Stereotonics

Paul Higginson as Kelly Jones - Vocals & Guitar
Dave Treasure as Richard Jones - Bass Guitar & Vocals
Jodie Hawkes as Javier Weyler - Drums & Vocals
Formed in 1999, Stereotonics are now considered by many, as the official tribute to Stereophonics.
From humble beginnings, Stereotonics have now emerged as one of the UK's finest tribute bands. After getting airplay on National radio stations such as Radio 1 and Virgin Radio even the real Stereophonics have now heard them and agree that they sound good.
All of this from what started out as a hobby all those years ago, is just testament to the skill and finesse each and every show contains be it to an intimate pub venue or a huge festival gig in front of thousands of people. The fact is that whatever the stage, Stereotonics deliver.
These days the line-up of Stereotonics can vary and regularly does. However, this does not mean that the music suffers because of it. Indeed, Paul (Kelly Jones, Lead singer/guitarist) has now surrounded himself with top class musicians and now has 2 different sets of musicians to back him. This is because most of the guys in the band these days regularly play with big name artistes such as Mark Owen, Vanessa Mae and Chesney Hawkes to name but a few.
This would obviously put strain on most bands but because of the many musicians Paul has available now, he can almost handpick a line-up should any of the members have other commitments.
Drummers - Jodie Hawkes and Steve Barnard (AKA Smiley)
These two guys are amongst the top session drummers in the UK today. Jodie is the younger brother of Chesney Hawkes and still plays drums with him to this day when he's not tied up doing a 'tonics gig. He has been playing drums since he was 11 years old and has appeared alongside names like Pete Townsend (The Who), Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue) and Francis Dunnery (It Bites).
However, when Jodie is not available, Smiley steps up to take his place. Again, Smiley has a great pedigree behind him with even bigger names. On his C.V., the biggest names you would see are Robbie Williams and Joe Strummer (The Clash). Smiley has played some of the biggest stages anyone could ever dream of, even the main stage at Glastonbury beckoned one year when he was performing with Joe Strummer whilst the likes of Noel/Liam Gallagher watched in the wings.
Bass Players - Dave Treasure/Stuart Ross
Again, another of two of the finest bass players you will ever find. Stuart was responsible for all of the bass guitar parts on Mark Owens first solo album, The Green Man. Alongside this, Stu also currently tours the world with classical violinist, Vanessa Mae. He has recorded with numerous artistes and even got to play with his childhood hero, Nik Kershaw. Stu was originally a drummer that turned his hand to playing bass, keys and almost every other musical instrument you could pick up and throw at him. Stu is also Chesney Hawkes bass player alongside Jodie on drums.
Obviously when Stu isn't around we have Dave Treasure on bass. Treas is just one of the great boys you would find down at your local. Although his C.V. doesn't contain big names, don't be fooled into thinking he cant keep up!! Indeed, through Smiley, Treas has had a few opportunities come his way only for the projects to fall apart at the final hurdle. It has to be said that if its a Richard Jones copycat you're looking for, he is the man. He stands like him, plays like him and even has a bass like his. A salt of the earth guy who we are all destined to see progress to bigger and better things in the future.
Lead Vocals - Paul Higginson
Gladly, there is no replacement for Paul. Each and every Stereotonics show has Paul at the helm. In a nutshell, Stereotonics wouldn't be what it is today without him. Although Paul's C.V. does not read like a who's who in the rock and pop world, Paul has traveled throughout the UK and even into Europe with 'tonics. He has appeared on the same bills as Jools Holland, Goldie Looking Chain, Radio 1's The Dream Team, Chesney Hawkes, Go West, Tiffany, Bad Manners... the list is endless. In all, Paul has the voice of Kelly Jones down to a fine art. So there you have it. Stereotonics not only have some of the finest musicians to hand but they also play the Stereophonics set with as much venom as the boys from Wales themselves. From searing guitar solo's to screaming vocals, the band has it all. The look, the sound and most of all, the abilty.
Check out the band on stereotonics.co.uk