New Model Army

Formed in Bradford in 1980, New Model Army’s beginnings were inspired by Northern Soul, Punk Rock and the incendiary atmosphere of the times. Since then, they have had a long, creative and eventful journey. They have been massively influential in ‘post-punk’, ‘folk-rock’, ‘political-rock’, ‘goth’, ‘metal’ and all kinds of musical sub-cultures but they have steadfastly refused to belong to any club or style. Without a specific ‘genre’ audience, and never having had a massive worldwide hit single, New Model Army still have album sales in the millions, have attracted some of the biggest producers on the planet (Glyn Johns, Tom Dowd, Andy Wallace, Bob Clearmountain, Joe Barresi) and have built up an almost religious devotion amongst fans. They have been perfectly placed to withstand the changes in the Industry and have outlasted most of their peers - while maintaining a worldwide following and all without making a single artistic or commercial compromise. Recent years have also seen a revival in the band’s critical and commercial fortunes. The “Between Dog and Wolf” and “Between Wine and Blood” (2013/14) and “Winter” (2016) albums have all returned the band to the mainstream charts and they are currently working on a new project expected late summer 2019. Originally formed as a three piece, the current five piece features Justin Sullivan on main vocal and guitar, Michael Dean on drums, Dean White on keyboards and guitar, Marshall Gill on guitar and Ceri Monger on bass.

Known for their atmospheric, guitar-based sound and passionate lyrics, Chameleons are regarded as one of the most underrated Manchester bands of the 1980s. Original members Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies reformed the band in 2020 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the 'What Does Anything Mean? Basically' album. Now back on the road, it's becoming clear that neither their power or delicacy has been tempered by such a long absence.