pagetwo

The Band

 




The Band Comprises Of Four Members

 

Jo Cummings Guitar and vocals

I went along to one of Jon s band rehearsals and wrote them a few lyrics. They liked what I did and asked me to join them and the Smoking Popes was born. After numerous gigs (not all good) the band split.

Then one day whilst skiving at work in 1999 I saw Phil s advert in the local rag and called him to arrange for an audition to play guitar for the band. However Phil had other ideas and I became the Vocalist too.

After a few line up changes Harry, who I have know for years, joined the band. a while Later Jon returned to Staffordshire from London just about the time that the guitarist who was in the band at the time left. Jon was the obvious choice as his replacement. The rest is History.

Influences- All About Eve, Christian Death etc.

Likes- Doris Day.

Dislikes- Des O' Connor

  

                                     
Jon Cummings - guitar            

After leaving school in June 92 I formed my first band with ex school pals Ben and Jon. 
After many different line ups we sort a vocalist that could not only sing but also write sensible and meaningful lyrics. 
I didn’t have to look far, so in entered big sis Joe and guitarist Noff and we formed the Smoking Popes’. 


After about an 18 month stay together and numerous gigs 
we split, and I went off to London in 95 to seek a new career. 
Whilst there I again formed a band, but with no real direction.
Re-locating again back to the midlands, Sister Joe and life long buddy Harry dagger 
were playing in a Goth band called Maelstrom, with drummer Phil and guitarist Paul. 
After settling back Paul decided to leave the band and I was once more given the chance to play guitar.
After getting back into playing live, I’m absolutely loving every minute of it and hope that you do to. 
See you at the next gig.   


 

                                                         Harry  Dagger - Bass

I formed my first band ‘Terminal Kiss’ in 1989, as a vocalist/bass player doing lots of Jesus and Mary Chain’ covers. I’ve been in various bands since and was asked to join Maelstrom in 1999. I’ve known, and have been friends with Joe and Jon since I was about 9yrs old.

My favourite bands include ‘Cocteau Twins Bauhaus,
Marc Almond/Soft Cell The Specials The Selecter The Smiths’ Tears for Fears’ the list is endless. 
I love most types of music but Goth is my biggest passion.

The first record I ever bought was the theme to Dr. Who by Ron Grainer and the BBC Radiophonic workshop, what a fantastic piece of music! (Sorry, I’m completely obsessed with Dr. Who)

The best thing about being in a band is writing and playing music that I love,
and the best thing about being in MAELSTROM is that I get to do it with my mates!!!

 

 

 

 Phil Brereton - Drums

Once drummer with the legendary band Paranoia.

Played first gig at the age of 16, at The West End in Stoke and went on to play very reputable gigs at The Victoria Hall, Hanley (twice!!), The Kings Hall, Stoke, The Queens Theatre, Burslem, and Played in front of 2000 people at a CND festival at Hanley Park.

Was once caught by the Police whilst sticking posters displaying anti Pentagon information and thus was/is on Police records for being an enemy of the state and a subversive!!

Whilst with Paranoia, was offered support slots at sell out concerts with Spear Of Destiny.

Took a ten year break from drumming after the demise of Paranoia in 1989 and formed Maelstrom in 1999.

First Record ever bought..…I think it was Cum on feel the noise by Slade in 1973.

Favourite bands.. Loads of em!! New Model Army, The Mission, The Cure, Siouxsie And The Banshees, The Levellers, Sisters Of Mercy, The Clash, The Stranglers and Lords Of The New Church to name but a few.“‘

 


click here to go back to the start


Biography