Skeletal Family :: PROFILES ::
CLAIRE BANNISTER - VOCALS
Prior to joining Skipton (North Yorkshire, England) based band Smack Dolly in 1996 Claire was a budding singer songwriter/poet. Smack Dolly performed a mixed set of original material, coupled with the occasional cover version, the band played mainly local venues, the majority confined around the Yorkshire/Lancashire area.
Deciding to widen her outlook, she embarked on a world backpacking jaunt before eventually settling in New Zealand. Following return to England, and eager to work on new musical projects, was invited to an impromptu audition with Skeletal Family, impressed with her performance and attitude, there followed one further rehearsal which concluded with an invitation to join the band. Intense rehearsals followed, with Claire making her vocal debut with the band at low profile "warm up" gig at a local Keighley club.
Her performance (which included support from Oasis guitarist Bonehead and Smith's drummer Mike Joyce) drew enthusisatic reaction from both the 200 plus crowd and local magazine/fanzine reviewers, pleasing hardcore fans and also embracing a new, younger audience, with her performance.
STAN GREENWOOD - GUITAR
Stan Greenwood is guitarist with Skeletal Family, playing on all Skeletal Family recordings/releases and live appearances.
Influences include the Sex Pistols Steve Jones, Duane Eddie & Bert Weedon!
Prior to Skeletal Family, played in various local bands, before
joining/forming Keighley band The Elements (from the ashes of System)
along with Roger Nowell (Trotwood) on Bass Guitar, Karl Heinz, on
keyboards/sax), Stuart Lilly (Drums) and Jane Tretton, vocals who has
since become an acclaimed session singer, with recent work for Suede.
In 1985 played bass in band formed by the (at the time) recently
defunct Fiat Lux vocalist/guitarist Dave Cruickshank, which along with
Alwoodley Jets guitarist Biff, played one local gig, plus numerous
rehearsals before Stan returned to reformed Skeletal Family line-up.
After Skeletal Family break-up in 1987, formed Manchester based group
Choice with Skeletal Family vocalist Katrina, playing two gigs, plus
recording demo sessions for Chrysalis and DJM. Both gigs received
optimistic reviews in local Manchester press.
1987 saw rehearsals with Sex Gang Children bassist Dave Roberts and
Death Cult drummer Raymondo. This was short-lived, with Stan forming
new band with vocalist Dave Hicks (ex Revenge, Peter Hook of New Order
fame), Leeds bassist Andy Fox and drummer Martin Henderson (Skeletal
Family), recording various demos at Hook's Suite16 Studio in Rochdale.
The band relocated to Leeds, teaming up with March Violets guitarist
Tom Ashton to form yet another short-lived band called The Persuaders.
Stan then formed The Big Bang in 1988, with Teenage and the Wildlife vocalist Dazz Robb & bassist Tronk. After various line up changes, the band
continue to perform around northern venues to this day.
In 1992 Stan joined the infamous Psycho Surgeons.
Fronted by the Monster Raving Loony Party member for mental health Wild
Willi Beckett. Complete with Johnny Lorrimer on bass and Rob Kershaw
drums, the Surgeons, with their highly theatrical stage show, played
several extensive tours in the early 1990's mainly in
Czechoslovakia/Eastern Europe to a large and enthusiastic national
following.
2002 saw the reformed Skeletal Family
(with Claire on vocals) resume live gigs and recording sessions,
resulting in many high profile European gigs
and the recording of two new albums of material.
2009 sees the release of the bands latest album "Love, Hope and
Despair" plus, in a separate project, Stan teaming with original
vocalist Anne-Marie, with whom he is now playing sporadic live events
and recording new material.
KARLHEINZ - KEYBOARDS
Karl-Heinz was Saxophonist/Keyboard player with Skeletal Family from 1979-1981, writing/playing on all pre-Skeletal Family (Elements) recordings/releases and live appearances up to and including "Trees".
He continued working with the band on various Radio One Sessions, plus contributions to the band's second album for Red Rhino "Futile Combat"
After the Skeletal Family, Karl became thoroughly disenchanted with the music scene. Eventually formed the Torch Girls whose members included vocalist Dazz Robb and bassist Steve Wilson both members resurfacing in Stan Greenwood's current band The Big Bang.
