Akoga
Manchester metal jesters.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The Akoga line-up currently performing have been around since April ’03,
the following describes in more detail how the band formed.
Akoga began its existence with Neil Hanvey’s (and former Akoga/Darkslide
guitarist Greeny’s) departure from “Darkslide” In Feb 2002. Within two months
Neil had teamed up with media classmates Ian Whalley (vocals), Tony
McBeth (drums) and Paul Fletcher (bass) as well as Greeny (guitar), to create
a full band line-up. April 2002 saw the random invitation of former “Solus”
vocalist/guitarist Simon P-Scarlett (and close friend Dean Smith who sang for
the day!). The Redhouse, rehearsal rooms were home to Akoga, but theft of
Tony’s equipment and bad karma meant Akoga had to leave. Free rehearsal
space as provided by local pub landlord (Tom of the Grand Central) meant
there was somewhere to leave our gear and make some noise under the
streets of Manchester in the “Subway”.
By July of 2002 Akoga were gigging Manchester’s dives with their own set,
however differences in musical opinion saw the departure of Fletcher and
the introduction of Mike Spooner as bassist in early December ’02. During
this time many recordings were made at the Subway. But Akoga only really
began taking shape with the move to Sankey’s Soap. The professional
rehearsal rooms at Sankey’s and the use of a PA, turned Akoga from a
group of random individuals into a tangible band.
The instability of guitarist Greeny was reflected with unease in the band
and came to a standoff when Greeny stormed off mid-gig in April ’03.
His departure gave the remaining, and current line-up, a new wave of
ideas, as a band they became tighter and the songs have become more
refined, detailed and less accidental.
Akoga are always writing and performing, check out the “News” page
for upcoming gigs
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Course, we play anywhere.
Your musical influences
TO many to name
What equipment do you use?
Usual bollocks, lot of it home made.
Anything else?
www.akoga.co.uk official homepage
Forthcoming gigs.
8th August, Star and Garter all dayer, 3.50 entry.
18th August, The Thatched House, Stockport.
5th October, The Limelight, Crewe.
