THE
CIVILIANS
Fully reformed for 2022 - The Civilians are a 4-piece, 100% live covers band specialising in renditions of crowd-pleasers from the 1950s-present. Live music covers of all your favourite bands such as: The Jam, OMD, James, Oasis, Bad Manners, Specials, Primal Scream, Madness, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers, The Beatles and many more!
Meet the band
Paul Bretherton
Lead Singer/Lead Guitarist
​Paul has been playing in bands since he was a teenager... way back in the 80s. His first band was 'The Deadbeats' - a punk band playing covers and originals. He was also in Leeds based Indie band 'Ungowa,' writing and recording original material. Shortly after 'Ungowa's' demise he then formed the 'Buzztones' with ex Civilians members Steve Cliffe and Carl Gulliford. That band played a mixture of Punk and Indie covers, with the odd Ska song thrown in. Eventually, the 'Buzztones' evolved into a four-piece band 'The Civilians.' When the Civilians came to an end... Paul then formed 'Mod Revue' with a new line-up. 'Mod Revue' lasted 8 years in total, then the band finished at the start of the pandemic. Paul has spent the last two years teaching, song writing and working part-time as a Support Worker. After two failed attempts at getting a Punk covers band together during this time, he was then contacted by David Potter about the possibility of reforming The Civilians ... and here we are!
Keyboard Player/Backing Vocals
David Potter
David began his love for music at school and was always participating in musical events. After school, he was asked to join a rock band with his friends and got a taste for gigging. Around 21, he joined The Civilians and played with them for around 4 years. In 2011 he left for a full-time job with 'Complete Madness' and professionally gigged for 9 years around the UK and overseas! David left 'Complete Madness' just before the Pandemic hit in 2020. After 2 years off the road, he was itching to get back on stage and wanted to form a new band that played locally and around his full time job and family. David rang Paul and asked to re-form The Civilians...... Better than ever!
Bass Player/Backing Vocals
Michael Curnow
Mike started learning the guitar at age 15 and throughout the years has developed upon his skills and can now play a variety of stringed instruments. Although Mike has never played professionally, he has performed at various Open Mic Nights across the UK. Before The Civilians, he had adopted more of a 'freestyle' approach to playing due to work commitments. The Civilians scouted Mike, having recognised his potential and are really excited to welcome him onboard as the new Bass player. Mike is a big fan of music and loves watching music live. His influences include: Indie, Rock, Blues and Ska. The Civilians are honoured that Mike's professional music debut will be with them!
Drummer
Matt Murphy
Matt has been playing drums for 16 years. Since his first live performance in a school talent show at 15, he has played in venues all over the UK. He has been in a range of bands including: pop, rock & indie covers, grunge and blues originals... even a Green Day tribute band! Outside of performing, Matt is a big music fan with influences including: Muse, The Who, Biffy Clyro and Queen (he's been to about 100 gigs so far!)