Creation Stories: Riots, Raves and Running a Label
The manic, drug-addled rise and fall of Creation Records.
The Historical Context
Alan McGee was the ultimate music fan who accidentally built an empire. Creation Records defined British indie music for two decades, releasing records by The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream, and ultimately, Oasis. McGee's memoir is a high-speed collision of visionary A&R, staggering cocaine addiction, and near-fatal breakdowns. It is the definitive insider account of Britpop's imperial phase.
Deconstructing the Masterpiece
Here is exactly what you will find inside the pages of this pivotal work:
-
The chaotic transition from independent label to corporate behemoth.
-
The financial ruin caused by My Bloody Valentine's 'Loveless' recording sessions.
-
The cultural dominance of Oasis and the subsequent hangover.
The Myths & Controversies
McGee is entirely frank about his severe drug psychosis during the peak years of the label, and his controversial embrace of Tony Blair's 'Cool Britannia'.
The Verdict
A hyperactive, essential document of the greatest era in modern British independent music.
Archivist Notes: Creation Stories: Riots, Raves and Running a Label
About The Helter Skelter Archive
We are dedicated to preserving the raw, unfiltered history of rock music. Rejecting modern sanitized narratives, our editorial desk digs into out-of-print fanzines, rare biographies, and the chaotic history of the artists who built the culture. No AI rewrites, no corporate spin.
Add to Your Physical Archive
Support our independent platform. We may earn a small commission if you secure a physical copy via our links.
Join The Underground
Get rare archival footage, out-of-print fanzine scans, and exclusive reviews delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Just pure rock history.