The Last Party: Britpop, Blair and the Demise of English Rock
Demise English Rock: The Last Party by John Harris traces Britpop from 1994 to early 1998, linking the music scene with celebrity, the political mood around Tony Blair and the movement’s eventual decline. It draws on interviews with members of Oasis, Blur, Elastica and Suede, alongside music-industry and government figures.
At a glance
- Covers Britpop’s rise and decline between 1994 and early 1998.
- Connects bands, celebrity, music-industry economics and the political atmosphere of the Blair years.
- The listing says the book draws on interviews with Oasis, Blur, Elastica and Suede, as well as journalists, record executives and people close to government.
Reference price: $32.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- A substantial 464-page account suits readers wanting a detailed narrative rather than a brief overview.
- Its stated coverage brings music and politics together, which may appeal to readers interested in the wider Cool Britannia period.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Harper Perennial GB |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 22 September 2004 |
| Edition | Revised ed. |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 464 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0007134738 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0007134731 |
| Weight listed | 340 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.29 x 12.7 x 2.69 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes the book as a history of Britpop, but its stated period is specifically 1994 to early 1998. Buyers seeking coverage beyond that period should check whether this scope suits them.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Britpop and the cultural moment surrounding Oasis, Blur, Elastica and Suede.
- Readers looking for a narrative connecting British rock, music business and the Blair-era political climate.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a current account of British music or a history extending well beyond the book’s stated 1994 to early 1998 period.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
62% 62% - 4 stars
25% 25% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
2% 2%
The supplied evidence contains aggregate ratings but no customer comments, so it cannot show what readers specifically liked or disliked. The distribution is weighted towards five- and four-star ratings, with a smaller share of lower ratings. Treat that as a broad reception signal, not evidence about the book’s accuracy, interview quality or fit for a particular reader.
Frequently asked questions
What period does The Last Party cover?
The listing says it begins in 1994 and closes in the first months of 1998.
Which artists are included?
The description names Oasis, Blur, Elastica and Suede, and says the book draws on interviews with members of the major bands.
Does the book cover politics as well as music?
Yes. Its description places Britpop alongside Tony Blair’s return to government, celebrity and the political optimism of the period.
