Music:
Member Since: 5/14/2007
Band Website: thepolicecoverup.co.uk
Band Members:
Michael Sadiq -
Lead Vocals
Bio: After a chance meeting with guitarist James Bennett at a music store in Weston, a mutual love of the music of Sting & The Police led to various jam sessions and eventually Michael's first band experience that would later evolve in to 'The Police Cover-Up'. In retrospect, it is obvious to all involved that everything Michael may or may not have done prior to this is probably not worth mentioning, seeing as is would most likely pale in comparison.
In his spare time, Michael mostly enjoys competiting in the London Marathon, Yoga and swimming with Dolphins.
James Bennett -
Electric, Acoustic, Classical Guitars and Harmony Vocals
Equipment: Fender Custom Shop Andy Summers-style Telecaster
Fender American Deluxe HSS Stratocaster
Mesa Boogie Roadking Guitar Heads
Mesa Boogie Rectifier 4x12 Guitar Cabs
Boss TU-2 Tuner
MXR Phase 90 Phaser
Red Witch Empress Chorus
Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix
Eventide Time Factor Delay
Bio: Currently 22 years of age, James has been singing and playing guitar for just over 10 years (full time for 5), keeping busy both teaching guitar/music 6 days a week and gigging with various different bands most days/nights.
Much like both Andy Summers and Dominic Miller, James originally had a background in classical guitar and can be still seen performing classical guitar sets at various concert halls. It wasn't until his teens that the electric guitar bug kicked in and playing in rock/metal bands heavily influenced by the likes of Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Nirvana and Dream Theater etc became the norm whilst studying at music institutions in and around Bristol.
Having since gone on to perform with numerous different jazz, blues and funk bands (as well as writing and performing his own music), James aspires to continually improve as both musician and performer.
Miguel Andrews -
Drums and Percussion
Equipment: Tama Starclassic Black Sparkle Drum Kit
Zildjian A Custom Cymbals
Tama Octabans
Tama Iron Cobra Double Kick Pedal (power glide)
DW Hardware
Roland SPD-S
Zildjian Travis Barker Sticks
Bio: Having spent most of his school years hitting things, it only seemed logical for Migs to persue the drums. Migs' biggest early influence was Blink 182 drummer, Travis Barker (who ironically cites Stuart Copeland as his biggest influence). Currently at the age of 18, Migs has gone on to become quite the varied musician, playing everything from Latin to Jazz and Blues. Despite favouring solid 'groove' and 'feel' over pretentious, long-winded drum solos, Migs can also let rip should the need arise.
After being rescued from local pop-punk band 'Devious Phat', Migs has proved to be a huge asset to the Police tribute, sporting both an uncanny sound and look-alike to Stewart Copeland, as well as nailing those dreaded Vinnie Colaiuta chops in the Sting material.
Damien Langkamer -
Electric Bass
Equipment: Fender Jazz Bass Custom 24
Ibanez Custom Shop Bass
Ampeg SVT-6 Pro Bass Head
Ampeg BXT 410 and BXT 115 Cabs
Rane ME-30B EQ
Fender RT-1000 Rack Tuner
Bio: At the age of 20, Damien claims to be "the most amazing and talented person you will ever meet... if you are so lucky". He also wanted me to add that "you have to be very special to be one of my friends, so keep trying..".
Early musical influences include Primus, Victor Wooten, Bootsy Collins, Iron Maiden (or any other spandex-wearing 80's rock band) and, perhaps most disturbingly... Abba.
Having stalked James since the age of 6 (quite literally every school and work place :S), when the position of bass player needed filling, James finally gave in to his constant pleading. Damien is currently plotting to take over the world (using midget gems and pork scratchings).
Lisanne Otten -
Piano, Synthesizers and Harmony Vocals
Equipment: Roland RD-700SX Stage Piano
Roland Fantom X8 Synth/Workstation
Bio: Having studied classical piano in Holland from the age of 7, as well as singing in various choirs, Lisanne has always had a love of anything to do with 80's soft rock (Toto etc) or music theater (particularly the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber). It wasn't until her early teens that she discovered the solid, funk-pop grooves of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and subsequently took up the bass guitar, which led to writing her own music and playing bass in bands around Holland.
Moving to England at the age of 16, Lisanne met James whilst further studying music and swiftly became bassist in his band 'Elysium' (a covers band including a range of Sting/Police material). Currently studying everything from Jazz piano to Musical Theater on a prestigious Music Degree at the LIPA University (in Liverpool), Lisanne can often be spotted taking the role of Musical Director to various Musicals on the West End of London. Despite living a fair distance away from the rest of the band, Lisanne was the obvious choice for the band when considering both her virtuosic piano playing and perfect vocal harmonies.
Influences: Sting & The Police
Sounds Like: Sting & The Police
Record Label: Criminal Records
Type of Label: Indie
