Unlike the effects-laden dream pop of his previous band, Ride, guitarist Andy Bell fleshed out the '70s-inspired rock he began to pursue in his former band with Hurricane #1. Along with vocalist/guitarist Alex Lowe, bassist Will Pepper, and drummer Gareth Farmer, the group released its debut, Hurricane #1, in 1997. "Step Into My World," a single from the album, was featured in a commercial for Volkswagon. Soon after the release of Only the Strongest Will Survive in April 1999, Bell quit the band and joined Oasis as its new bassist.