User:Unklehomer/The Smokestacks

The Smokestacks are a leeds based band formed under the name Lickshy in 2002. Lickshy were Will Gray (guitar/vocals), Ben Grey (keyboards), Owen Spence (bass) and Tom Blyth (drums/vocals). In August 2003 they renamed with the arrival of Joel Gellard (guitar/vocals). Their habit of jamming between their collection of distinctive and catchy indy songs and a lively stage presence quickly gained attention in the local Leeds and West Yorkshire music scenes.

In October 2005 The Smokestacks toured the UK with freinds and fellow Leeds band Vatican Jet to promote their joint single We can drink our way through this (paired with Plan B by Vatican Jet).

The Smokestacks differ from most bands by having two frontmen, alternating or sharing duties as the songs required. In October 2007 the departure of Owen Spence forced a rethink and the Smokestacks further abandoned conventional band structure swapping instruments throughout their live shows.

In June 2008 they launched the double AA side Damager/Kick which is also the last recorded work to include Owen Spence's distincive bass work.