Republica are an English alternative rock band formed in Windsor, Berkshire, in 1994. The group became one of the more distinctive British acts of the mid-1990s by combining electronic dance production, aggressive guitar, synthesizers and punk-influenced energy. Fronted by Saffron, Republica described their approach as "techno-pop punk rock," a phrase that captured their mixture of club music and confrontational rock performance.
The band grew from the songwriting partnership of Tim Dorney, formerly a keyboard player with Flowered Up, and producer and engineer Andy Todd. They recruited vocalist Saffron, who had already worked in dance music with N-Joi and The Shamen, and later added guitarist Johnny Male and drummer Dave Barbarossa. Barbarossa brought an established pedigree from his work with Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow. The lineup evolved during the group's early years, but the combination of Saffron's forceful vocals and the band's electronic-rock backing became its defining identity.
Republica issued their first single, "Out of This World," in 1994, followed by "Bloke" in 1995. Their breakthrough came with "Ready to Go," initially released in 1996 and later reissued in a more rock-oriented version. The song became their signature track, driven by a persistent synth hook, distorted guitar and Saffron's commanding vocal. It reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and also became a major alternative-radio success in the United States.
The band's self-titled debut album was released internationally in 1996 and 1997. It reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and established Republica as a prominent act within the era's crossover between Britpop, alternative rock and electronic music. Alongside "Ready to Go," the album produced the singles "Bloke" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous." The latter reached number seven in the United Kingdom, giving Republica two major Top 20 singles and confirming the band's commercial peak. Tracks such as "From Rush Hour with Love" and "Out of This World" further demonstrated their preference for propulsive rhythms and sharply melodic songwriting rather than conventional guitar-rock arrangements.
Republica's second album, Speed Ballads, followed in 1998. It retained the group's high-energy electronic-rock formula but appeared at a time when musical fashions were changing rapidly. The album received British distribution, although it did not match the international impact of the debut. Republica subsequently went on hiatus in 2001.
The band reunited in 2008, with Saffron continuing as its central vocalist. The reunion led to renewed live activity and a 2010 re-recording of "Ready to Go," produced by Andy Gray and Alan Moulder. Republica's reputation has remained closely connected to their visual and performance style: Saffron's theatrical presence, colorful image and direct delivery were integral to the group's identity as well as its recordings.
Republica remain best known for "Ready to Go," a durable 1990s anthem that has continued to appear in sports, advertising and popular culture. The band has remained active as a live act, with official listings promoting a 2026 "Ready to Go 30" tour marking three decades since the song and debut album first brought Republica to prominence.