Check out the updated biography. It's all in there. Too much for a news page, but suffice to say FLYZ ARE BACK!!!!! We've finally got our s**t together!

Jono is back! Si is back! Ady is back!! And… We now also have Mr Fire-fingers himself, Joolz on 2nd lead guitar! It's never sounded so good.

We played to a stunned (but very appreciative and extremely responsive) Gun Law crowd in February at the Lion in Castleford. We'd like to say a big thank you to all at the Lion and to Gun Law for giving us the opportunity, and rekindling the fire. Thanks folks.

We are now rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing.

We also have an "up to the minute" page on MySpace (thanks to Sally Boardman for dragging us up to date); where we, those of us in Flyz, will regularly post titbits, snippets, piccies, and so on of what we are doing and when. Check out http://www.myspace.com/flyzuk

It's still early days, but we already have a fist full of gigs lined up: -

· 17/05/08 - The Gardeners Arms, Wakefield

· 26/05/08 - Metal Mayhem, The Polish Club, Barnsley

· 13/06/08 - The Gasworks Bar, Bradford

· 15/08/08 - Yorkshire Rock & Bike Show, Sherburn-in-Elmete

And we will be lining more up… There's even talk of doing Lionfest again this year. So keep checking in.

Glad to be back. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Jono; Si; Ady; Joolz

Since the last news snippet appeared, we've had both Xmas and the New Year. Hope you had a good one of both - from everyone here in the Flyz household.

So, to Jono. The operation on 7th December was cancelled at the last minute. It was rearranged for 18th January, but that too had to be postponed at the eleventh hour as his throat had become too infected and he was too ill to undergo surgery. The infection now once again defeated, the operation is now re-scheduled for 6th March (fingers crossed and 3rd time lucky!)

Meanwhile, Simon, Jono and Nige have scheduled to get together for a long awaited rehearsal at Jam Studios, Leeds, on Thursday 16th February. This will be the first time the band has been in the same room together since the beginning of July last year, so it may be a tentative session to say the least. And in a surprise decision, they have also asked Joolz Hudson to join the line up to provide additional lead / second guitar, as well as further vocals.

Says Simon... "We felt that we just can't keep waiting until Jono's throat and voice problems are fixed. That might sound callous, but Jono is in full agreement. Time is ticking on and the longer we wait, the harder it will be to pick Flyz up again. To be honest we're probably going to have to start from scratch again anyway, so we thought that if we are going to make any major changes to the way Flyz is set up, then now is really the time to do it. Regarding Joolz joining, we'd already been debating a second guitar player before Nige's debut gig with us last year, but with Jono getting ill... well you know the rest. Our recorded sound is a really full guitar based sound, and that can be difficult to replicate live - particularly on some of the songs. Not only that, but we may need to "share" the lead vocal work out more, while Jono's voice gets back on form, so another person can also provide vocal support too. It may appear somewhat incestuous or nepotistic to ask Joolz - who is Jono's brother - to fill that post. But, we know he's a top-notch guitarist, we’ve played together in bands before and we all get on. And what is the point of going through a time wasting rigmarole of advertising, auditioning and maybe still not finding the right person, when we know of someone who already fits the bill?"

So… Future plans?

Says Jono... "Well, I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll have this jam on Thursday and see how that goes. We're just going to go in and thrash out a few of our favourite covers at first. If that goes OK, then we'll book in some serious sessions, and with any luck, we could be back out playing live in late spring or early summer. Who knows? We may not even use the name "Flyz" anymore - although I personally think we should - as there's loads of people still know us as Flyz and that name has sort of become our trade mark. Not only that, we still have a stock of CDs just itching to be sold at gigs (hint, hint) - all packaged under the Flyz tag...

But don't forget between now and then, I've still got this throat operation to have, but I hope that won't set us back too much. I'll have a couple of weeks complete rest and some vocal therapy, but that doesn't stop me rehearsing as long as I don't sing for a fortnight or so. Let's just see what happens and keep your fingers crossed!"