Following the demise of the Torch Girls, he continued to spend a lot of time working on solo projects of a mainly techno/dance nature, 10 years before it became fashionable.
Has recently started dabbling again in composition visit this site for examples of his work. Recently picking up the guitar again (one of Stan's & Buzz's ex-Southern Death Cult old ones) and recorded a few tracks as fetus x with Julie Evil from LA
Nowadays proud to be back with the Skels contributing to their sonic landscape
with richly layered sounds from his trusty Korg N364, treasured but slightly
battered Waldorf XT and occasional sax riff.
MARTIN HENDERSON - DRUMS
Martin was the drummer with Skeletal Family from 1983-1985 and played on both Burning Oil and Futile Combat albums.
After Skeletal Family, he joined The Batfish Boys with former March Violets vocalist Simon D, and recorded the album "Head", released on The York based Red Rhino label, plus various singles. The band toured Europe extensively, including tours with The Cult, The Mission and Zodiac Mindwarp.
Also played with John Langford's York/Leeds based band The Mekons and was the live drummer from 1988 to 1989, again the band played numerous British and European tours.
Around this time Martin joined another Leeds band Loose who enjoyed a large local following. Loose recorded several demo tapes but did not commit anything to vinyl, but completed successful tours with The Mission and Killing Joke.
Around this time Martin teamed up with Skeletal Family guitarist Stan, plus guitarist Tom from March Violets and singer Dave Hicks (who later joined New Order's Peter Hook's Revenge) in a band provisionally called The Persuaders. Although completing numerous rehearsals, the band never made it to the gigging stage, although a demo still exists of two songs recorded at Peter Hooks suite 16 Studios in 1986.
Toured and recorded with rockabilly bands Pink Peg Slax and The Duvies.
Moved to Los Angeles in 1991 and joined the relocated 20 Flight Rockers, eventually renaming themselves "The Knockout Drops", and releasing a self titled EP on LA label Shattered Music.
Formed the band Glimmer with ex Quireboy Guy Griffin and secured a recording deal with Atlantic records, releasing album Silver Zone which featured the single "Make it Real" which at the time was heavily playlisted by MTV.
Numerous US tours, including opening for Cheap Trick and Saigon Kick, while at the same time recording numerous sessions and live shows for various LA bands and artistes.
Joined the reformed Quireboys in
2000, recording the album "This Is rock n roll for Sanctuary records
This was followed by a world tour in 2001 which included London's Hyde
Park along with Status Quo and the Beachboys.
JOHNNY LORRIMER - BASS
Johnny
joined the Skeletal Family in 2004 as cover for original bassist
Trotwood who had an increasing number of work commitments as guitar
tech for Paul Weller.
He formed his first band
Industrial Aktion at the age of 15 covering Clash and Buzzcocks tracks.
At the age of 17 he formed Seven Antelopes to the Jade Kitchen - a name
John Peel described as "somewhat cumbersome". The band took his advice
and became the Seven Antelopes. Whilst the band didn't release any
singles they did record a track called "Eat People" for the first
Bradford 1-in-12 club album which Peel played several times.
His other bands have included Dueteronomy, Gorgeous, Smack, Juke Joint
and the Psycho Surgeons. He has stood in at the last minute for a
number of bands - including The Big Bang and is also currently the
bassist for 70's cover band Revolver. He spent a year living in Torello
in rural Catalonia where he found himself playing football for the
local team, partaking in drag carnivals and writing for a Barcelona
magazine.
He now lives in Oakworth - the location for the Railway Children - and
enjoys frequenting the real ale bar on the local steam train. His other
enjoyments include Leeds Utd, The Wire, cooking, web design and the company of his two young children.
ANNE MARIE HURST - VOCALS
Anne-Marie's involvement with Skeletal Family began in mid 1982.
Along with founder members Stan Greenwood (Guitars) Roger "Trotwood" Nowell (Bass) Steve Crane (Drums) Ian "Karl Heinz" Taylor (Keyboards) , the Keighley based band quickly gained a sizeable local following, producing self funded single "Trees" released through the Leeds based Luggage label.
