The band was formed in 1995, the original members being John Dugan, Bill Branch, Paul McGhee and John Branch. Bill had formerly been in the 1970's rock group Necromandus, who had been managed by Black Sabbath guitarist Tommi Iomi. His son John, only 15 when we started up, was already a fine drummer. Paul McGhee was a punk country player. Regrettably, his vanity was exceeded only by his ability. John Dugan had played in Social Club bands in the 70's, and was (and still is) determined never to play in between bingo sessions ever again.
Tragically, Bill died before we had even played a gig. At the last minute Steve Smith stepped into the breach and on 13th April 1995 a bunch of very nervous people stepped onto the stage at the Three Tuns in Whitehaven for their first outing. Thanks to the support of family and friends the first gig was a great success, God knows why 'cos the whole thing was held together with string at the beginning!
Since then, John Branch has been to University and is now a graduate in Politics, drainage engineer, and drummer with several bands in Newcastle, principally Novasmoke www.novasmoke.com
Between 1997 and 2001 our drummer was Bryan Sowerby, a post modernist punk who used to shout a lot if he hadn't got monitors! Latest from the "where are my effing monitors" school of hitting things really hard and making a noise is Ian Sweeney, long time band friend and ace photographer.
Original bassman Paul McGhee left West Cumbria to go and live in Manchester. He is now a student at Salford University. Catch up with him here. Watch an hilarious George Bush spoof that he has produced here. He was replaced by Graham O'Neill, also a long time band friend. Graham's nickname was Unyan, don't ask us why. He left 'cos he wanted to cause hearing damage beyond our power to provide. Catch up with him here
Latest recruit is Alan Stubbs, a superb all-round musician. Alan has played in various local bands, mostly as singer and lead guitarist. Alan likes both kinds of music; heavy and metal.
| John Dugan playing his 1967 Gibson SG which is his main stage guitar. Over the years John has tried out several different guitars for stage work but always comes back to the SG which is a very rare instrument with an ebony fingerboard which seems to give it more bite. For more info on John's guitars and set-up click here | Alan
Stubbs at Maryport blues festival 2006. In the rain. On a bus.
Alan plays a Cort active bass through a Laney 300 combo/stack. |
Ian Sweeny gives us his most winning smile whilst playing at a charity gig at that well known blues venue the Cleator Moor Working men's club. Coincidentally, Bryan Sowerby our former drummer organised that gig. | Unfortunately we don't seem to have any pics of Steve without a microphone up his nose.This is probably a good thing as we don't want to frighten the children. |