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In this week’s special edition of Skate, we have an up and coming band from the town of Newton Aycliffe. We are interviewing the band ‘No Fun’ they formed in the year 1995, due to the break up of the major successful band ‘Grasshoppers’ this tribute band formed. Aiming their music around popular artists such as:

·      The Sex Pistols

·      The Clash

·      The Damned

·      Stiff Little Fingers

·      The Buzzcocks

·      The Ramones

Grasshoppers were a band formed in 1986, going on for 9 solid years. They managed to gain a record deal, due to their popular success with four years of local gigs, they were eventually noticed. They managed to produce a total amount of 3 CD’s and two singles, eventually they declined in popularity and decided to break-up. Now ‘No Fun’ is increasing in popularity year in year out, with their venue sizes increasing over time we wondered if they were going to start and produce their own material again. With only half of the former band remaining (Lead guitarist and Lead Vocals) No Fun went on to recruiting new members, now 17 years later we’re speaking to the Lead Guitarist from the band David Hodgson. We asked him a series of questions to gather some more information about the band.

Q) Do you think over the coming years your band will begin to make its own material?

A) We are certainly thinking about it, after my past experience with the Grasshoppers, I know what it is like to be involved in that sort of band. I would like it to happen because it is a great experience for everyone.

Q) Was there any particular reason for your former bands break-up?

A) I think the main reason was certain band member were beginning to get bored, some of the members had been in bands for around 20 years before I even joined, so in time they did get bored of the concept.

Q) If you do begin to make your own material, would you consider going back to a tribute band at the end of your career?

A) I think I would yes, just because it feels like a huge break doing this. Playing the songs I grew up listening to and the ones I enjoy playing the most.

Q) Would you say it is better to have a tribute band than one, which produces its own music?

A) In some aspects yes, due to the fact that you draw audiences in who know what they are going to listen too. With cover bands you could say that you have a more secure knowledge that you will get a certain number of people who will show up.