Our fingers are crossed!

We've had word that Jono's operation is scheduled for December 7th. (So that's all the Xmas festivities out for him then!)

Further updates to follow soon...

Hello all. Still no news on Jono's voice / op. Still waiting a date to go under the knife - see previous story. When we know - it will be posted up here.

In the mean time (as a temporary measure - and to keep rockin' until Jono's voice is sorted), Simon and Jono, along with Daz Thompson - who co-produced the Flyz Aphrodisia album, are putting together a new heavy, power rock and roll band called Uber Rockers. Simon will stay on guitar and backing vocals, Jono will cover the bass guitar side of things and Daz will take over lead vocal responsibilities. As it says elsewhere on this site, Daz and Jono have previously written/recorded together, and Daz has been involved in one way or another in just about every band Jono has ever been in.

Says Simon: "Daz is a great song writer, a great producer and cuts it behind a mic stand too. His personality is larger than life - he's a natural front man. He's always been on the scene with all Jono's bands - and even some of mine way back when. He did a great job co-producing the Flyz record, so it seemed the most natural thing in the world to let him loose with a mic with us for this project."

Jono: "It is not simply Flyz with a new lead singer. When my voice comes back properly, Simon, Nige and I will be picking up Flyz where it left off. This is something different. Uber Rockers... It's a great name, Daz came up with that - and it fits really well because it'll be more dirty, scuzzy rock and roll. But because we're all such good mates and have been for so long, it will be an absolute riot! They'll be taking us away in straight jackets! It will give me a chance to rock out a-plenty on the bass guitar. And I can still manage the odd backing vocal - so they won't be shutting me up that easily! .."

Says Daz: "I was worried at first that Jono might take umbrage at me stepping into the lead singer role. But when I asked him about it, he didn't mind. He knows he can't do lead vocals now for a while any way - even if he can manage backing vocals. And he's a great bass player, and when he's not confined to a mic stand - he's mental. If this ever gets on stage (touch wood) it'll be great!"

As well as Si, Jono and Daz, they will also be approaching Jono's brother Joolz, with a view to bringing a second guitar into the new sound. Joolz is himself an excellent and accomplished lead guitarist in his own right, knows the others extremely well, so should fit in perfectly.

All that is left is the drummer's slot - as usual. However the band have one or two potential candidates in mind. Once more is known, we'll post it up here.

Watch out for Uber Rockers! You saw it here first.

First of all, Flyz would like to sincerely apologise for their lack of activity over the last couple of months. However, Jono has had on-going voice and throat problems since developing severe laryngitis in July (see news - 4th July), and so gigging has had to be suspended. As such there has not been much to report. In fact, Flyz tell us that Jono has had a recurrent problem with his throat and voice for some time, which has been a cause for concern - and has required them on occasion to refrain from gigging.

Recently though, his throat/voice problems have been so bad that he has needed to see a specialist consultant to find out what is wrong. The upshot of which is that he needs to have surgery on his throat, after which he will require speech and vocal therapy to help repair his voice.

The good news is that following all this he should get his voice back fully (if not better than before).

As you will no doubt imagine, throat/voice surgery is extremely delicate and so this will all take time. Therefore the chances of Flyz playing any shows until this is sorted are pretty slim, as to do so would be extremely detrimental to Jono's voice. Hopefully, he will have the surgery within the next couple of months - after which he will have a couple of months of vocal therapy. This effectively puts Flyz on hold until the new year. Unfortunately, this also puts on hold plans the band had been making to record further tracks with new drummer Nige. However, they say that once Jono is back to normal (is there such a thing?) they will be back and raring to go.

Flyz WILL be back.

I guess it only remains to wish the germ-ridden, malingering b*****d all the best, and hope he has a speedy recovery!

We will bring you updates as to Jono's condition as and when things happen.

