Who we are

Origin Story:

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Drew (lead guitar) was eager to start a band and get out gigging. He had been in a few bands before, but they had never led anywhere, nor even had a gig.

The initial plan for this new band was to play light-hearted fun/nostalgic songs, from the early 00s, that people would recognise and be able to dance to…. Just to get out and have fun playing.

In early 2022, Drew put out the word that he was looking for band mates.

David (rhythm guitar) messaged Drew saying he was interested, and the 2 set up a jam at Loop Maniac in Dunfermline, Scotland.

David and Drew already knew each other, and had previously spoken about musical tastes and guitars at a party.

Next was Liam (vocals), who had been in previous bands (Kyber, Making her Proud), where he played guitar and did a bit of vocals. Liam saw Drew’s post for band mates and got in touch for the singer position.

Liam joined Drew and David for a jam at SubStation in Rosyth… and the two became a three.

Next, the band needed a bassist and a drummer….

Liam knew of someone who could play bass, and asked him to come along for a jam.

In March 2022, Nik joined the others for a Jam, meeting Drew and David… So now the band had 4 members and started working on pop-punk covers. .

Several drummers messaged the band, interested in joining, but they never worked out for various reasons. They even held off for a drummer who was overseas… thinking he’d be the final piece of the puzzle… but after an audition, all agreed he was not right for the band.

Feeling rather deflated, and disappointed by being let down by potential drummers, Drew continued to search for drummers. He started chatting with Chris online and they arranged a Jam.

All four of the existing band members (Drew, David, Liam and Nik) didn’t want to get their hopes up, in case they were let down again.

But… To their delight, Chris was the perfect match and agreed to joined the band, completing the line-up.

What’s in a name?

The band threw around ideas for band names - some were utterly cringey, as you can probably imagine.

After going through what felt like several thousand band names, Drew suggested “He Lies Still” - The answer to the riddle “What does a liar do when he’s dead?”

Everyone agreed, and the band officially had a name.

Drew designed the band logo and named the character “Eli” -

Elis still/He Lies Still…. get it??

In his excitement, Drew started ordering merch… including guitar picks, tshirts, hoodies, hats and stickers, and also a band banner.

First Gig…

The band continued to work on building their repertoire, and managed to secure their first gig: 1st October 2022, at The Purple Cat in Methil, Fife.

On the bill were Rebecca Radical, Anarchic Disorder, The Deploied, He Lies Still, and Kid Klumsy.

The Purple Cat’s gigs were typically old-school punk, so He Lies Still weren’t sure whether their pop-punk covers would match the venue’s style.

Drew had shoulder surgery a few weeks prior to the gig, and was still in a sling right up until they went on stage.

The band performed with great success, and everyone at The Purple Cat cheered and congratulated the band on the success of their first gig. The dance floor was never empty. The other bands, and the venue staff, were all extremely welcoming, supportive and friendly.

It was a great first gig, and the band was extremely grateful for the opportunity to pop their gig cherry.

What next?

Following the success of their first gig, He Lies Still were keen to secure other gigs.

Continuing to build their repertoire, the band secured gigs at popular live-music venues, such as PJ Molloys, Bannerman’s, The Monarch, Coady’s, and a return to The Purple Cat.

The band was also invited to play pop-punk covers at Drew’s brother’s (Stephen) wedding, where Stephen joined Liam as a guest vocalist for a song.

In late 2023, the band decided to move away from pop-punk covers and focus on heavier styles of music, as well as writing original material.

They decided not to book any gigs for a few months, until they have a few original songs to play live.

Throughout 2024, the band worked hard to write and develop their own material.

On 1st September 2024, He Lies Still returned to Bannerman’s Bar, in Edinburgh, to play their own music live for the first time.

In late September 2024, the band changed their logo to one more suited to their new direction…

The debut EP is set to be released in December 2024.