Cast (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 in Liverpool, England |
| Founder | John Power, Peter Wilkinson |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Cast is an English indie rock group that originated in Liverpool in 1992. The band was founded by John Power (vocals, guitar) and Peter Wilkinson (bass, backing vocals) following Power’s exit from The La's and the dissolution of Wilkinson’s previous band, Shack. After experimenting with several guitarists and drummers in their initial formation, Liam "Skin" Tyson (guitar) and Keith O'Neill (drums) joined the lineup in 1993. On 6 July 2025, Cast signed a deal with Manchester-based independent label Scruff of the Neck.
Originating from the mid-1990s Britpop scene, Cast secured a contract with Polydor Records. Their debut album, All Change (1995), which included the track "Walkaway", became Polydor’s best-selling debut release. The band maintained their momentum with subsequent albums Mother Nature Calls (1997) and Magic Hour (1999). Their fourth album, Beetroot (2001), represented a notable change in musical direction but was met with commercial disappointment and critical disapproval, leading to the group’s breakup just two weeks after its release.
The band reunited in November 2010 and went on to release their fifth studio album, Troubled Times, in 2011. In March 2015, bassist Wilkinson left after departing a tour late the previous year; he was succeeded by Power’s collaborator Jay Lewis, who also contributed to their sixth album, Kicking Up the Dust (2017). Subsequently, Cast transitioned into a trio consisting of Power, Tyson, and O'Neill, with Lewis serving as touring bassist during the production of their seventh album, 2024’s Love Is the Call.
Noel Gallagher from Oasis praised their live performances as akin to a "religious experience," and they earned the nickname "The Who of the 90s." The origin of the band's name "Cast" comes from the last word on The La's debut record, a detail confirmed by John Power himself.
1992–1994: Formation and early years
John Power had been the bassist and backing vocalist for The La's alongside Lee Mavers but left on 13 December 1991 due to frustration over stalled recording sessions and a desire to focus on his own songwriting. After switching from bass to rhythm guitar while residing at Brucklay House in Mossley Hill—later known as the birthplace of dance label 3 Beat Records—Power began assembling Cast with various members.
The initial addition was Peter Wilkinson, formerly Shack’s bassist, who had witnessed Power’s acoustic performances. Early incarnations of Cast featured different guitarists and drummer Russell Brady; they played gigs from mid-1992 supporting bands such as Pele and The Stairs. Unhappy with these early lineups and demo sessions produced by Bob Pridden, Power disbanded this version of Cast and ended his contract with Go! Discs in summer 1993 to create a new lineup alongside Wilkinson.
Keith O'Neill joined next; he had previously played with The Empty Hours, The Windmills, and Tommy Scott’s pre-Space project The Australians. Guitarist Liam 'Skin' Tyson—known to Wilkinson from college and formerly part of Pyramid Dream—initially declined but accepted an invitation to join in November 1993 after attending one of their shows. This configuration made its live debut in Hull in January 1994.
Within months, Cast landed significant support slots touring with Elvis Costello—including two performances at the Royal Albert Hall—and Oasis. During the Oasis tour on 13 December 1994—exactly three years after Power left The La's—Polydor A&R executive Paul Adam signed them to the label.
1995–1998: Signing and Achievements
In July 1995, the band introduced their first single, "Finetime", which entered the charts at No. 17. Their subsequent release, "Alright"—originally performed as "Fly On" during The La's period—became their initial Top 15 success in the UK, reaching No. 13.
October 1995 saw the launch of their debut album, All Change, produced by John Leckie, renowned for collaborations with The Stone Roses and The Verve. The album climbed to No. 7 on the UK charts and earned double platinum certification. It set a record as Polydor's fastest-selling debut, surpassing sales of artists such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, and The Jam. Two additional singles, "Sandstorm" (No. 8) and "Walkaway" (No. 9), secured spots within the UK Top 10.
Their standalone single "Flying", released in October 1996, achieved the band's highest UK chart position at No. 4.
Released in April 1997, their sophomore album Mother Nature Calls showcased a looser, more rock-oriented style reminiscent of Stonesy or Faces. Also produced by John Leckie, it peaked at No. 3, attained platinum status, and maintained a presence in the Top 40 for over half a year. This album produced three Top 10 singles: "Free Me" (No. 7), "Guiding Star" (No. 9), and "Live the Dream" (No. 7), along with a Top 20 single "I'm So Lonely" (No. 14), a ballad inspired by Power’s solitary stay in a Japanese hotel.
Power has explained that the album’s title was intended humorously—reflecting on mortality and an inspiration that struck while he was in the restroom. Although reviews were mixed, including commendation from The Daily Telegraph, which called Cast "the perfect Taoist band," Power attributed some criticism to the album’s gradual appeal compared to the immediate success of All Change. He noted that critics reassessed their views after repeated listening.
1999–2001: Transition and Disbandment
By the time Cast began work on their third album, Magic Hour, released in May 1999, Britpop was waning—several peers such as Kula Shaker and The Seahorses had dissolved, while groups like Suede, Mansun, Shed Seven, and Medal experienced declining sales or label setbacks. The band collaborated with producer Gil Norton, known for his work with The Pixies, steering toward a heavier guitar-driven sound. Power described this collection as "21st century rock'n'roll" combined with "Walt Disney doing Quadrophenia."
