Reviewing politics
and culture since 1913

Could it be magic?: Inside Britain’s boyband machine

The 90s belongs as much to boybands as it does to Britpop.


The 90’s is often heralded as the era of Blur, Oasis, Pulp – but this decade belongs as much to boybands as it does to Britpop. But what was behind these manufactured groups? What does this era reveal about Britain’s relationship with class and masculinity? And will Robbie Williams’ legacy be a CGI monkey?

Tom Gatti is joined by senior commissioning editor at the New Statesman, Anna Leskiewicz and writer Emma Garland.

Read: Robbie Williams’ anti-redemption arc, by Emma Garland


Subscribers to the New Statesman can listen ad-free in our app. Download it on iOS or Android.

Not a regular podcast listener? Read our guide on how to listen to New Statesman

Content from our partners
Mental health: The productivity puzzle
Resilience starts with design and disclosure
A power for good?

Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month