Farse (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , England |
| Products | Ska-punk music, albums |
Farse is a ska-punk ensemble consisting of five members, originating from Birmingham, England.
History
The band was established in 1996 at St. Thomas Aquinas school in Birmingham, with the initial roster featuring Ollie Patrick (vocals and guitar), Chris Badham (bass), Dan O'Connell (drums), and Tom Rose (guitar). Following several personnel adjustments—including the addition of Tom Whithouse as a second guitarist, Ollie Patrick shifting exclusively to vocals, and Ade Preston stepping in for Rose—the group unveiled their first album, Means to an End, on 8 October 2001. This record was produced at Rich Bitch Studios located in Selly Oak, Birmingham, and it garnered attention within the UK punk and ska communities, eventually drawing interest from Moon Ska Europe.
In late 2002, Farse entered UB40's DEP International Studios to record their sophomore album, Boxing Clever. The release of this album significantly enhanced their recognition, with the track "Hopscotch" receiving frequent airplay on the digital music platform P-Rock. Subsequently, the band led multiple headline tours across the UK before announcing their disbandment in early 2004, culminating with a farewell tour alongside Phinius Gage during late 2003.
Throughout their active years, Farse shared stages with prominent bands such as King Prawn, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Mad Caddies, Bowling For Soup, Reel Big Fish, and Capdown. Their concluding performance took place on 18 March 2004 at Birmingham's Carling Academy 2, featuring appearances by former members and closing with "Youth on Paper," a song never previously performed live.
After the split, bassist Chris Badham became part of Mad Caddies, while Ade Preston took on bass duties for Beat Union (formerly known as Shortcut to Newark) and later served as guitarist for The King Blues.
Farse reunited for two shows in Birmingham during May 2009—performing at Subside Bar on the 4th and O2 Academy 2 on the 9th—and appeared at the Slam Dunk Festival in Leeds on 24 May 2009.
Reformation
On 30 October 2009, Farse delivered what was billed as their 'finale' performance at O2 Academy Birmingham. Frontman Ollie Patrick revealed that the band was regrouping, composing new songs, and preparing for upcoming tours, highlighting their continued enthusiasm for creating music.
Band members
- Ollie Patrick – vocals, guitar (1996–2004, 2009)
- Chris Badham – bass (1996–2004, 2009) (Mad Caddies)
- Dan O'Connell – drums (1996–1998, 1999–2004, 2009)
- Ade Preston – guitar (1998–2004, 2009) (Beat Union, The High Society, The King Blues)
- Tomas Whitehouse – guitar (1998–2004)
- Former members and substitutes
- Adam Price – drums (1998–1999)
- Dean Ashston – guitar (2009) (Beat Union, The King Blues)
- Tom Rose – guitar (1996–1998)
Studio albums
- Means to an End – 2001 (Sucka Punch)
- Boxing Clever – 2003 (Moon Ska Europe)
Music videos
- "Cigarette Through Polystyrene" (2003)
- "Hopskotch" (2003)