Suede Tease Wild ‘Anarcho-Punk’ Record on Mercury Prize Red Carpet

Suede arrived at the 2026 Mercury Prize red carpet in Newcastle ready to celebrate, regardless of whether they went home with the evening's grand prize. The British alt-rock icons turned heads outside the ceremony with an electric presence, quickly pivoting conversations about their nominated music into an unexpected preview of their sonic future. While marking the shortlist recognition for their tenth studio effort, *Antidepressants*, founding members Mat Osman and Simon Gilbert paused to look ahead. The musicians revealed they are currently deep into developing their next LP, styling the work in progress as an unapologetic "anarcho-punk" collection rooted in tribal connection and community.

Watch

Clips tied to this story.

▶Watch on YouTube

▶Watch on Instagram

According to red carpet interviews, the veteran group is charging headlong into an aggressive, stripped-back sound. Suede confirmed that sessions for the project are already moving rapidly. Rather than resting on the acclaim that carried *Antidepressants* onto the shortlist, the musicians are embracing a gritty, confrontational edge designed around primal themes of belonging. The band later delivered a live performance of their track "Dancing With The Europeans" during the event. Although the overall Mercury honor ultimately went to Raye for *This Music May Contain Hope*—which also bested contenders like Florence & The Machine, Nia Archives, Jade, and Kojey Radical—Suede appeared completely unbothered by the outcome.

BUZZBEAT

Pausing on the carpet, the band confessed they never felt any nerves about the final verdict, primarily because they already claimed the trophy more than three decades ago. Suede took home the Mercury Prize in 1993 for their self-titled debut. Osman admitted that because the band presumed they would lose back then, the revelry started before the envelopes were unsealed. Bassist Osman recalled that since winners were not obligated to perform that night, the group started drinking quite early, resulting in an acceptance speech he remembers as entirely incoherent. Drummer Gilbert similarly reminisced about downing most of the available drinks. That unbothered rock-and-roll attitude carried right through Newcastle, showing that Suede still treats music ceremonies as an open-ended celebration.