Y
2002

2002 in British Music

Pop Idol creates stars, grime stirs in East London, and the guitar revival surges.

Key Events

  • Pop Idol's Will Young and Gareth Gates dominate — reality TV pop is born
  • Dizzee Rascal and Wiley begin making grime in Bow — a new British sound emerges
  • The Libertines release Up the Bracket — a chaotic, romantic rock revival

Dominant Genres

PopRockGrimeR&B

Notable Trends

  • Reality TV becomes the new star-making machinery
  • Garage rock revival goes mainstream with The Libertines
  • Grime begins its journey from pirate radio to Britain's most vital sound

Key Artists of 2002

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