Their lead single "Beat Mama" incorporated loops and samples to update their sound, becoming their final Top 10 hit by reaching No. 9. The album itself climbed to No. 6 amid a chart dominated by teen pop acts. However, the follow-up single "Magic Hour" stalled at No. 28. Reduced touring and questionable choices for singles diminished momentum, with a planned third single canceled due to disagreements between band and label. Power later reflected that completing three albums marked the conclusion of an era for Cast.
Power began composing material for their next project, Beetroot, which was released in July 2001. Although initially intended to reunite with John Leckie, Power opted for producer Tristin Norwell because of his modern production style and acoustic focus. Recording extended over three months with minimal input from bassist Peter Wilkinson—who was on paternity leave—and guitarist Skin Tyson; drum tracks were largely created using loops. This record embraced loops, horns, and flutes, diverging from guitar-centric rock toward a groove-oriented style influenced by artists like Bob Marley and Sly and the Family Stone.
Only one single from this album, "Desert Drought", was issued, peaking at No. 45; meanwhile, the album reached No. 78 on the charts. A scheduled UK tour was canceled due to "internal band circumstances," leading to Cast’s breakup in August 2001, just a month after the album’s release. Despite tabloid speculation about being dropped by Polydor or Power departing, official statements denied any discord within the group and framed the hiatus as time allocated for solo ventures. Nonetheless, Power later acknowledged significant internal tensions: some members disliked Beetroot and believed it should have been a solo effort; by the end, half of the band had lost enthusiasm. In 2013, he admitted that the album remained "a slight bone of contention" among them.
Power revealed that the breakup left him feeling "really down, really depressed," comparing it to The La's collapse where external appearances concealed deeper problems.
2001–2009: Post-split activities
Following the band's division, John Power launched his solo career with the 2003 album Happening For Love released through Eagle Rock Entertainment. He subsequently issued two acoustic folk records on Tanuki Tanuki, a label established by former La's A&R representative and manager Jona Cox. Power frequently toured under The John Power Band banner, collaborating with musicians such as Steve Pilgrim and Jay Lewis, while also performing solo acoustic sets. In 2005, Power briefly reunited with The La's for a limited series of live performances, although no new recordings emerged from this reunion.
Meanwhile, Peter Wilkinson and touring keyboardist Paul Ellison became members of Echo & The Bunnymen, contributing to their 2005 album Siberia. Wilkinson later returned to the revitalized Shack. In 2002, Wilkinson released a solo project under the name Aviator, supported by O'Neill, Ellison, and former La's guitarist Paul Hemmings. The following year, Wilkinson and O'Neill briefly joined Kealer alongside singer-songwriter Jason Kelly, then collaborated with ex-Stairs guitarist Carl Cook on a second Aviator album that ultimately remained unreleased. Wilkinson went on to form DC-10 and toured with artists including Ian McCulloch and The Hours, in addition to composing music for television advertisements.
Keith O'Neill participated in Aviator and Kealer before transitioning into management at Deltasonic Records. He later took on roles as tour and production manager for several bands, including Liverpool’s now-defunct Dead 60s, Babyshambles, Art Garfunkel, Lostprophets, and Foals.
In 2002, Liam Tyson became part of Robert Plant's ensemble, Strange Sensation, touring in support of Plant’s album Dreamland and co-writing material for its successor, Mighty ReArranger. Tyson launched his Men From Mars project in 2004, initially intending to involve Wilkinson and O'Neill alongside other members of Strange Sensation.
2010–present: Reunion and recent developments
In June 2010, John Power embarked on a "Cast Acoustic Show" tour featuring classic hits alongside new compositions intended for an upcoming album. On 22 June, NME announced Cast’s reunion with plans for fresh material. To commemorate the 15th anniversary of All Change, the band conducted a UK tour during November and December, coinciding with a deluxe reissue of the album that included remastered tracks, b-sides, demos, and live recordings.
Power revealed on Soccer AM in November 2010 that Cast would commence work on a new album early in 2011, which would be released via Pledgemusic. Their fifth studio effort, Troubled Times, produced by John Leckie, was initially made available as a download to pledgers in November 2011 before its physical release in March 2012. Drummer Steve Pilgrim temporarily replaced Keith O'Neill due to O'Neill’s tour management obligations; however, O'Neill was expected to return for live performances.
In 2014, Cast issued the single Baby Blue Eyes ahead of an anticipated album release while touring the UK with Pilgrim on drums. After the first show of the tour, bassist Peter Wilkinson departed for personal reasons and was succeeded by Jay Lewis. O'Neill rejoined midway through the tour following completion of his other engagements. In March 2015, Wilkinson confirmed his permanent exit from Cast citing creative disagreements and dissatisfaction with revisiting previous material; Power acknowledged that this change eased tensions within the group.
