It all started with a chance meeting at an audition for another band. Founding members Wayne Pearse and Gavin Crookes meet during this audition. While waiting outside for the band members to decide whether or not they would take them on, both came to the conclusion this wasn’t the direction they wanted to take. Gavin already had material he had been working on and asked Wayne if he would like to get together and work on some tunes. Jude was born or Jodee as it was called. Together they recorded a demo called “Bill†.A friend of Gavin’s sister asked if Jodee would like to play at her party and having no bass player or drummer, Gavin called on two friends from another band he was in called Brazen. Shanon McNeil was brought in on bass and Luke Vernon on drums, the band was complete. After playing the gig Wayne’s aunt sent a copy of the demo to a friend who managed bands, Bianca Renting, who took the band on and got them there first real gig, a two hour headline show at the Bayfare Tavern in Tauranga (New Zealand for those playing at home). With the opening act being the top acoustic band in the area. After playing it became apparent that a second guitarist was needed and so another Brazen member was called on, Adrian Coubray also known as AJ, the line up was now truly complete. After the name change to Jude they hit the road playing shows all over the central North Island before entering the battle of the bands in 2002.The band made it to the regional finals coming second. Unfortunately Wayne decided to leave the band and played his last gig with them at the Brewers Bar in Mt Manganui .
Although they had no lead singer they decided to carry on continuing to gig with both AJ and Gavin sharing vocal rolls while still auditioning vocalists. Never really finding someone who fit with the band they slowly stopped gigging and concentrated on writing. Gavin decided it was time to move on leaving Jude as a three-piece .The remaining members continued to jam, write and occasionally auditioning singers but still not finding what they were looking for.
During this time Luke went off and started a side project with ex vocalist Wayne called Tinderflint. Although the band never went anywhere Luke managed to find a vocalist in the bands lead guitarist Robert Barnes. Jude was back on track and motivated pulling a set together and playing there first gig Wayne’s birthday, which was a three-band gig at the London Shed in 2005. This was a good start to the new beginning of Jude. Starting an original band night at the London Shed helped Jude develop a new fan base. After a busy 2005, Jude decided to take a break to do their own thing, both personally and musically. Unfortunatly after trying to reunite in 2007 and failing the band called it quits.Not saying that there would never be a reunion ,but not in 2007.what the future holds is anyones quess .We will have to wait and see.
