Luke Haines blasts Britpop heavyweights

Black Box Recorder frontman Luke Haines has criticised Blur, Radiohead and Oasis in his new book.

The singer, who was also formerly a member of The Auteurs, writes about the '90s indie bands in his autobiography Bad Vibes: Britpop And My Part In Its Downfall.

Haines describes Oasis as "mindless northern bluff", while Blur are deemed "a masterclass in media complicity" and "habitual bandwagon jumpers".

He is most critical of Radiohead, who he claims are "that most heinous of creatures, a heavy rock outfit, fright-wig and all".

Haines's book blames Kurt Cobain for the rise of the Britpop music scene, arguing that the grunge star's death allowed the more light-hearted music to flourish.

"Without the abrupt end of Nirvana there would have been no light entertainment battle for number one between Blur and Oasis," he said.

"Not only did Cobain kill himself, he went and left the bloody door open on his way out."

Black Box Recorder, whose last album was 2003's Passionoia, will play their first live shows in five years at London's Luminaire in February. The band's hits include 'The Facts Of Life' and 'England Made Me'.