Andy Cairns
| Andy Cairns | |
|---|---|
Andy Cairns onstage with Therapy? at Rock For People Festival, Czech Republic on 5 July 2009
Courtesy: Kati Haapala |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Andrew James Cairns |
| Born |
22 September 1965 Ballyclare, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Genres |
Alternative metal Alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Demolition Records |
| Associated acts | Therapy? |
| Notable instruments | |
| Gibson SG | |
Andrew James Cairns (born 22 September 1965, in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland), is a founding member, singer, guitarist, and songwriter for Therapy?, a punk rock/alternative metal band from Northern Ireland.
After attending Ballyclare High School in the town, Andy then began working as a quality control inspector in a Michelin tyre factory. After playing in local heavy metal and punk rock bands, Cairns started the band Therapy? in 1989 with drummer Fyfe Ewing whom he met at a local charity gig. Cairns quit his job and became a professional musician when Therapy? signed to London based independent label Wiiija. The band, completed by bassist Michael McKeegan, went on to widespread success, perhaps in particular with the much-lauded Troublegum album on A&M Records in 1994, which has sold over one million copies. To date, he has recorded ten full-length albums, two mini-albums, two compilation albums and numerous EP's with the million selling outfit. Along with McKeegan, Cairns is the only original member still with the band.
Cairns' earliest work with Therapy? was characterised by an interest in psychiatry, psychosis and human isolation. Later Therapy? albums saw his lyrics become concerned with recurring themes such as doomed romance, loneliness and loss. He has a reputation amongst music fans for being a pleasant natured and approachable artist, happy to sign autographs or converse with fans. This "easy going" persona has marked him out as being quite different from fellow rock musicians, and has bolstered his enduring relationship with the music press.
...
Wikipedia