-Mania” that they induced – fanaticism, particularly among young Americans – for their extensive and popular discography as well as their progressive look and music. Though the Beatles could hardly be considered a boy band (except for the effect they had on their fan base), the band really set the stage for other groups down the line, at least in terms of their fanatical audiences. Many of recent years’ popular British (boy) bands – One Direction, The Neighbourhood, The Vamps, McFly – have experienced similar rises to fame and audience fanaticism as the Beatles did decades ago. It definitely looks different this time around, but at its core, the sentiment still seems to hold true!
The initial British Invasion didn’t just end with the Beatles and their successors. Plenty of stand-out solo artists rose to fame later that decade and into the 70s, one of the most famous of which being Elton John. The “Rocket Man” is well known for his extensive discography ranging from upbeat 70s and 80s pop to heartfelt piano ballads and everything in between; perhaps even more so, Elton John is known for his extravagant and eccentric style. Another famous 70s rock and pop star with a similar style to Elton was David Bowie. The late “Starman'' was also incredibly influential on pop music, as well as lesser-known genres like glam rock. Bowie was known for almost reinventing himself with each new album, cycling through eras that coincided with his music. These ranged from the fabulous Ziggy Stardust to the iconic lightning-bolt-emblazoned Aladdin Sane, to the Thin White Duke of the late 70’s. One thing that never changed across Bowie’s eras, however, was his love for the avant-garde and camp, a love that rang true during his iconic concerts – which were a work of art in themselves. In recent years, one particular British artist has paid homage and been significantly influenced by these artists of yesteryear – of course, it’s Harry Styles. He’s done this in obvious ways – in 2018 he wore a beaded baseball uniform replicated from a 1975 Elton John concert look, and his iconic “Fine Line” outfit he dons on the cover of his sophomore album has been considered by many to be a direct homage to David Bowie’s similar dress shirt/high-waisted pants/suspenders combo from the 70s and 80s. But, he’s also done this in subtle ways – his general love for the 70s in particular comes through in his music style and fashion, and like those men did so many years ago, Harry continues to push boundaries when it comes to gender in fashion.
Obviously, these aren’t the only through lines between the two respective British Invasions. But if anything is clear, it’s that Americans’ fascination with our neighbors across the pond isn’t going away any time soon. Rex Orange County, Adele, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Labrinth… these are just a few of the other British artists who’ve taken our radio waves by storm in recent years. And honestly? We’re not that mad about it…
Written by Bella Correa, Photography: Esha Uddaraju, Social Media: Emma McMinn