The following is a brief history of the LEGENDARY Telford
band INCISI#N.
Slagged, derided and hated are just some of the complimentary words with which
to describe us. The band started life in guitarist Paul (Ben) Bennetts living room when
discussing the possibility of forming a band with vocalist Pete Howells (The only surviving
member from the original line up). Ben and Pete got together with bassist Mick Smith in
November 1994. Between them Ben and Mick came up with some catchy tunes that are still
played today. The final piece of the jigsaw came in the form of drummer Adrian (Frenchie)
French and together the lads hit the road as "20,20". This was because they were compiled
from 2.0 members from 2.0 previous bands. This line up lasted until October 1994 when
Mick and Frenchie left followed by Ben a year later. Between then and May 1997 the band
underwent various line up changes until Mick Smith returned to the fray and together
with guitarist Richard (Richie) Martin and jazz drummer Paul (Mac) McShane got down to
some serious work writing some classic tunes like "Forever England" and recorded the
bands first 5 track demo. This was when the name "INCISI#N" was born.
This line up gigged for about 12 months, until Mick and Mac quit the band. They were
quickly replaced by bassist Neil Fitzsu and drummer Mick Kierle. This line up did a
couple of gigs over the next 3 months, but unfortunately died a death. Meanwhile
Mick Smith had met up with fellow bassist and workmate Mick Carter. After a series
of smoking sessions at work Mick Carter mentioned how he had become fed up with
being in a brit pop cover band that just jammed. He wanted to do some gigs and play
live. Mick Smith mentioned that his mate, Pete, was trying to revive his old punk band
and he would mention Mick Carter to him. The conversation went something like this.
Mick..."Pete, I know a bass player that is interested in joining your band"
Pete..."What music is he into ?"
Mick..."They play brit pop"
Pete..."oooh?!?!"
Mick..."But he wears a Motorhead T-shirt"
Pete..."So he is musically diverse then"
So Mick Carter joined the band. And funny old world that it is Mick Smith joined
Carters old band "NEP" where he still is. Mick Carter was joined by guitarist Lee Griffin.
They practiced hard, all of 3 times together and had the bare bones of some songs
sussed, when Pete announced "We've got our first gig in 6 weeks lads", "But we ain't
got a drummer" panicked Lee. So it was all off to the "Ironhorse pub" in Wellington
the following friday wearing T-shirts with "Drummer wanted for punk rock band, apply
within !" written on them. Which (believe it or not) worked as David "Garf" Howard
joined that very night. The band practiced hard, writting new material and doing a few
gigs when disaster struck. 2 weeks before their big gig at xmas in the "Ironhorse"
and Garf decided not to show for any practices. He re-appeared on the night of the
gig, after 3 weeks of messing the other 3 around, arranging lifts and practice halls all
for a no show. The gig went off well but things were well amiss. Garf asked Mick and
Lee to start a band with him and leave Pete. But Mick said he wanted to carry on
Incisi#n as well as do the new band. That was it Lee and Garf left the band. Lee never
played again and Garf joined a band with Richie and Neil called "Suicycle". Mick and
Pete struggled on through a number of line ups over the next 6 months when the
defining moment arrived. Drummer Sharon Griffin and guitarist Woody joined and
everything gelled straight away. Sharon jammed with the band back in 1997 and
liked what she heard but the band already had a drummer. She came back on the
scene when her brother Lee played in the band. She started going out wtih Pete
and when Garf left asked if she could try out on the drums and has been behind
the kit ever since. Woody was in a side project with Pete called "Hatework", when
he heard the Incisi#n sound and fell in love with it. Unfortunately this line-up hit a snag after doing a demo and getting gigs from their hard work and efforts.The problem arose when Woody was offered
a place at Derby University.So he opted for warmer climes and shipped off to Derby leaving INCISI#N high and dry with no guitarist but plenty of gigs.
Then DEEJ stepped into the breach;capable,enthusiastic and young.DEEJ had supported INCISI#N twice before(the first time being MICKS first gig with the band
)when he played bass with GARF'S old band MERICANE.The second time was a disaster for the young DEEJSTER when his band (ARMITAGE SHANKS)were supposed to support INCISI#N + LITTLE 10 at the now famous(?)
SHIFNAL POWERHOUSE.Unfortunatley DEEJ'S band were too nervous to do the gig and pulled out at the very last minute.So when DEEJ found out a month later
that we were looking for a guitarist he thought "WELL IF YOU CAN'T SUPPORT THEM ,JOIN 'EM".
Keen as mustard we literally had to force him to cancel the first couple of gigs because he wasn't quite ready but once he was up and running the young lad did us proud and has been with the band ever since
The fantastic line up have written some really great new tunes as some featured
on this site, as well as revamping the old classics. The band have produced a 5 track
CD and a live album (available from this site) and do regular gigs.They will be back in the studio soon to record their forthcoming album but still play as many live gigs as they can. Catch them soon !!!
