Dead Men Win Fights were a Manchester-based band consisting of Stephen Bray, (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Burrow (vocals, bass guitar), Samuel Evaskitas (guitar) and Ryan Ambler (drums).

Genesis

The four band members were all former members of Stealth Munchkin, and formed the new band shortly after that band had split up after their last gig, supporting former Apple Records signing, Brute Force in Liverpool in the April of 2004.

The band soon gained interest on the Manchester scene by issuing their eponymous EP days before their first gig that July.

Career

Gigs continued throughout the year at the band's own 'Brave New World' club at the Retro Bar in Manchester, where they played alongside bands such as Dirtblonde, F4's The Young Offenders Institute and General Khaki.

In January 2005, the band headed to the studio to record a nine-track album which was financed by a reclusive American singer-songwriter, and a three-track single 'Youth Club' was released from it that February, gaining some radio play and some excellent reviews, as well as record label interest from Parlophone.

The band's live set was also being bringing them more acclaim around this time, as well as interest from several more record labels. Channel 4's Planet Sound declared them to be 'more inventive than 90% of other bands', and after supporting Cardboard Radio at London's Pleasure Unit, the band were picked to play an HMV Showcase back in their hometown.

At this July '05 gig, the band unleashed their final new song, "Music Versus Money," a bitter rant about the music business. It was to be rather apt as DMWF ceased to be a band by the end of the month.

Aftermath

Michael Burrow has moved into gig promotion and helped to found 'Death 2 the DJ', a group that exists to keep music live in Bolton.

Stephen Bray and Sam Evaskitas continued to work together under the banner of Billy Ruffian until the end of 2005 when Sam retired from live performance. Whether this is a permanent move or not remains to be seen, but Billy Ruffian continue their work unabated.

Ryan Ambler briefly worked with Burrow under the name of The Basinheads, but has since concentrated his energies on hotly tipped Howfen four piece Our Fold

In a typical dead men quirky twist of fate both Our Fold and Billy Ruffian played on the same bill at the HMV Showcase at the Late Rooms in Manchester on Friday June 2nd 2006.

Discography

Singles

Dead Men Win Fights EP (released July '04)

Youth Club (released February '05)

Albums

Dead Men Win Fights (released January '05)

External links

Dead Men Win Fights - official website