Gene
Britpop's most openly Smiths-shaped band, and a genuinely great one live — romantic, literate, and better than the revivalist tag ever allowed.
Gene formed in London in the early 1990s around singer Martin Rossiter, guitarist Steve Mason, bassist Kevin Miles and drummer Matt James. Their debut album Olympian appeared in 1995, and they released Drawn to the Deep End, Revelations and Libertine before splitting in 2004.
Comparisons to The Smiths followed the band from the start, drawn from Rossiter's literate, emotive lyrics and vocal phrasing and from Mason's ringing guitar lines, though the group also worked in soul and glam influences. They were regarded as a strong live act, and their early singles and B-sides were collected on To See the Lights.
Festivals Gene is playing
Gene at a glance
What festivals is Gene playing in 2026?
Gene is booked at 1 festival: Darker Waves 2026.
Is Gene playing Darker Waves 2026?
Yes — Gene is on the Darker Waves 2026 lineup, November 14, 2026 at Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach, CA. They play Saturday, November 14.
Where is Gene from?
Gene is from London, UK.
What kind of music does Gene play?
Gene is tagged britpop and indie-rock.
Also on these bills
Manic Street PreachersThe SoundsMorrisseyThe Smashing PumpkinsSimple MindsBad ReligionAdam AntThe Psychedelic FursSoft CellThe DamnedGary NumanSilversun Pickups
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