Crazy 88

Talented Essex four-piece, Crazy88 stand way above their contemporaries. Formed in summer 2003 from the still smoldering ashes of three talented bands - each very different in style - the foundations were soon laid for Crazy88 to come together and do what came naturally. The rhythm section from Shallow, the vocals from In Demand and the bluesy guitar riffs of Electric Sky came together under one veil to produce the unique uplifting fusion of funk, rock, blues with a metal tinge characteristic of the Crazy88 sound. Unlike the generic fad-bands on the circuit, Crazy88 do not fit into one mould. They emanate an energy that transcends the dated and cliche's labels attached to their peers.

Crazy88 are here to stay! With a charismatic front man whose vocal range evokes the meaty, raw growl of Dave Grohl and touches upon the silky, soulful tones reminiscent of a more restrained Eddie Vedder; a funkier-than-James Brown bass player laying down rolling rhythms and syncopated slap frenzies; a rock solid in-the-pocket drummer keeping the groove driving and focused; all completed by a true genius in riffing wizardry on the six-string, Crazy88 exhibit all the hallmarks of an outfit oozing professionalism and then some.

Since the initial jam sessions, which established their raw emotional brand of rock music, the band has moved from strength to strength. They pride themselves on exhibiting original material, which combines driving rhythm, subtle melody, infectious funk and behemoth guitar solos. Whether it be a guitar riff, a slapped bass line, a drum groove, or a vocal melody, each tune is crafted from an initial jam before being welded together by the unconscious chemistry existing between these four individuals.

The band has left its mark upon live venues across Essex including The Twist and The Box, as well as delving into the capital city from time to time. Each live show exudes an effortless precision, which never fails to satisfy a loyal fan base.

The vibrant dynamic atmosphere of their live performance is captured in their debut 6-track EP, Lif Without You, recorded at Stag Studios, Witham, in July 2004 and January 2005.

Christmas Eve 2005 saw Crazy88 romp to first prize in The Twist Battle of the Bands final. After donning some comical Santa hats and fending off quality competition from over fifty of the finest bands Essex has to offer, Crazy88 came out as deserving winners. It was a victory testimony to their truly awe-inspiring live performance and song writing ability. The blistering set was captured in its entirety and a live DVD is now available - to see it is to believe it! At present, the band is in the studio practicing hard and experimenting with new material. As always, the priority remains to push the Crazy88 name forward, to focus on producing high quality tunes and to promote both the EP and live performances.
It's the least their public deserve!

Crazy88 are a 4 piece rock band from Braintree, Essex (UK) they are:

Chris Gibbs (vocals)
John Priest (lead guitar, backing vocals)
Ian Magee (bass)
Sebastian Cheek (drums)

The band formed in 2003 after Ian came into the guitar shop that John runs (www.peachguitars.com) and suggested a jam session with a drummer he knew (Baz). John called up his old buddy, Chris, for some vocals and a legendary band was formed from that jam session!
Two of the bands most popular songs came from those early sessions: "Don't tell me no" and "The Silence"

The band have gone from strength to strength and are forging a pathway through UK rock!

(last updated by liam)
(updated - band name spellings)