Click on the Name to see what gear they play!!
JOHN HARDMAN a.k.a LightninboyLead Guitar & Backing Vocals
"Its the hair right?.........Chix dig the hair! After starting guitar at the relatively late age of 15, John's talent soon became evident and quickly progressed. His first 2 gigs were in front of 4,000 and 20 reps from Island records Europe!! A touring guitarist with Sheffield's Comsat Angels and an early member of D'Lear (now the up and coming KIK), John knew that being a musician would be his dream job. A couple of original and failed bands later John turned his attention to the clubland covers circuit where he played with Sin City then the popular Tigerzye. Jumping ship for the chance to earn more and travel further John joined SkitzoFrenia who were at that time were the "other GutterBand". The band were highly successful touring Europe and England. All good things come to an end however and the band folded after briefly relocating to Holland. John's next project was with Bailey's Comet, an original band featuring the likes of Dez Bailey (MTV), Fasker Johnson (Saxon), Nigel Durham (Saxon) and Alexander Edwards (Alexander's Palace). They recorded an album which received great reviews and toured, the highlight being The Gods 2002 supporting Harem Scarem, Jeff Scott Soto and Honeymoon Suite to name a few. Tony Martin (ex Black Sabbath) joined on vocals along with Danny Needham and Jamie Mallender also completing the touring line up. John also got the invitation to perform with gothic/industrial rock band Sins Of The Flesh live in Japan which he snapped up. John continues to be an integral member of SOTF performing in Japan and worldwide. With their debut album released and tours of Germany and Russia completed already in 2007, 2008 promises to be an exciting time for John, "Stagefright are THE best covers band I've worked with and will bring energy fun and good old fashioned rock n roll back to clubland"! |
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MATT COOPER a.k.a Matt BlackLead Vocals
Being extremely versatile in music Matt has been playing Keys for 12years, Guitar for 8yrs and being a vocalist for the past 5yrs. He only learned to play the guitar and he quotes "you may take the piss" after his dad dragged him (kicking and screaming) to a Quo concert. The talented Matt started out originally gigging with a covers band named THE FRAME then moved on to another band named FREAK BOUTIQUE, he decided this wasnt for him and joined a Barnsley based original band named CRAVINGS. Matt wanted to play more of his favourite bands so reformed THE FRAME in 2004 but struggled to find the right musicians. The new line up renamed themselves as MIDNIGHT TRAIN. After the Baileys Comet reunion/party Matt was asked to participate in an original band featuring Danny Needham, Jamie Mallender and none other than legendary axeman Zal Cleminson from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. The band is currently writing and rehearsing and whilst Zal takes a break, is planning for touring and recording in 2008. Matt teaches guitar during the week whilst playing in various funky house night clubs across good old Yorkshire. His main influences vocally include Paul Rodgers, Steve Perry and Danny Bowes to name a few. |
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PHIL TOHER a.k.a Mr Smooth or Dad!Bass & Backing Vocals
Easily the most experienced member of the band, with over 1,500 gigs under his belt, Phil started playing bass at 17 and was on the clubs at the age of 20 playing with the band Monterey. This 5 piece band played together for over 3 and a half years. Phil developed many of his influences during this time ranging from Level 42's Mark King to many of the 80's rock bands such as Bon Jovi and Queen to name two! Phil continued to evolve as a bassist refining his skills in rock, funk, pop and even some jazz. Band wise, Phil moved on to the fully pro band Africa, (still going strong today!) playing anything up to 40 gigs back to back and travelling through most of the UK's finest (and worst) establishments! Phil then spent several years in original bands such as Secretsun and the popular Calluna. After taking a break from gigging Phil's dusting off the many basses and amp's and is ready to return to his roots.....rocking with Vertego and now Stagefright! Phil's pastimes include running a successful property development company and keeping the UK's alcohol and brewery industries in work!! |
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Christian J. Hayes a.k.a C.J!Drums & Backing Vocals
In his heyday, Chris's dad Michael Hayes was a well respected drummer, playing drums for stars such as Shirley Bassey, Frankie Vaughn, Joe Cocker and even the late great Buddy Rich. So it was pretty inevitable that Chris would follow in his dads footsteps and pick up the sticks.
Chris's first few bands VICIOUS FENCE, JADED HEART and PROMISE were your typical pub bands, no real aspirations apart from having a good time and earning enough to buy the drinks. Then in 1999 Chris formed DEADINE, an original Melodic Rock band.They recorded an EP and a full CD and began picking up support slots with well known rock acts up such as Vaughn, Ten, and Bob Catley and were the support act for US Singer Mitch Malloy on his 2002 UK Tour.
In 2003 a chance meeting with a certain John Oxley lead to Chris being asked to join well known club act ALCATRAZ. Five years with Alcatraz gave Chris lots of experience including supporting SLADE in Germany in 2005. You may have also seen Chris drumming for GUNS N OATCAKES, RED MOSQUITO, 3 WAY SPLIT and COYOTE as he is often asked step in at short notice when a band need a drummer.
When not drumming, Chris can usually be found either at the stables looking after his 3 horses or in Mississippi visiting his Dad! His drumming heroes are Mike Hayes, Michael Sweet, Mike Portnoy, Michael Clayton, and Michael Foster (anyone spot a pattern?)
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Matt Bird a.k.a Matt Finnish or Matt G.I!!Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
The lovely Matt started off his musical interests when he @ the age of 15 started to roadie for a band named"Bonzai" The guitarist in the band taught him various techniques etc, this in turn sent him on his way to buying his very own guitar and went off to find a band. Matt has been rocking the lead guitar for 4years now by simply watching and learning from others. He has been in various bands whilst studying music @ Barnsley College. Matt has many influences the biggest being a chap named " Eddie Van Halen".
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