About The painkillers
'The Painkillers' are a Somerset-based covers band who were formed back in 2004 by Tim Hawley and Mike Osmond (Drums).
As teenagers in the 80s, both Tim and Mike enjoyed some success in punk bands, namely 'Breakout' and 'Intensified Chaos'. Years later they decided they would re-live their teens and have another crack at organising a band.They recruited Lee Caddick (Lead Guitar), Steve Pengelly (Vocals) & Mark Wheaton (Bass) and started tinkering about with some good 'Retro' power punk.
Sadly, Lee passed away, suddenly, in 2013 which saw the band withdraw for a period. Knowing Lee would want them to continue, the band re-grouped and recruited Paul Griffin on lead guitar.
During 2017 Mark unfortunately decided to hang up his Bass, leaving some sizeable shoes and a tie-dyed bandana to fill. Luckily Matt Irving was poised and ready to leap into action, like a coiled-spring coated in English Mustard; skidding backwards through the rehearsal room door with Bass in hand to fulfil all of our low-frequency needs.
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Our overall musical agenda revolves around the influences into & out of 1980s New Wave. Think: The Who & The Kinks and a touch of Rockabilly through to the Undertones & Vapors by way of T Rex & Slade into the Kaiser Chiefs, Green Day and the Fratellis and you get the picture.
Mike & Griff’s Rock background, allied with the modern Indie input from Steve and the eclectic tastes of Matt ensure that every number is a well-known hit. Nothing hardcore here. It’s loud, energetic and anthemic with the occasional surprise twist on a classic.
The band have played some very successful gigs over the years, and as a result they have obtained a strong local following who believe 'The Painkillers' have filled a gap in the live music scene with a choice and style of material not currently covered by any other band.
We call it: fun, furious and LOUD.
We’re music-loving like-minded guys, all of whom have busy working and family lives. As a result, we like to keep the band as a hobby rather than a job so we try to limit ourselves to 'a gig a month'. This keeps it fresh and interesting! Even 80s legend Howard Jones watched and liked us!!!
Next gigs:
Sat 3rd Feb - The Globe, Somerton
Sat 17th Feb - PRIVATE PARTY
Sat 23rd March - PRIVATE PARTY
Sat 20th April - Bere Cider, Bere
Fri 26th April - The Midland Spinner, Bristol
Sun 5th May - Eli's, Huish Episcopi
Sat 8th June - The Dolphin Inn, Oldland Common
