Bush (British band)
English rock band known for 1990s alt-rock hits.
Bush are an English rock band that came together in London in 1992. As of 2026, the group includes lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Gavin Rossdale, lead guitarist Chris Traynor, bassist Corey Britz, and drummer Nik Hughes. The band found quick success outside the UK with their first album, *Sixteen Stone* (1994), which went on to earn six-times multi-platinum certification from the RIAA. Over the years, they have placed numerous singles in the top ten of the Billboard rock charts, and their 1996 album *Razorblade Suitcase* hit No. 1. Bush split up in 2002 but got back together in 2010, releasing six more albums since then: *The Sea of Memories* (2011), *Man on the Run* (2014), *Black and White Rainbows* (2017), *The Kingdom* (2020), *The Art of Survival* (2022), and *I Beat Loneliness* (2025). Formation and *Sixteen Stone* (1992–1995) After leaving his earlier band Midnight, Gavin Rossdale met Nigel Pulsford, formerly of King Blank, at a Wembley show by Baby Animals opening for Bryan Adams in November 1991. They bonded over a shared love for artists like Big Black, the Fall, Pixies, and the Velvet Underground, and formed a group they called Future Primitive. A British record label executive later described their early sound as leaning toward the more commercial side of INXS. To round out the lineup, they brought in bassist Dave Parsons, and drummer Robin Goodridge joined in mid-1993, just before the band signed a deal. While still using the name Future Primitive, they released the song "Bomb" (later included on their debut) as a single on Rossdale’s own Mad Dog Winston Records. Rossdale had hoped to sign with 4AD, drawn to the label by his love for Cocteau Twins, Pixies, and Throwing Muses. In 1993, the band was signed by Rob Kahane, who had a distribution arrangement with Disney’s Hollywood Records. They finished recording *Sixteen Stone* in early 1994, but the death of Disney executive Frank G. Wells removed a key supporter for Kahane, and Hollywood Records deemed the album unfit for release. The band members took on menial jobs to get by. Eventually, Interscope Records decided to put out the album, and at the end of 1994, Kahane sent an advance copy to a friend at influential Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM, which added "Everything Zen" to its playlist. In North America, *Sixteen Stone* peaked at No.
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Alias
- Bushx / Future Primitive / Bush with Gavin Rossdale
- Origin
- London, England
- Genre
- Post-grunge / grunge / hard rock / alternative rock
- Works
- Discography
- Years Active
- 1992–2002 / 2010–present
- Label
- Entertainment One / Kirtland / SPV / Atlantic / Trauma / Interscope / Zuma Rock
- Spinoffs
- Institute
- Current Members
- Gavin Rossdale / Chris Traynor / Corey Britz / Nik Hughes
- Past Members
- Nigel Pulsford / Dave Parsons / Robin Goodridge
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Bush formed after Gavin Rossdale met Nigel Pulsford at a Wembley performance by Baby Animals in November 1991. They initially called themselves Future Primitive and released the song 'Bomb' through Rossdale's own label. The lineup was completed by bassist Dave Parsons and drummer Robin Goodridge. The band signed with Rob Kahane, who had a distribution deal with Disney's Hollywood Records, but after the death of Disney executive Frank G. Wells, Hollywood deemed the debut album unacceptable. Interscope Records eventually released Sixteen Stone in 1994, and the album gained traction after KROQ-FM added 'Everything Zen' to its rotation.
In Canada, the band was forced to release their first two albums under the name BushX due to a dispute with a 1970s Canadian band named Bush. The matter was resolved in 1997 when Gavin Rossdale and Canadian band leader Domenic Troiano negotiated an agreement: the British band dropped the X in exchange for donating $20,000 each to the Starlight Foundation and the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. Bush's second album, Razorblade Suitcase, hit No. 1 in America, and the band later released the remix album Deconstructed. The Science of Things (1999) featured electronic influences and achieved platinum status, helped by their performance at Woodstock '99.
After the release of Golden State in 2001, Nigel Pulsford retired in January 2002, and Chris Traynor filled in for the subsequent tour. Due to declining sales and lack of label support, Bush disbanded in 2002. Rossdale formed Institute with Traynor, then pursued a solo career. The band reformed in 2010 and has since released six albums, including The Sea of Memories (2011), Man on the Run (2014), Black and White Rainbows (2017), The Kingdom (2020), The Art of Survival (2022), and I Beat Loneliness (2025).
Reader's Guide
Bush were a defining act of the mid-1990s alternative rock scene, particularly in North America, where their debut album Sixteen Stone sold six million copies. Their sound, rooted in grunge and post-punk influences, produced enduring hits like 'Glycerine' and 'Comedown.' Despite their massive US success, the band remained considerably less popular in their home country, the UK. Their career illustrates the transatlantic divide in rock music consumption during the 1990s. The band's ability to reform after an eight-year hiatus and continue releasing albums into the 2020s demonstrates their sustained fan base and Rossdale's commitment to the project. Their legal battle with a Canadian band over naming rights and the subsequent charitable resolution is a notable footnote in music industry history. While their later work did not replicate the commercial heights of the 1990s, Bush remain a significant reference point for post-grunge and alternative rock.
Did You Know?
- Bush were initially called Future Primitive before adopting the name Bush.
- In Canada, the band had to release their first two albums as BushX due to a naming dispute with a 1970s Canadian band.
- The band's debut album Sixteen Stone was originally deemed unacceptable for release by Disney's Hollywood Records.
- Bush's performance at Woodstock '99 helped their third album The Science of Things achieve platinum status.
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