Me Vs Hero
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England |
| Founder | Alex McCulloch, Sam Thompson, Oliver Bradley, Michael Booth |
| Defunct | 18 February 2015 |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited for UK tour in May 2018 |
| Headquarters | Blackpool , England |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Me Vs Hero was a rock ensemble originating from Blackpool, Lancashire, England, composed of lead singer Sam Thompson, bassist Michael Booth, guitarists Bobby Pook and Grant Berry, alongside drummer Simon Smith. The group gained recognition for merging elements of hardcore punk and heavy metal with pop punk. Their discography began with the self-titled EP released in January 2009, followed by This One's for Our Friend in December of the same year, and culminated in their first full-length album Days That Shape Our Lives in 2010.
On 25 April 2014, they revealed plans for their sophomore album titled I'm Completely Fine, which was subsequently launched later that year accompanied by the single "Marks of a Slave". The band dissolved on 18 February 2015 but later reunited for a UK tour as part of the Slam Dunk Festival in May 2018.
Formation, early years and Days That Shape Our Lives (2007–2011)
Established in 2007 by Alex McCulloch, Sam Thompson, Oliver Bradley, and Michael Booth—who had been friends for years and often rehearsed in Thompson’s garage—the band’s inception occurred when Thompson composed two demo tracks and presented them to the group. The band’s name stemmed from a misinterpretation of a lyric by McCulloch. Their inaugural performance took place at Blackpool’s venue called Riffs.
Tragically, founding guitarist Alex McCulloch died in August 2008; to honor his legacy, the band continued by bringing on Ross Malpass, a professional in web and app design, as a new guitarist.
In 2009, Me Vs Hero released two EPs: the self-titled Me Vs Hero EP and This One's for Our Friend. They embarked on extensive tours including a co-headlining run with Paige and appearances at notable festivals such as Slam Dunk and Sonisphere.
Their debut album Days That Shape Our Lives was released on 18 October 2010, featuring re-recorded tracks from their earlier EPs aimed at reaching a broader audience. The album was supported by three music videos for the songs: the title track, "Can You Count, Suckers?", and "My Warren Sense Is Tingling". Prior to release, it was available for free streaming starting 6 October 2010. After the launch, they toured around Britain supporting Deaf Havana. On 6 December, they secured a deal with Hang Tight Records to issue the album as a limited-edition 12″ vinyl pressing (500 copies).
At the beginning of 2011, drummer Oliver Bradley was succeeded by Stephen Jones. That year saw the band supporting Skindred on UK tours and performing at festivals including Relentless Boardmasters, Slam Dunk, Sonisphere, and Hevy Music Festival. During their set at Sonisphere Knebworth, they announced a secret Manchester show dedicated to raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Early in 2012 Stephen Jones left the group; Simon Smith was invited to join as drummer. Initially hesitant due to ongoing session work with an X-factor finalist, Smith accepted the invitation three days later.
Second studio album (2012–2015)
Throughout 2012, the band concentrated on composing and recording their second full-length album, releasing an early preview online in March. In June of that year, Me Vs Hero toured Japan alongside With The Punches and Heroes For Hire as part of the "Beyond the Blue" tour. They also performed at Middlesbrough’s Make A Scene Festival, participated in the UK Warped Tour held at Alexandra Palace in London, and co-headlined a UK tour with With The Punches during December.
On 19 November 2012, they debuted a video via Rock Sound Magazine showcasing insights into the album's development. A live-studio rendition of the new song Heisenberg premiered on 26 November through Drop Dead Clothing. The band revealed that a guest vocalist described as a "tattooed gentleman" would feature on this album.
In February 2013, Me Vs Hero toured along the East Coast of the United States. By May they appeared at all three dates of the Slam Dunk Festival and supported Polar Bear Club during their UK tour.
On 25 April 2014, they unveiled their album’s title I'm Completely Fine along with debuting a new track entitled "Marks of a Slave." The follow-up single "Things We Know" was released on 2 June 2014.
In August 2014, a programmer shared a preview of a video game connected to the album via Facebook while tagging members of the band. Although no formal announcement followed immediately, an official reveal was anticipated later that month.
Musical style and influences
Me vs Hero is identified primarily as a pop punk ensemble, drawing inspiration from both hardcore punk and heavy metal genres. Vocalist Sam Thompson has accepted the pop-punk classification, acknowledging that it often includes related styles such as pop-core and easy-core.
Their first full-length release, Days That Shape Our Lives, showcases lively performances and generally optimistic lyrics that capture the enthusiasm surrounding the band's early days. Songs like "Can You Count, Suckers?" blend elements of pop-punk and hardcore, earning descriptions like "pure modern pop-punk." This energetic mood is balanced by the acoustic ballad "A Loss in the Ranks," which addresses the passing of original member Alex McCulloch.
With their sophomore album, the group pursued a sound that was both wider in scope and more dynamic, integrating heavier tones alongside catchy, pop-infused components. This record was crafted through a more collective creative process and reflects a variety of stylistic influences. The lyrics on this album are regarded as more candid and relatable than those on their debut.
Sam Thompson points to influential albums such as Dookie, Blink-182, and Take This to Your Grave as significant inspirations. Critics have likened Me vs Hero's sound to that of bands including Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Four Year Strong, New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, and A Day to Remember.
Members
- Final lineup
- Sam Thompson – lead vocals (2007–2015)
- Michael Booth – bass guitar (2007–2015)
- Bobby Pook – guitar, backing vocals (2008–2015)
- Grant Berry – guitar (2012–2015)
- Simon Smith – drums (2012–2015)
- Former members
- Alex McCulloch – guitar (2007–2008; deceased)
- Ross Malpass – guitar (2008–2012)
- Oliver Bradley – drums (2007–2011)
- Stephen Jones – drums (2011–2012)
Discography
Studio albums
- Days That Shape Our Lives (2010)
- I'm Completely Fine (2014)
Extended Plays
- Me Vs Hero EP (2009)
- This One's for Our Friend (2009)
Compilations
- A Pop-Punk Summer (Alternativ News, 2011) – featured the track "Can You Count, Suckers?"
References
- Footnotes
- Bibliography
- pages 65–66.