YFriday
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Newcastle upon Tyne , England |
| Products | Christian rock and worship music albums and EPs |
YFriday was a Christian rock and worship ensemble originating from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Operating between 1994 and 2010, they achieved considerable acclaim within the UK Christian music scene. Following the release of multiple well-received albums, the band announced their dissolution in 2010.
History
Established in 1994 to serve as the resident band for WhyFriday?, a monthly evangelistic outreach organized by Youth for Christ, the group witnessed increasing attendance that eventually led to the event being renamed IXth Hour and relocated to Newcastle City Hall. At its height, IXth Hour drew audiences of approximately 800 each month, with YFriday as a consistent live act until their disbandment.
The band released the album Rainmaker in 1999, after which they secured a three-year recording agreement with Kingsway. In 2001, bassist Danny Smith became part of the lineup, coinciding with the launch of their Open album. Around this period, the members committed themselves fully to their music careers. Additionally, an EP was issued in 2003.
From 2007 through 2010, YFriday participated in Chesterfest events, including multiple performances such as "Funday on a Sunday." In February 2010, they took part in the "Heart for Haiti" benefit concert alongside worship teams from Abundant Life Church, Blush, and Kev Whitmore, supporting humanitarian efforts led by NXT ministries following the devastating earthquake in Haiti earlier that year.
YFriday also appeared at the first Big Church Day Out festival in 2009. Their concluding live performance was a sold-out show at Newcastle City Hall on 31 October 2010.
Members
The band's lineup evolved over time from its original formation.
Ken Riley
As lead vocalist and guitarist, Ken Riley was also a prolific songwriter who collaborated with notable Christian musicians such as Matt Redman, Martin Smith (of Delirious?), and Tim Hughes. His internationally acclaimed composition "Everlasting God," co-written with Brenton Brown, earned an ASCAP Award in 2008 and received a nomination for a Dove Award.
Riley co-produced YFriday's album Great and Glorious alongside Sam Gibson (known for work with Crowded House and Hillsong United) and produced The Steels' 2010 release Supreme following their signing with Kingsway/EMI.
Married with three children, Riley transitioned after YFriday to become Worship Director at City Church Newcastle and released his debut solo EP titled Wondrous Things in 2013.
Dez Minto
Drummer Dez Minto is the founder of Broadwater Studios located in Gateshead as well as Minto Music, an audio-visual and lighting rental company operating from both Gateshead and Exeter. He lives in Devon with his wife Rachael and their two children. Currently, Minto serves as Worship Leader at Rediscover Church, affiliated with the Elim Pentecostal denomination.
Danny Smith
Bassist Danny Smith joined YFriday in 2001 concurrent with their initial professional recording contract. A member of an Anglican church in South Tyneside, he was active in worship leadership, youth ministry, and guitar instruction. As of 2023, Smith is serving a five-year prison sentence for sexual offenses committed during his tenure as a church music director.
Gav Richards
Richards, who handles keyboards, rhythm guitar, and backing vocals, was raised in Hartlepool and played a role in worship and production activities at the Newcastle branch of Hillsong Church. After the band's disbandment, he pursued a career as a sound engineer and producer at Broadwater Studios. He is married.
Albums
- Rainmaker (June 1999)
- Open (2001)
- Revolution (September 2003)
- Universal (April 2006)
- The Universal Broadcast (March 2008)
- Great & Glorious (April 2009)
- Everlasting God: The Best of yFriday (August 2010)
EP
- Why Friday? (199?) – Limited cassette including 'Tear Down the Walls'
- Songs of Heaven (2003)
External links
- The Universal Broadcast: Live CD review
- Broadwater Studios (Dez Minto's Studio)
- The Last Spectacular (Gav Richards' current band)
- Elim Pentecostal Church UK