For millions of British music fans, Feeder's 2001 smash 'Buck Rogers' represents the ultimate guitar-driven anthem - all crashing chords and infectious choruses. But beneath its stadium-ready surface lies a surprising literary secret that connects the Welsh rockers to none other than William Shakespeare.
The Bard Meets Britrock
In a revealing new interview, Feeder frontman Grant Nicholas has disclosed how Shakespeare's timeless themes of love, mortality and human connection directly influenced what would become one of the defining rock tracks of the early 2000s.
"People often assume 'Buck Rogers' is just about sci-fi or having a good time," Nicholas explains, "but there's a deeper emotional core that draws from classical storytelling traditions."
Beyond the Space Age References
While the song's title references the 1930s space adventurer, its lyrical content explores universal human experiences that echo Shakespeare's greatest works. The track's celebration of living in the moment and seizing opportunities mirrors the Carpe Diem philosophy found throughout the Bard's sonnets and plays.
Nicholas reveals how the song's seemingly simple chorus - "He's got a brand new car / Looks like a Jaguar" - actually serves as a modern metaphor for the same material aspirations and social commentary that populated Elizabethan drama.
From Cult Favourites to Chart Dominance
Released as part of their acclaimed 'Echo Park' album, 'Buck Rogers' transformed Feeder from respected indie darlings into mainstream chart contenders. The track's unexpected commercial success demonstrated how sophisticated literary influences could connect with mass audiences when wrapped in an irresistible rock package.
"The song works on multiple levels," Nicholas reflects. "You can enjoy it as a pure rock anthem, but there are deeper layers there for those who want to find them."
Enduring Legacy
Nearly a quarter-century after its release, 'Buck Rogers' remains a staple of British rock radio and festival sets. Its longevity speaks to the power of combining immediate musical appeal with substantial lyrical content - a balance that Shakespeare himself mastered centuries earlier.
The revelation adds Feeder to a distinguished lineage of British artists who have drawn inspiration from the country's rich literary heritage, proving that great storytelling transcends both centuries and genres.