Through regular airings of the single on Radio One's John Peel late evening show, the band by-passed the usual route of playing the small pub circuit, making their London debut at the Fulham Greyhound to an enthusiastic audience. Also encouraging was the review from the now defunct national music paper "Sounds", which secured the band other prestigious support slots with Sex Gang Children and Play Dead.
With a Radio One session booked at John Peel’s request for March 1983, the band recorded their single "She Cries Alone", enlisting the services of Southern Death Cult guitarist Ian "Buzz" Burrows as co-producer. "She Cries Alone" gave Anne-Marie and the band their first major mark in the independent charts, and armed with this success, plus the even more successful follow up single "So Sure" commenced the recording of the debut album "Burning Oil".
Now playing to much larger receptive audiences, and with a month long support slot on the Sisters Black October 1984 tour, the avid reaction ensured, that when released, "Burning Oil" reached number one in the UK indie charts, topping both The Smiths & New Order in the process. With a now much more conspicuous profile and two further Radio One sessions, the band toured Europe and Britain, more than once selling out London's prestigious Marquee club.
For the follow up album "Futile Combat" the band chose Cult/Gene Loves Jezebel producer John Brand, aided by Waterboys saxophonist Anthony Thistlewaite and Graham Pleeth on synths, the band achieved a more refined sound, a marked improvement on the previous offering. Live favourite "Promised Land" was chosen as the first single off the album, and on release reached the top three of the National Indie charts. The band ended the turbulent year with special guest appearances with Siouxsie & The Banshees at Brixton Academy plus Spear of Destiny at London's Lyceum.
Although from the outside everything was looking bright, tensions within the band were taut, which following various internal squabbles culminated in both Anne-Marie and drummer Martin leaving. With legal commitments for a nationwide tour still standing, Anne-Marie was persuaded to rejoin with Gene Loves Jezebel drummer Dik replacing Martin on drums. Although the tour was a huge success, communications within the band were still strained greatly affecting the band's relationship.
Already being in communication with Sisters Of Mercy founder Gary Marx, Anne-Marie laid the seeds to form Ghost Dance, they had toured together when Skeletal Family supported the Sisters on their Black October UK tour in 1984.
Rehearsals and song writing promptly ensued, and in late 1985, Ghost Dance played their first gig at North East London Polytechnic, the early sets featured, amongst others, glam rock cover versions and Skeletal Family / Sisters songs "She Cries Alone" & "Poison Door"!!
April 1986 saw "River Of No Return" form the debut 12” single and a flurry of activity followed with three 12” singles released in 1986, all performing extremely well in the independent charts. Coupled with this success, the band managed to achieve a more settled line-up which along with Anne-Marie, consisted of Gary Marx & Richard Steel (Guitars) Etch (Bass) and John Grant (Drums).
By now, the band were actually gaining their own faithful following that weren’t interested in past Sisters and Skeletal Family glories. Known as the "Spook Squad" this following ensued every concert was not just a "gig" but an event not to be missed!
In an eerily similar situation to Skeletal Family, who had earlier signed to Chrysalis records with new vocalist Katrina, Ghost Dance now put their signatures on the major labels dotted line, culminating in the recording / release of their debut album "Stop The World"
Upon release at the end of September 1989, the album outlined the potential capabilities of the band and was well received, denting the lower reaches of the National charts, despite only being available in specialist shops.
Therefore it came as a surprise, that a couple of days into a prestigious tour of Europe supporting the Ramones, Chrysalis announced they were not taking up their option on
further recording projects with the band (further reflecting the fate that had already fallen on Skeletal Family!)
After playing what was to unknowingly be their final gig in Amsterdam on December 4th 1989, Anne Marie & Gary began demoing album worth of songs, which upon reflection both deemed to have no real place in the Ghost Dance repertoire and their enthusiasm waned.
Anne-Marie was approached by various management teams and began working on a batch of songs with glam rock seventies band The Sweet, these rare demos outline the more pop / rock direction being undertaken at the time.
The years followed, with Anne-Marie doing the odd local solo performance, but her main commitments at this time were with growing family affairs.