If you are having Flyz withdrawal symptoms - why not pop on their CD? If you haven't yet got their CD - why not? You can buy it buy clicking here.

Flyz have had to pull out of the recently arranged gig at the Barracuda Bar in Derby due to the illness of the Lead vocalist.

Jono has managed to catch laryngitis and while this does not affect his bass playing severely hinders his singing.

Flyz would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who turned out to see them play at Montey's Rock Cafe in Harrogate on 22nd June. The place was buzzing and Flyz performed a storming set (in blistering temperatures) with new drummer Nige. CD sales on the evening and a fun raffle raised money for the Neurosciences Department, Leeds General Infirmary - Ward 48 Trust Fund (registered charity 234059). The ward and its staff do a sterling job caring for children diagnosed with neurological illness, cancers, brain tumours etc. Donations are always welcome. The final amount raised will be posted on here once tallied.

Everyone really got into the spirit of the occasion - a big thank you to those who bought CD's and/or raffle tickets, the main prize of course being one of Simon's guitars, with runner up prizes of a selection of booze. Congrats to those who won. Also, big thanks to the following folk for their help on the night: -

Jason Smith and all the staff at Monteys Rock Cafe for their help and support on the night.
Daz Thompson and Asda, who donated the wine prizes.
Nigel Watts for photography.
Ken Cross for selling the raffle tickets.
Judith Hudson for "watching the CD stall" and collecting the takings.
Ken Cross and Daz Thompson for their unfailing manual and technical (setting up and taking down) help.
PPS Print for printing the tickets.
Castleford Screen and Display for the stage back drop.

Some photos will be posted on here soon.

Flyz have just confirmed that they will be doing a show at the Barracuda Bar, Derby on Friday 8th July 2005.

More live dates to follow shortly. Keep checking in.

At last - an update... Summer is just about upon us and activity in the Flyzone is hotting up...

Firstly - Flyz - Live - Monteys Rock Cafe, Harrogate - Wednesday 22nd June. But more on that in a mo.

Flyz are currently in negotiations with The Cockpit, Leeds, about playing a return gig following their storming appearance there last year (see photos in Gallery). It might (or might not) be a support slot this time round. If so, it takes the pressure off a tad, and gives Flyz the opportunity to air their tunes to a wider audience, which is no bad thing. They are also in discussions gig-wise with a venue in Derby (via Nige), The Lion in Castleford (via ex-drummer Ady) and they'd like to play a (long overdue) return gig at the Classic Rock Bar in Sheffield, where they went down great (see gig reviews at http://www.metalliville.plus.com/LIVE%20Folder/F.htm ) They have also applied to the organisers of this years Leeds Festival - to appear on the unsigned bands stage. So, best of luck Flyz. Keep watching this space for news of upcoming gigs.

Meanwhile, the big focus over the next two weeks is the all important re-launch gig at Monteys Rock Cafe, Harrogate, on Wednesday 22nd June - where Nige makes his debut with Flyz. Tickets to this event are now available for free (Yes FREE!) from the band, or from Ken Cross or from Daz Thompson. To get yours, drop us an email to: info@flyz.co.uk giving your name and address and how many you'd like - though numbers of free tickets are limited, so be sensible!

In true big hearted Flyz style, the lads have decided to give any monies made at the Monteys gig to children's cancer charities. They will also be doing a raffle to pull in a bit of extra cash for charity (prizes to be announced - tho Flyz themselves will be donating one or two items) as well as donating proceeds from the sale of any Flyz CDs sold at the gig. So if there is anyone out there (companies and/or individuals) who could sponsor any prizes to raffle - the band would love to hear from you - again, drop us a line at info@flyz.co.uk

Looking forward to seeing you at Monteys on the 22nd! It promises to be great night. Please come along and lend your support - both to Flyz and to the children's cancer charities who will benefit. You'll be made very welcome.

