Metromania: Bright lights - Richard Oakes

Wednesday 19 October 1994 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Halfway through studying for his A-levels, Richard Oakes landed a nice little earner as guitarist in (squeal) Suede. He didn't actually apply for the job (500 other people did) - instead he was auditioned on the strength of an impromptu demo tape he sent to the band's fan club. Self-assured, good-looking, the boy's a natural.

Age: 17 Star sign: Libra ('Yeah, I'm well balanced.') Birthplace: Perivale, west London People say: 'He can play like the devil, he really can. He writes as well, and he hasn't just been in rock bands before. He's played with jazz bands and he's got an overall sense of music' - Brett Anderson, singer, Suede He says: 'I'm a good guitarist and I'm self-taught, not trained. I'm not fazed by what I'm doing or going to have a nervous breakdown. It's a job.'

Big break: 'Life has changed unbelievably since I started with the band. I don't know anyone my age any more, I've moved house, I'm earning money and playing big gigs. I've sampled the high life and adapted to it very quickly.

No, it's not a dream come true - but I know I'm very, very lucky.'

Recipe for success: 'Believe in yourself if you're good at something. When the big chance comes, go for it.'

Philosophy of life: 'I'm not old enough to have a philosophy.'

Fame is: 'I've not sampled real fame yet. Sure some housewife in Shropshire has read about me, but I can still walk down the street.'

Most embarrassing public moment: 'When Brett introduces me as 'our new boy' and the fans chant my name. Also, when we were playing in France our guitar leads got severed and we couldn't play. That was one of my first gigs.'

In five years' time: 'I'd like to be in the same place, except with five hit albums and writing a sixth one. And I'll still be living for music.'

(Photograph omitted)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in