Lightyear (band)
| Lightyear | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Derby, Derbyshire |
| Genres | Ska punk |
| Years active | 1997–2003, 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2015 |
| Labels | Household Name Records |
| Members | Chas Palmer-Williams Neil Draycott Neil ‘Nelb’ Cowie Mark Wood (aka. Girlyhips Saville) Ben Ashton Jim Harrison Richard ‘Bars’ Barling Kraig Winterbottom |
Lightyear were a seven-piece UK ska punk band, formed in 1997 in Derby.
The band signed to Household Name Records in 2001, and released two full-length albums via the label. During their career, Lightyear also released a split EP with friends Evil Macaroni, a 'demo', and contributed to several international punk compilation CDs.
The band formed in 1997, with their first gig in their hometown of Derby in 1998. Lightyear released their debut album Call of the Weasel Clan in October 2001. In 2002 they appeared at the Carling Weekend Festivals with Sick Of It All and Alkaline Trio.
Lightyear begin work on their second album Chris Gentlemens Hairdresser and Railway Bookshop in April 2003 with producer Dave Chang, having already decided to split up after recording the album and touring twice more; once in support of the album, followed by a farewell tour. The album was released in July 2003, accompanied by a tour with Captain Everything! and Jerry-built. They played what was supposed to be their last show on 26 September 2003 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby, supported by Evil Macaroni, Captain Everything! and Adequate Seven.
On 9 May 2006, DJ Mike Davies announced on the Radio 1 Lock Up Show that Lightyear would be reforming for a fortnight long tour around the UK, finishing in Derby. Originally dubbed the “Twelve Days of Chaos” tour, it was renamed the “Lightyear ...Would Like to Apologise in Advance” tour as more promoters took interest. Davies invite them to play a set on his Radio 1 Lock Up stage at the Carling Weekend Festivals at Reading and Leeds. The band split up on stage for the second time on 26 August 2006 at the Carling Weekend Festival at Bramham Park, Leeds. Shortly afterwards, Lightyear performed a final 'friends & family only' gig at The Victoria Inn, Derby. Subsequent one-ff shows took place in Derby at the Assembly Rooms (November 2007) and The Venue (October 2009).
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