Rehearsals with new drummer Nige are progressing great. The band have been hard at work rehearsing their set at studios in Leeds and Harrogate, and the band plan to re-launch with a show (arranged by Nige), at Monty's Rock Cafe, Harrogate on Wednesday 22nd June, where Nige will make his Flyz debut appearance. Meanwhile, Ady (bless him), despite no longer drumming for the band, is still doing his bit for Flyz, and has offered to arrange a Flyz show at The Lion in Castleford, sometime in July - so watch this space.

Nige has also been working some further magic for the band by arranging for the Flyz CD to go on sale at Mix Music record shop, Harrogate, where his own solo debut CD "The Long Walk Home" is also on sale. For more info about Nige's solo project, check out http://www.nigeharrison.co.uk For more information about how you can get hold of a copy of the Flyz "Aphrodisia" CD, visit the merchandise page, or contact the band on info@flyz.co.uk

Well it's been high drama in the Flyzone this last month or so. As such we've got some bad news and we've got some good news…

First the bad news…

Flyz would like to bid a very fond farewell to drummer Ady. This follows Ady's recent decision to leave the group. Jono takes up the story…
"…It came right out of the blue, a couple of weeks after the Showcase in Birmingham. Ady told us that he'd not been happy in Flyz for a few weeks, and felt it was time to bow out of the line up. I don't like having to cite the old "musical differences" cos it's such a old cliché, but to be frank, with any group of musicians who are playing together constantly, if one becomes unhappy, or disenchanted with it, then that is usually the principal reason. And we certainly haven't fallen out or anything like that. In fact we're still on the best of terms and will remain good mates. But we respect and support his decision, cos we certainly don't want him to be unhappy in the band. Ady's been with us for about a year now, and in that year, we've been through a hell of a lot together; constantly rehearsing, writing, gigging, socialising. I think we'd got to know each other well, so it's always hard when someone says they want to go, for both parties. But we want to wish Ady all the very best for the future and would like to say a big thanks to him for his enthusiasm, support, dedication and commitment to Flyz over the past year".

And the good news is?

Flyz have enlisted leading Yorkshire rock drummer and musician Nige Harrison.
Says Simon "… I played in a couple of bands with Nige about 15 years ago. He later went on to play with Zoot and the Roots - who at one point were the biggest selling unsigned band in the UK… And it's really bizarre, cos about a week after we found out Ady had left; I got a surprise call from Nige. We haven't spoken in over a decade, and there he is on the phone asking how I was and telling me about the solo album he'd just done. I told him all about Flyz; that we too had an album out; and about Ady leaving. I jokingly asked if he'd care to step into the breach. To my utter surprise, he said "why not?" I nearly fell through the floor! We sent him our CD, which he thinks is utterly brilliant, and the three of us then met up. Nige can't wait to get behind the drums with us. Like Ady, Nige is a very powerful rock drummer, and he's into classic rock drummers like John Bonham, Ian Paice, Cozy Powell… But he's also a very talented musician in his own right with a very diverse musical background - and by a complete twist of fate has come along just at the right time. I keep thinking that it was one of Nige's bands that I quit Creamsoda for way back when, which basically finished 'soda off - which I've always felt bad about [see biography], and now here's Nige joining up with Jono and I. I'm not superstitious, but I can't help thinking fate somehow has a hand in all this. I'm sure Nige will impart yet another dimension to Flyz. We're planning rehearsals at studios in both Leeds and Harrogate (Nige is from Harrogate), and can't imagine it'll be too long before we're out there playing live again…"

Photos of the new line up will be posted on the site soon.

The Major Label Showcase gig at the Hard Rock Cafe in Birmingham was very successful. Flyz performed burning renditions of "Aphrodisia" and "Hole" from the album, with all the raw energy and enthusiasm we've come to expect when Flyz play live. Both songs were extremely well received by the audience - despite this being in the main an "away" crowd. Many suitably impressed punters even went away with Flyz CDs, brochures, badges etc...

