Don’t Look Back in Anger: Oral History of 90s British Culture

Daniel Rachel's book 'Don’t Look Back in Anger' compiles interviews with key figures from 1990s British culture, including Damon Albarn, Noel Gallagher, Tracey Emin, and Tony Blair. The oral history chronicles the rise and fall of 'Cool Britannia' across pop music, fashion, art, and football. Rachel structures the decade in three acts: the recession-hit early 90s and rave culture, the mid-90s Britpop and YBA explosion, and the post-1997 deflation after New Labour's election. The book explores how Britpop's Union Jack imagery was often ironic but resonated with a generation nostalgic for pre-Thatcher working-class culture. Interviewees highlight the rejection of American cultural imperialism and the role of hedonism as a response to Thatcherism. The narrative also addresses the predominantly white nature of this revival and its depoliticized eulogy for destroyed working-class communities. Published by Trapeze at £20, the book was reviewed in the October 2019 issue of ArtReview.