MEET THE BAND
WARREN GASKELL // vocals / guitars
Warren is the key songwriter in the band, taking lead vocals and acoustic/electric guitars. He's an avid songwriter. "Whenever I pick up the guitar I use it as a writing tool. I never become distracted by working on my guitar technique. The only way to become fully absorbed in your craft is to completely immerse yourself in it". For Warren that means a constant focus on looking for inspiration for the next title, or a more interesting chord sequence. Born and bred on a northern council estate, his early introduction to the genre was through artists like John Denver and Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection album. Later, he moved on to discover bands like Whiskeytown and more contemporary artists like Ryan Adams.
Having spent over a decade developing his solo works a band project was calling him. When he set up The Beautiful Failures it was always going to be a different kind of line up, with a direction that took listeners through multiple moods and told stories.
STEVE BRAITHWAITE // drums
Playing drums since a young age, Steve has always been passionate about his discipline. He has played with bands and solo artists on tours, studio recording sessions and numerous musical projects. Having played on almost all of Warren's previous solo projects and at gigs and short tours, Steve is of course hugely experienced and he brings a very creative approach to the rhythm section of the band.
CATHY WILLIAMS // vocals
Cathy has been singing since she was a young girl, Her vocals bring lots of character along with a delicate feminine touch to the overall sound of the band. Although country music is in her bones, Cathy has sung in all kinds of genres and has a very distinctive vocal style which blends with Warren's vocal so perfectly. She is influenced by many artists like: Faith Hill, Shania Twain and Dolly Parton to name just a few.
LEE TURNER // keyboards
Lee has played all over the world in various styles of bands and at the highest level. He brings huge experience and something magical to the sound of the band. He forged a formidable musical reputation in South Africa, where he once lived, as a professional keyboard player in some of the countries most famous bands, and once played to the legendary Nelson Mandela.
RICK LUCAS // guitars
Rick is a guitar players guitar player. Once tipped by Dire Straights' Mark Knopfler as 'one to watch' he has built a formidable reputation among many within the music industry. With many years of experience under his belt, Rick has played numerous genres from Rock to Blues and now Alt-Country.
Music has taken him the length and breadth of the country playing to both small and large venues.
MARK ASTLES // bass
Mark's influences on bass guitar range from Bowie to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Over the years Mark has created his own voice on his instrument. "It's a subtle art, and knowing that it is just as important to step back out of the spotlight is one of the most important lessons a bass player can learn". Mark's experience has seen him play both in the UK and abroad on tours, festivals and even TV appearances. Constantly refining every aspect of his craft, along with Steve, Mark creates a formidable bedrock in the rhythm section of the band.
MARTIN TIERNEY // banjo
Martin is not just an enthusiastic and accomplished banjo player, he even makes his own instruments. Martin began his musical journey playing folk music and then stumbled into The Beautiful Failures. His classic finger picking style often blends effortlessly with subtle chords and gentle strumming ensuring his instruments not only provides the band with that authentic country personality, but also works equally well with the heavier tracks. Martin has been a keen attendee at some of the world's most renown banjo academies like Bela Fleck's Blue Ridge Banjo camp in North Carolina. Yes, he takes banjo very seriously!
PETE TROUGHTON // pedal steel
In the north of England Pete is a well known figure within the music industry. Playing both bass and pedal steel guitar in the band, Pete's in-depth knowledge of recording, writing, producing and performing is second to none. Pete has worked as a professional musician all his life, working both in the studio and playing live gigs around the world. Owner of his own commercial recording studio in north Manchester for three decades Pete's studio is still going strong, which speak volumes in terms of the quality and experience he brings to the band.
Pete worked closely with Elbow, producing, engineering and recording with them at the start of their hugely successful career.