Meet the band

The members of Payback have an excellent pedigree. The core of the band (Dob, Lip, Russ and Ben) were previously members of underground jazz-funk outfit Wav Clah who achieved success on the club scene in the late 90s and early 00s, playing all over the country, including the Glastonbury Festival 2000. The following is a list of the normal line up (the "first eleven" if you like - even though we are a ten-piece...)

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LEAD VOCALS (MALE) - Dob Donnolly

Dob trained at the Brit School in South London has appeared on stage in the West End, on various TV shows and adverts, and is a flamboyant showman, with an extremely versatile and diverse vocal range. He has graduated from Vodka Red Bulls to Smirnoff Ice. He doesn't drink beer.

LEAD VOCALS (FEMALE) - Julia

Julia is the bands "stunna", although Roostaar might dispute this title. The band spotted her with her own band "Family Fandango" at the Jazz Cafe, in Camden, and were extremely impressed with her powerful voice. And we fancied her something rotten (it was probably the hot-pants and thigh length leather boots?!). The rest is history. Don't mention Aretha Franklin. Just don't.

DRUMS - Ben "Blameboy" Harris

The practical joker of the band. Never believe a word he says. Also has far too many cymbals and tom-toms - claims they are "essential". Fails to grasp the concept of travelling light.

TENOR SAX - Russ "Roostaar" Holdsworth

Our "cover star" (well, he was featured in the career section of the Daily Mail), Russ studied at Leeds College of Music where he was a member of local jazz-funk band Taxi. And sometimes he woke up in time to catch the coach back to London to play with the boys in Wav Clah. He supports Spurs. Poor boy.

GUITAR - Joe Pettitt

Really a great bass player, Joe moonlights with Payback on guitar. Currently appearing in various West End and touring shows, and becoming a property magnate in Bulgaria.

KEYS - Ranjith Kanagasundaram

Ranj is the repertoire co-ordinator and cracks the whip at rehearsals.

BASS - Andrew "Lip" Lipscombe

Lip studied at University of York and is the band's webmaster, van driver, recording engineer, live sound engineer, real ale fan and all round geek. He can't throw a ball to save his life. He doesn't play cricket. Click here for his copious photography output.

TROMBONE - Owen "Big O" Rees

Owen studied at Trinity College of Music in London, and is studying for an degree in Philosophy. For his sins he supports the Welsh national rugby side. And Crystal Palace FC. Ho hum.

TRUMPET - Alastair "Titch" Walker

Titch studied at Trinity College of Music in London, and has played in many bands, including chart acts Divine Comedy (Casanova album), Paul Weller, Death in Vegas and Claire Martin. He is not six foot tall.

BARITONE and ALTO SAX - Claire McInerney

Claire also studied at Trinity (spot a pattern?). She's a popular lass is Claire... playing in West End shows and touring productions (including Chicago), and her latest coup is to get the Parkinson show chair alongside such luminaries as Derek Watkins. Blimey and she plays with Payback too. Of course.

BOSSMAN - Jon Harris

Fortunately there is now a law against driving using a handheld mobile. All we need now is a law that states that eating ice creams while driving the band bus is banned, then we'll all be safe. Until that point the band reserve the right to act collectively as back seat drivers..

Jon (driving minibus): "Who's driving this bus". Band: "No one!".

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©Copyright 2002-2009 Andrew Lipscombe at www.function-band.com. All rights reserved. This article is not to be reproduced or used without written permission from the author. Photographs ©Copyright 2001 Gawain Young and ©Copyright 2002 Andrew Lipscombe