Despite his departure from Cast, Wilkinson continued collaborating with former bandmates through his Aviator project. By May 2017 he had reconciled amicably with Power. Cast proceeded with recording and touring activities featuring Lewis as an official member, whom Power credited with reinvigorating their creative energy.
In November 2015, Cast initiated a Pledge Music campaign to finance their sixth studio album initially planned for April 2016 but delayed due to scheduling conflicts. That same year they signed with Creation Management under Alan McGee and Simon Fletcher. The self-funded album Kicking Up the Dust was released on 21 April 2017 via Warner’s Alternative Distribution Alliance network despite speculation about a major label deal.
During late 2017 UK dates, Liam Tyson’s availability was limited due to touring commitments promoting Robert Plant’s Carry Fire. Jay Lewis transitioned from bass to lead guitar while Martyn Campbell filled in on bass; Campbell had previously collaborated with O'Neill and Power on various projects. Tyson rejoined mid-tour as Cast supported Shed Seven.
On 2 May 2018, Cast announced a compilation titled Singles 1995-2017 alongside a Greatest Hits Tour throughout the UK scheduled from November to December.
A UK tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of All Change was initially announced for October 2020 but postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic before finally occurring in early 2022.
Throughout 2021, John Power focused on writing what he described as potentially Cast’s final album. Produced by Youth and completed in 2023, the record featured Power, Tyson, and O’Neill performing as a trio—with Power returning to bass for the first time since his tenure with The La's.
Ahead of this release, Power embarked on a solo UK tour in late 2023 presenting new material. On 28 October 2023, Cast unveiled the title track and lead single from Love Is the Call, which Power described as connecting his musical evolution between The La's era and Cast’s debut. The second single followed in December alongside confirmation of an album release set for 16 February 2024 plus accompanying UK in-store appearances and headline tours. Additionally, Cast were announced as supporting act for Liam Gallagher’s June 2024 UK and Ireland tour commemorating Oasis's Definitely Maybe anniversary. The third single from the album was released in January 2024.
On 29 October 2024 it was confirmed that Cast would support Oasis during their reunion tour across UK and Ireland dates in 2025. Frontman John Power expressed excitement about joining a band he credited as highly influential throughout his career.
On 6 July 2025 Cast signed with Scruff of the Neck, an independent label based in Manchester.
Current
- John Power – lead vocals and guitar (1992–2001, 2010–present), bass guitar (2022–present)
- Liam "Skin" Tyson – guitar and backing vocals (1993–2001, 2010–present)
- Keith O'Neill – drums, percussion, and backing vocals (1993–2001, 2010–present)
- Jay Lewis – bass, backing vocals, and keyboards (2015–2023, 2024–present)
Former members
- Ged Malley – guitar (1992)
- Barry Sutton – guitar (1992)
- Peter "Cammy" Cammell – guitar (1993)
- Russell Brady – drums (1992–1993)
- Peter Wilkinson – bass and backing vocals (1992–2001, 2010–2014)
Former touring members
- Paul Ellison – keyboards
- Steve Pilgrim – drums (2011–2012, 2014)
- Martyn Campbell – bass and backing vocals (2017, 2024)
Timeline
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Studio albums
| Title | Details | Highest chart position | Certifications (sales thresholds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | |||
| All Change |
|
7 |
|
| Mother Nature Calls |
|
3 |
|
| Magic Hour |
|
6 |
|
| Beetroot |
|
78 | |
| Troubled Times |
|
117 | |
| Kicking Up the Dust |
|
49 | |
| Love Is the Call |
|
22 | |
| Yeah Yeah Yeah |
|
Compilation albums
- The Collection (2004)
- The Complete BBC Sessions (2007)
- Singles 1995–2017 (2018)
Live albums
- The Troubled Times Tour: Live 2012 (2012)
- Liverpool at Last (2013)
- All Change - 25th Anniversary Tour (2022)
Singles
| Year | Title | Highest chart ranking | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRL | |||
| 1995 | "Finetime" | 17 | — | All Change |
| "Alright" | 13 | — | ||
| 1996 | "Sandstorm" | 8 | — | |
| "Walkaway" | 9 | 23 | ||
| "Flying" | 4 | — | rowspan="1" Template:Non-album single | |
| 1997 | "Free Me" | 7 | — | Mother Nature Calls |
| "Guiding Star" | 9 | — | ||
| "Live the Dream" | 7 | — | ||
| "I'm So Lonely" | 14 | — | ||
| 1999 | "Beat Mama" | 9 | — | Magic Hour |
| "Magic Hour" | 28 | — | ||
| 2001 | "Desert Drought" | "45" | "—" | "Beetroot" |
| "See That Girl" | "—" | "—" | "Troubled Times" | |
| "Time Bomb" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Hold On Tight" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Do That" | "—" | "—" | "Kicking Up the Dust" | |
| "Paper Chains" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Love Is the Call" | "—" | "—" | "Love Is the Call" | |
| "—" | "—" | |||
| "Faraway" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Poison Vine" (featuring P.P. Arnold) | "91" | "—" | "Yeah Yeah Yeah" | |
| "—" | "—" | |||
| "—" | "—" | |||