Band comes home to bow out in style
WITH more than 500 gigs and a legion of loyal fans to their name, Brighouse band Far From The Dance is bowing out in style with a farewell gig in Huddersfield this month.
After a year trying to make it big in London, the members of Far From The Dance have decided to call it a day – but not before they have said thanks to their devoted fans in the north.
The band has been together in its present form since summer 2005 but has its origins in Serotonin and Northern Lights, two local bands which became a familiar part of the music scene in Brighouse and Huddersfield.
Serotonin was formed in early 1998 by students at Rastrick High School and their early influences were the Chemical Brothers, Nick Cave and Radiohead. The original members were Thom Thornton, Alec Townsend, Nick Moxham, John Hills and Adam Jogee. John Hills later became lead singer of Northern Lights.
Finding that there were five other outfits with the name Serotonin, the band changed their name to Far From The Dance – from a quote by the poet Ezra Pound – and gave their first gig at the Verve in Huddersfield in early 2006.
Although Far From The Dance in its present form is bidding farewell to the music scene, Joe Miller, who acts as the band's manager, is convinced there is a future in the industry for the talented musicians.
"They have been called the best unsigned band in the business and their gigs get an absolutely fantastic reception. They have known each other so long and they're all great friends. They play together so well."
Joe, who is brother of the band's bass player Jake, said the current popularity of solo female singers – artists such as Lily Allen and Adele – was making it difficult for bands. "Rock bands have been put on the back burner in favour of girl singers but I'm sure fashions and tastes will change again," said Joe, of Toothill Lane.
After headlining at the Huddstock Festival in June 2008, Far From The Dance moved to London in January 2009 to try to get noticed in the capital.
The hard-working band clocked up more than 30 shows, played on the main stage at the Sellindge Music Festival in Kent alongside indie legends Supergrass and set up the live music night 'Northern Rock And Roll Is Good For My Soul', bringing northern bands to the attention of a London audience.
"It has been a hard year and the band has really worked to get noticed," said Joe. "They've been doing other jobs and in the end they realised that they would have to call it a day as Far From The Dance. It's ironic that their last gig in London on January 15 was so well-received and was attended by two of the biggest music promoters in the business. They got a great response."
Highlights of the band's career include appearing on Steve Lamacq's Radio 1 show, playing at London's O2 Wireless Festival and supporting such artists as Pete Doherty, The Bluetones, The Maccabees, The Subways and Alabama 3.
"The band decided it was only right to return to the north for one final send-off to give thanks to their loyal and devoted fan base," said Joe. "It seems fitting to pay homage to the band's entire career so the audience can expect tracks from as far back as 2002."
Original bass player and programmer Nick Moxham, who left in 2008, is returning for the farewell show on February 27 as is singer songwriter John Hills. Support will come from The Bluelights. The gig will be at Bar 1-22, New Street, Huddersfield. "The gig in London was good but to be back on our home patch will be amazing," said Joe. “It seems fitting to pay homage to the band’s entire career so the audience can expect tracks from as far back as 2002.”
Original bass player and programmer Nick Moxham, who left in 2008, is returning for the farewell show on February 27 as is singer songwriter John Hills. Support will come from The Bluelights. The gig will be at Bar 1-22, New Street, Huddersfield. “The gig in London was good but to be back on our home patch will be amazing,” said Joe.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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