However, at the start of the new millennium, and the much renewed younger market interest in the old school gothic movement, which coupled with the proliferation of the internet, interest in Skeletal Family, Ghost Dance and particularly Anne-Marie greatly increased.
As a result, in 2002 Skeletal Family were approached to reform to play a one off gig at Leeds Cockpit. Despite an initial photo session and provisional meetings, problems arose where Anne-Marie had to back out due to family commitments.
Seven years later, and with a renewed vigour, Anne-Marie contacted Skeletal Family guitarist Stan on the off chance possibility of again working together. The idea being to write and play new material in an acoustic setting.
Early 2009 saw the pair participating in numerous rehearsals / song writing sessions leading to a collection of songs the duo were eager to perform.
Fast forward to April 2009……. At a front room party session, before a hand full of old friends, the new acoustic material was premiered to surprising outstanding applause.
The problem then lay, what to play next?, Despite an initial unwritten agreement between the pair that no Skeletal Family / Ghost Dance material was to be involved, suggestions lead to attempt a few of the old numbers. Despite not playing them together for 25 years, the reaction from both audience and performers alike to the ramshackle renditions was amazing.
Inspired, and cajoled by the favourable response, a rehearsal was set up with drum machine and bass sequencer. Due to a combined bout of technophobia and impatience this was quickly jettisoned in favour of human musicians.
The result, a four piece guitar band, playing songs from both Ghost Dance & Skeletal Family, which have not been aired for two decades, plus new original material.
Anne- Marie is again eager to perform in front of audiences, and as such is making her debut at Bradford Gasworks on the suitably apt day of Halloween 31 October 2009
With a back catalogue of three studio albums, numerous compilation cd’s and a plethora of top independent charting singles, including “Promised Land”, “The Grip Of Love” and “River Of No Return” an influential queen from the vanguard of “Old Skool” Goth Rock returns.
Email: annemariehurst@hotmail.co.uk
"Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out"
KATRINA - VOCALS
Katrina was lead vocalist with Skeletal Family from 1985 and sang on the Chrysalis singles "Just A Minute" and "Restless" as well as highly rated Radio One sessions for Janice Long, who nominated Katrina "Female Vocalist of the Year" in Smash Hits.
Katrina had performed and recorded with several bands by 1984, and had already been taken under the wing of Justin de Villeneuve, the svengali who managed Twiggy, securing a publishing contract with Heath Levy at the age of 19.
Her first singing experience to a wider audience began with the offer of singing joint lead vocals with the ex-Specials singer Terry Hall and his band The Colourfield on their third single "Thinking of You". The single fared well in both the British and European charts, with tours and TV appearances for Katrina in England and Europe.
After recording and touring with the Skeletal Family, Katrina and guitarist Stan formed the Manchester based band Choice, playing gigs and recording sessions in the Lancashire area, to great press reviews.
After appearing in 5 theatre productions in 1989, her attention turned to music once again.
Her next project was with Noko, who is now with Apollo 440, and together they crafted eclectic guitar/electronica tracks.
She then joined Manchester based band Minimal Bliss, together with Paul Griffiths and Chris Danson. These songs formed a story of a time-transcending Cyber Space Diva who falls in love with a hologram of her own creation. Tracks from these sessions can be found on www.spacegypsy.com.
Minimal Bliss were championed by Steve Wright from Radio 1, and fully choreographed gigs secured a recording deal with German record producer Abi Lin, resulting in a German club release of the most popular track, Slow Motion.
Building on this success she joined G-Sensation with Les Paul, with the single "In Heaven" (on the "All Around The World" label) becoming a popular club hit. An unreleased track from the band, "Luvu", can be found at www.spacegypsy.com.
After relocating to New York, she guested on Edentime's "Give Me Your Love" which became "Pick of the Week" with the New York DJ Pool and recorded with "Give Me Your Love's" producer, Vladimir Rebek (www.moontripper.com). The track "Ad Infinitem" is available at www.spacegypsy.com
Over the past 12 years, Katrina has studied and practiced many alternative therapies and energy systems from Electro-Crystal Therapy, Dowsing,
Shamanism, Kinesiology, Channeling, Herbal and Flower remedies, Soul Retrieval and Access Energy Transformation amongst others and she has a healing practice at her home in NYC.