Speedway (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in Glasgow, Scotland |
| Founder | Jill Jackson, Jim Duguid |
| Headquarters | Glasgow , Scotland |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Speedway was a Scottish pop rock ensemble established in 2001 in Glasgow by Jill Jackson (lead vocals) alongside Jim Duguid (drums). The band later incorporated bassist Tom Swann, guitarist Dan Sells (who was eventually succeeded by Chris Leonard), and guitarist Carlos Garcia. In 2002, they secured a contract with Innocent Records.
In 2003, Speedway toured the UK as supporting acts for label colleagues Blue, performed at various university venues, and attracted an audience exceeding 25,000 at Hull’s KC Stadium during a charity event organized by Viking FM. After their attempt to release a commercial mashup combining Christina Aguilera's "Genie in a Bottle" and the Strokes' "Hard to Explain" was declined, the band instead issued a cover of Aguilera's song paired with "Save Yourself" as a double A-side single, which climbed to No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart.
Their follow-up single, "Can't Turn Back," reached No. 12 in February 2004, while "In & Out" attained No. 33 in June of the same year. The album Save Yourself was launched shortly after "Can't Turn Back," achieving a peak position of No. 42 on the UK charts. Following their initial UK tour, Speedway parted ways with Innocent Records and dissolved, only reuniting briefly later that year to support Bryan Adams on a ten-date tour across the UK.
After the band’s dissolution, Jill Jackson pursued solo acoustic performances, collaborated with Irish singer-songwriter Gianna Cassidy under the name Jackson and Cassidy, and released a solo album in 2006. Her backing band featured Alan Frew (guitar), Carl Taylor (drums), and Lorna Thomas (bass). Meanwhile, Duguid continued his career as drummer and songwriter for Scottish musician Paolo Nutini, who had acted as support for Speedway during their later shows in 2004.
Albums
- Save Yourself (2003) – UK chart peak: No. 42
Singles
- "Genie in a Bottle/Save Yourself" – UK chart peak: No. 10
- "Can't Turn Back" – UK chart peak: No. 12
- "In and Out" – UK chart peak: No. 31
- "Around Back"
Final lineup
- Jill Jackson – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Dan Gillespie Sells – Lead Guitar
- Tom Swann – Bass Guitar
- Jim Duguid – Drums
Former members
- Chris Leonard – Lead Guitar
- Tom Lamb – Hi-hat
- Carlos Garcia – Guitar
- Noel Nugent – Bass Guitar