The main point though, was that the feedback received afterwards from the A&R reps in attendance was very encouraging. All were impressed by Flyz' energy and stage presence, and the "anthemic catchiness", "power", "original hook lines" and "energy" of the two songs played. Devra Wright (A&R - Columbia) seemed particularly impressed and although all the A&R reps happily took away promo copies of the CD, Devra Wright promised to play it several times over at Columbia - after stating that she really needed to hear more songs from the band.

Following this positive appraisal, the band intend to make contact with several labels in the UK, to meet with A&R reps here and possibly arrange further showcase gigs.

Some pictures from the Birmingham showcase will follow soon.

Flyz will now be taking the stage at 8.20PM at the Major Label Showcase at the Hard Rock Cafe, Birmingham on Friday 25th February. All bands appearing have been moved forward to allow for a greater changeover time between sets.

Happy New Year! And already this year is lookin' good. Flyz have just confirmed that they will be performing at an important major label showcase event in February. Organised by US music company Extreme Music Group; the showcase will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe in Birmingham on Friday 25th February 2005. There will be A&R representatives there from major labels Epic, Columbia and Atlantic - as well as several European indie labels present. Other bands will also be performing throughout the day - Flyz taking the stage at 6.30PM. After their slot they will have a one to one in depth meeting with the A&R representatives from the record labels. This provides an excellent opportunity for the band to talk to key figures from the music industry about their performance, music style, presentation, way forward - and to pick up good pointers for the future. So good luck Flyz!

They intend to precede the showcase with a gig in Birmingham the weekend before (either the 18th or 19th February), and are currently in negotiations with the Trocadero, Temple Street, Birmingham, to confirm a date - so watch this space.

That's it! We've finished now for this year - and what a year it's been. We've played loads, laughed loads, moaned loads, drank loads, seen loads, spent loads and lost loads! But that's life on the southern rungs of the rock ladder! But that means that there's only one way still to go... And that's up! But just before we sign out for this year, we would like to say a HUGE BIG THANKS to our supporting cast for their unwavering help and support in 2004. And in no particular order, they are: -

Andrew Asquith (original web design/updates)
Nigel Watts (still photography, further web design/updates and regular attendance)
Darren Thompson (CD co-production, rehearsal recording and stage tech)
Dan Jakes (still photography and regular attendance)
Jeremy Lunn (still photography and regular attendance)
Paul Morris (video photography)
Nick Wood (regular attendance, stage help and arguing our corner in a couple of places)
Judith Hudson (regular attendance and putting up with Jono)
Anne Boardman (regular attendance and putting up with Simon)
Heather Thewliss (regular attendance and putting up with Ady)
Geoff, Daph's and Joolz Hudson (regular attendance)
All at The Lion (Castleford), Mojo (Leeds) and Gardeners Arms (Wakefield)
Everyone who's been to see us play, everyone who bought the CD, everyone who bought a t-shirt and everyone who bought us a drink - a special big thanks to you.

AND... Last, but by no means least... What would we have done without...
Ken Cross (a big, big round of applause for Ken! For managing us at gigs, stage tech, setting up, taking down, lifting, humping, shifting, bumping and grinding, promoting, selling, scraping Jono up off the floor on several occasions, sharing his unique roll-ups with us and being there with us at every gig we've done - especially on those times when no-one else was... Oh - and for taking the p**s when we were feeling sorry for ourselves)

If we've forgotten anyone - sorry - you know who you are and big thanks to you too.

We will return - louder, bigger, badder, bolder (& balder!?) - next year. In the mean time, have great Christmas and a rockin', rollin' New Year!

Jono, Simon, Ady
Flyz

First of all, apologies that there hasn't been an update on the news page since 4th November. That's because, for the past few weeks, Flyz have been back at the studios writing and rehearsing new material, leading to speculation as to whether there will be a new CD release some time in 2005.

