Leon (46)

Andy Gatford (of The Beyond and Gorilla, under the moniker Leon Black) and Jim Kersey (likewise, and now known as James Kersey) formed lo-fi indie band Leon with Keyboardist Lee Horsley and drummer Jeff Davenport in 2004, Gatford providing lead vocals and guitar. Their 2005 debut album, Uppers and Downers had a positive reaction from radio and press; “A goddamn catchy little beggar.” - Garry Mulholland (Q Magazine, Observer Music Monthly) “Leon are a sweet band with a stiletto blade in each hand...good attitude.” – NME “Tuneful pop, so memorable, an achievement.” - Daily Mirror Single of the Week “Slick and scuzzy lo-fi pop rocking thats as cool and crisp as its fuzzy.” - Unpeeled Review. The singles from Uppers and Downers received radio play on XFM (playlist and session), Radio 2 (Jonathan Ross, Janice Long session), BBC6 Music and Kerrang FM. Kersey and Davenport have since been replaced by Paul Whittington (bass) and Frazer M Knight (drums). In late 2008, Leon changed their name to Eskimo Fires and Andy Gatford changed his stage name from Leon Black to Andy Black.