Relode live music: live band for pub gigs, weddings, birthdays in Cheshire

Relode

It all started in the summer of 2002 when guitarist Chris Tooby was approached by an old friend who suggested the possibility of starting a new band. The pair got together and started a chain of events which was the birth of what was to become Relode.

For about six months they set up jamming sessions with various local musicians. The jamming sessions turned into a serious attempt to form a working band and after performing with a number of musicians and singers, stability was established and Relode was born.

The current line-up of Colin Schofield on drums, Chris Tooby on lead guitar, Martyn Britland on Keyboard, John McCarthy on vocals and Bob Kirby on bass has existed since the summer of 2005 and they have formed into a very tight, highly accomplished band who have a passion for what they do.

The band is essentially a covers band, but a quick look at the playlist shows a definite blues and rock flavour, the distinctive mix of music gives something for everyone and every song has the individual Relode sound.

Colin Schofield

Colin began drumming in his early teens, quickly becoming part of the Merseyside band scene. During his musical career Colin has drummed with a number of top class bands. In the 90’s he played for many years with the highly acclaimed band ‘Blues Shouter’, touring nationwide, over Europe and the USA. Colin’s life revolves around music; in addition to his playing career, Colin designs, manufactures and sells electronic drum equipment, but it is performing that is his first love. Colin provides a rock solid foundation on which the rest of the band builds; (he is also known to provide the occasional virtuoso solo performance, when pressed!) A very talented individual, enjoying every minute, and it shows.

Colin's Gear:

Pearl drums
Zildjian cymbals
Koby drum triggers

Chris Tooby

Chris was still at school when he first picked up a guitar, but it wasn’t long before he was heading a number of successful bands including Friendly Apple, Ambulance, The Hands and others. Apart from a couple of breaks Chris has kept his hand in with local bands right up to the present. Playing guitar has always been an important part of Chris' life and it shows in his mastery of the instrument, he is a highly respected guitarist amongst his peers and his distinctive style is fundamental to Relode's unique sound.

Chris' Gear:

Gibson Les Paul Special guitar
Marshall TSL602 combo

John McCarthy

John's unique voice has been honed over many years of performing in pubs and clubs all over the northwest. He has sung as a solo artist, as part of a duo, a trio and as lead vocalist with a number of bands. Now, with Relode John has found the perfect vehicle for his expressive singing style. His individual interpretation of the band’s songs is a feature that brings supporters back time after time.

Martyn Britland

Martyn has been playing keyboard for most of his life, learning the piano at the age of eleven and later moving on to the electric organ and synthesiser. His talent was kept under wraps for many years until he started contributing to jamming sessions at local pubs. Martyn was soon bitten by the performing bug and became a regular performer at such places as Chester's Alexande'’s Jazz Club. Relode provides a natural outlet for Martyn's talent, his keyboard playing is a fundamental feature that makes Relode just that little bit different.

Martyn's Gear:

Roland RS5 synthesiser
Yamaha P80 stage piano
Roland KC350 combo

Bob Kirby

Bob has been playing bass for more years than he cares to admit. A founder member of the 70's band ‘Barracuda,’ Bob toured extensively around the UK appearing at some of the country's top venues and supported a number of top line artists. At the end of the 70's he took a ‘vacation’ from the band scene, keeping his hand in by doing stand in work and the occasional jamming session. When he heard Relode was being formed he couldn’t resist joining such a high-quality set of musicians. Bob is back on top form, providing a solid rhythm for the band and enjoying good live music.

Bob's Gear:

Hartke 4000 head
Hartke 4 x 10 and 1 x 15 VX series cabs
Washburn RB 2001 4 string bass