Says Ady: "We haven't made any firm decisions about that yet, due to the cost and time factors involved in producing a CD. Obviously, at a personal level, I'm eager to be involved in a future recording project with Flyz, as I wasn't with the band when they did the debut [Aphrodisia] album. That said, we still think there's a lot more to be done pushing the debut CD first. And I think the main driver in the new year will be getting it to as many record labels, radio stations, management companies, rock magazines etc, as we can. We will also be trying to raise the stakes with the gigging - by trying to secure some profile supports and latch onto the university circuit (so Ken's got his work cut out then!) But all that doesn't stop us wanting to get some new songs together. And it's always good to stick a new song into the set every now and then, to inject a bit of raw energy, and we've got some cracking stuff in the pipeline..."

Incidentally - the HMV Showcase gig on 11th November was well received (once again - thanks to Nigel Watts for the photos - there'll be selection in the gallery soon). And the CD will now be available in HMV Leeds, well into the new year. So if you're a technophobe who doesn't like buying on-line, pop into HMV Leeds and pick up your copy there. Failing that, they are always available at Flyz gigs - and usually at reduced cost! And what better Christmas presents for your nearest and dearest? Imagine how thrilled granny will be when she unwraps the Flyz CD on Christmas morning! She'll be well and truly rocking around the Christmas tree!!

Unfortunately - and due to unforeseen circumstances, Flyz have been forced to pull out of their return to the Classic Rock Bar on 3rd December, and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and/or disappointment this will cause. That said, Flyz are in the process of re-arranging the gig - hopefully for the near future - so please watch this space. Incidentally, Flyz would like to say a massive thanks to Glenn Milligan for the very favourable review (Flyz scored 9/10!!) he did of their last gig at the Classic Rock Bar (see the link in the story posted on 25th October).

Flyz are now set to headline the HMV Showcase at Joseph's Well, Leeds on 11th November. They will be appearing along with three other bands (tbc - check with the venue). Entry fee to the venue is £4.00 - payable on the door. There are no advance tickets available. Please, please come along and support Flyz at this gig, and make it a night to remember as this could well be their last show in Leeds until some time next year (see story posted Thursday 7th of October). Incidentally, for a review of Flyz at the Classic Rock Bar, Sheffield, please see the following link: http://www.metalliville.plus.com/LIVE%20Folder/F.HTM

Thursday 7th October 2004 - Flyz to play Josephs Well, 11th November

Flyz are very pleased to announce that they will be appearing at the HMV Showcase at Joseph's Well, Leeds on Thursday 11th November. Flyz 11 track CD "Aphrodisia" will also be on sale in the Leeds HMV store during the month of the showcase. So if you want one, that’s the place to go. But, due to contractual obligations for appearing at the showcase, Flyz will not be playing anywhere else within a ten-mile radius of the HMV Showcase during that month. This effectively prevents them from playing anywhere around Leeds during November. So, if you want to catch them in action in Leeds for what looks to be the last time before 2005, this could be your only chance. The other shows that Flyz are currently planning (venues and dates TBC) in November and December are likely to be outside Leeds or even the Yorkshire area. As Leeds is Flyz hometown, they will be pulling out all the stops at the HMV Showcase, so it promises to be good gig.

Says Jono: “Because we look like we’ve got good publicity - what with the big posters and colour flyers and stuff, plus the fact that we already have an 11 track CD for sale, everyone thinks that we’re a signed band. But we’re not - honest! We’ve got no backing of any kind whatsoever. Everything we’ve done and continue to do, we’ve scrimped, saved and ultimately paid for by ourselves. So shows like the HMV Showcase are vitally important to us, and we’re very grateful to them for giving us a shot. We’re a Leeds band through and through, hard working and honest. And it’s a pure undiluted rock tour de force! So, please come along to support us - and the other bands too - at the showcase. You’ll not regret it”.

Ticket information will be posted on here very shortly.

The Flyz web site now includes pictures of the band performing LIVE at Lionfest 2004. These can be seen on the gallery page.

Flyz have also provided a new, verson of the band details to cover all band members and updated the biography.