Ben Ottewell, James Walsh (Starsailor), Gomez, et Starsailor

Consisting of Ian Ball and Ben Ottwell on vocals and guitars, Paul “Blackie” Blackburn on bass, Tom Gray on vocals, guitars and keyboards, and Olly Peacock on drums, synths and computer, Gomez played their first gig in 1996 at the Hyde Park Social Club in Leeds. During the summer of 1996 the band recorded their first demo, which made its way into the hands of manager Stephen Fellows, who helped them distribute the demos out to various record labels. The demo was a success and resulted in a bidding war between a number of record labels, but instead of playing a showcase, the band invited labels to come hear them play in studio.

After playing for over twenty-five labels, the band ultimately signed with Hut Records in September 1997. They immediately got to work on their first album and released “Bring It On” on 13 April 1998. The self-produced album went platinum and helped them win the Mercury Music prize in September 1998. Gomez followed up “Bring It On” with “Liquid Skin” in 1999, which also went on to also go platinum. They went out on tour and made headlining performances for festivals once again.

Unlike their first three albums, Gomez decided to not self-produce their fourth album, “Slit the Difference” which was released in 2004. The album reached the top 40 in both the United Kingdom and Australia. Unfortunately Hut Recordings was shut down, but Gomez was able to be released from their contract with their Hut Recording’s parent company, Virgin/EMI. Despite the label set back, the band continued to find success releasing their seventh studio album, “Whatever’s On Your Mind” on 21 June 2011.

Formed of Ben Byrne (drums), James Stelfox (bass), James Walsh (guitar, lead vocals) and Barry Westhead (keyboards), the original members met whilst studying at college near Wigan, England. Taking their name from a Tim Buckley album, the group took shape in early 2000, finding their sound through live shows. After recording their first demo, record companies took note of the act, with Starsailor finding several offers on the table that summer, choosing to sign with EMI.

Following an NME-sponsored tour, Starsailor released their debut single, “Fever,” in 2001, finding widespread critical acclaim in the process. Hailed as ‘Britain’s best new band,’ their first headline UK tour sold out quickly, before a second single, “Good Souls” appeared in April. It was not until September that their debut album, “Love Is Here,” appeared, bolstered by the success of their first Top Ten single, “Alcoholic.”

Tours followed, with Starsailor enjoying the critical acclaim that their debut received. Their second record, “Silence Is Easy,” took several years of work, finding difficulties with original producer, Phil Spector. It eventually arrived in 2004, reaching Gold status yet failing to match the success of its predecessor. Their third, 2006’s “On The Outside,” also failed to make the same impact, although it was a return to form with the quality of its songs.

In 2009, they enlisted Rolling Stones guitarist, Ron Wood, to help contribute to their fourth record, “All the Plans” released the same year. After the record, Starsailor went on an indefinite hiatus, not returning until 2014. They since reunited and performed at several festivals, including Summer in the City in the UK and Rock Zottegem in Belgium.