Exploding Sheep
Bio
Band members names - Role in band:
Rob Dix: Guitars/Vocals
Andrew Francis: Guitars
Ellen Forster: Bass guitar/occasional backing vocals
Matt Bennington: Drums
Brief Band History
Exploding Sheep formed in 1997 and after sacking about thirteen percussionists the line up was confirmed as Gemma Smith on vocals, Rob on guitars, Matt on drums and Ellen on bass. They then went on to spend the best part of a year doing that thing where you go "oh yeah, I'm in a band", without actually doing anything musical.
Still having done very little, the 4-piece became five, as Eleanor Franks was recruited as an additional vocalist, or an extra pair of hands to lug the drums around as it turned out to be.
Spurred on by the realisation that they might have to actually get qualifications and - don't say it - jobs if they didn't get their act together, ES started to rehearse and write the Flock Rocking Beats EP, which was recorded in March 1999. By this point there were only 3 full time sheep - Eleanor winding down for her imminent departure to a life of state subsidised hedonism (university), and Gemma conspiring to be in Edinburgh during the recording for no apparent reason.
1999 turned out to be the busiest year yet for ES - gigs at the prestigious Upstairs @ The Garage and The Peel supplimented by many more at less prestigious venues, and the first issue of the ES fanzine Sheep Eat Cake showing how their appeal had spread in a relatively short time.
During 2000, the band spent summer locked away in the studio, and emerged eagerly clutching a copy of their first 'proper' album Cake Or Death. They then took to the road to promote it, playing the Red Eye, the Bull & Gate, and more. It was during these appearances that the song 'Please Come To My Barbecue Kevin' achieved legendary status. The 3-piece now became 4 again with the addition of Andrew on guitar.
2001 has been a quiet year for the 'Sheep, mainly due to looming exam pressures, but they managed to make another appearance at the Red Eye, as well as a few local gigs.
Influences:
"Earlier on it was bands like Radish, Ash and Symposium, but now there are so many diverse influences throughout our songs. I suppose that as a whole, the band which has made the biggest impression on us recently is Snow Patrol."
What are your plans for the future, releases, tours etc..?
Exploding Sheep will be having a sabbatical, at the moment lasting an indefinite length of time. They will however be making one last live appearance on June 2nd, at Brigade Hall, South Harrow. Be there. It's gonna be emotional.
Rob Dix: Guitars/Vocals
Andrew Francis: Guitars
Ellen Forster: Bass guitar/occasional backing vocals
Matt Bennington: Drums
Brief Band History
Exploding Sheep formed in 1997 and after sacking about thirteen percussionists the line up was confirmed as Gemma Smith on vocals, Rob on guitars, Matt on drums and Ellen on bass. They then went on to spend the best part of a year doing that thing where you go "oh yeah, I'm in a band", without actually doing anything musical.
Still having done very little, the 4-piece became five, as Eleanor Franks was recruited as an additional vocalist, or an extra pair of hands to lug the drums around as it turned out to be.
Spurred on by the realisation that they might have to actually get qualifications and - don't say it - jobs if they didn't get their act together, ES started to rehearse and write the Flock Rocking Beats EP, which was recorded in March 1999. By this point there were only 3 full time sheep - Eleanor winding down for her imminent departure to a life of state subsidised hedonism (university), and Gemma conspiring to be in Edinburgh during the recording for no apparent reason.
1999 turned out to be the busiest year yet for ES - gigs at the prestigious Upstairs @ The Garage and The Peel supplimented by many more at less prestigious venues, and the first issue of the ES fanzine Sheep Eat Cake showing how their appeal had spread in a relatively short time.
During 2000, the band spent summer locked away in the studio, and emerged eagerly clutching a copy of their first 'proper' album Cake Or Death. They then took to the road to promote it, playing the Red Eye, the Bull & Gate, and more. It was during these appearances that the song 'Please Come To My Barbecue Kevin' achieved legendary status. The 3-piece now became 4 again with the addition of Andrew on guitar.
2001 has been a quiet year for the 'Sheep, mainly due to looming exam pressures, but they managed to make another appearance at the Red Eye, as well as a few local gigs.
Influences:
"Earlier on it was bands like Radish, Ash and Symposium, but now there are so many diverse influences throughout our songs. I suppose that as a whole, the band which has made the biggest impression on us recently is Snow Patrol."
What are your plans for the future, releases, tours etc..?
Exploding Sheep will be having a sabbatical, at the moment lasting an indefinite length of time. They will however be making one last live appearance on June 2nd, at Brigade Hall, South Harrow. Be there. It's gonna be emotional.