Mike Staples - Born and still residing in Eltham, having spent his early years experimenting with football, athletics realised he was shit at both! so after a brief affair listening to electro hip hop (WHAT!!!) yes it's true, The Smiths album The Queen is Dead opened his eyes to the real world of music.
Frankly Mr Shankly was the first tune to make his ears prick up and after a year or so listening to the Morrissey/Marr genius, he decided to pick up the old banjo aged 15.
Thinking that just the mere purchase of his Westone clipper 6 in 1988 would turn him into the next Marr, he was very disappointed with the outcome!!
So, like probably most 15yr olds he decided to allow the guitar to act as a dust collector in the corner of his bedroom!
Six months of boredom passed and the shiny black axe called for him once more (who the hell is writing this haha) and after purchasing a chord book, Mike thought - watch out Billy Bragg!!
Yeah right, anyhow after learning all that is required to join a rock band (3 chords) Mike wanted to form a band and he did, Detour was the name!!Partially formed in 1988 at the back of a History lesson in Eltham Green Comprehensive, Mike Staples overheard Jago Robins and Chris Cawley talking abut music and instruments. Mike thought it'd be a good idea to have a jam, but only knowing 3 chords would be a testing experience...for Chris anyway. Chris being a capable guitarist was an ideal candidte for the bass during this session. But after only 3 mins was enough for chris to consume a large can of super tenants and lay back on the couch with his coat over his head...whilst stil playing... Anyway, after a few Saturdays round at Jago's parents house rehearsing in their front room, they promoted themselves into the garage and pondered getting a vocalist to take the lead role. Jago placed an ad in the local music store in Eltham High St and in came the requests...well one to be precise..the one was Kevin Quinn. They invited Kev around on a Saturday afternoon to have a chat, and then asked him to sing ...He belted out Brown Sugar and he was in...
That lasted a few years till about 1991 and mike decided to put his guitar down for nearly 10 years!!
After the birth of Mikes daughter, the purchase of a digital 4 track recorder spawned the first compositions fro a very long while, and as a result a chance meeting with Brent McMullen began the beginning of Columbus....
Over a starbucks coffee and a visit to yates' bar in leicester square in late 2003, michael staples and brent mcmullen envisaged a songwriting partnership that would harness their influences but deliver a new unique sound due to their english and australian heritages respectively. well, it all went a little pear-shaped, yates' bar made a fortune in takings that warm evening, and the 'new' sound got ceremoniously ditched for classic retro compositions reflecting the genius of paul weller, ocean colour scene, george harrison and the who, but of course, still sounding like themselves... slowly, a group was assembled, englishmen phil and steve joined in ..boards and drums while nik picked up the bass. the group columbus was a short-lived affair unfortunately, performing just a few times in 2005. yeah, 'life got in the way' and brent flapped his business-class wings back home in early 2006.And NOW...Oh yes, Shelta.....Shelta were formed in the back end of 2007 after Joe Wyatt answered Mike's ‘wanted’ add in a musicians online forum. They soon realised that they had many things in common and musically traded tunes in readiness for their first offering as a song writing collaboration. This song was to be called Beautiful Girl, having all the hallmarks of great classic Brit pop. Jago Robins on drums being an old school friend of Mike's and drummer in his old band they had at school was a natural selection for Joe and Mike to begin building the band. To assist Mike on guitars was an old friend of Joe's, Dan Lawrence. Dan fitted in no problem and has been a definite benefit to Shelta's live sound. AND FINALLY! after a slight hiccup with Chris Cawley unfortunately having to leave the band for personal reasons, Sean Walters was auditioned and selected by the band to be Chris's successor.
Shelta have recently performed their debut show at The New Cross In with Krakatoa, which was an absolute corker. Hopefully there will be a bunch of shows announced very soon....Watch this space....."http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1hZGVsZ
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