Suede - Gothenburg’s 400th Anniversary Festival: Iconic Britpop Band Rocks Frihamnen

Legendary Britpop pioneers Suede brought their iconic sound to Gothenburg as part of the city’s 400th Anniversary Festival. Opening the four-day celebration, the London-based band delivered a powerful set that showcased their glam-infused rock anthems to an enthusiastic harbour-side crowd.

Photos and Words by Jonas Gustafsson

Suede: A Britpop Legacy

Suede, known in the US as The London Suede, are one of the most influential English rock bands of the 1990s. Formed in London in 1989 by singer Brett Anderson, guitarist Justine Frischmann, and bassist Mat Osman, the band quickly rose to prominence with their distinctive mix of glam rock, post-punk, and art rock sensibilities.

In 1992, Melody Maker named them "The Best New Band in Britain," and their debut album, Suede, released the following year, topped the UK Albums Chart. It became the fastest-selling debut album in nearly a decade, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, and helped shape the Britpop movement – even though the band themselves preferred to distance from the label. Hits like Animal Nitrate, So Young, and The Drowners established Suede’s reputation for moody, anthemic rock paired with Brett Anderson’s charismatic and theatrical vocals.

Gothenburg’s 400th Anniversary Festival

Gothenburg celebrated its 400th anniversary with a four-day festival in early June 2023, spread across three stages in the Frihamnen harbour area. Suede opened the festival on June 2nd, delivering a set that drew fans from across the city and beyond.

A Night to Remember

With their blend of nostalgia, energy, and musicianship, Suede created a fitting start to the city-wide celebration. Their performance delighted long-time fans and introduced their timeless sound to new listeners. For a city marking four centuries, Suede’s set provided a perfect soundtrack: stylish, dramatic, and unmistakably British, leaving an indelible mark on Gothenburg’s anniversary festivities.