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The Kick go back many years. Back to 1997 would you believe when two young guitarists decided that they wanted to form a band. Aaron Morgan and Carl Taylor were constantly jamming at each others houses and following in their fathers footsteps, thought that it would be far much easier forming a band using the MIDI technique. For those of you that don’t know what MIDI is, it is basically using a computer to play files without the guitars.
After a few gigs, it was decided that they wanted to ditch the computer and set up a live band. This didn’t happen until 1999 though. Aaron had bullied his brother Bobby into playing bass and was brought in to the band in the August and drummer Jason in the November. How was Jason found? Well, Carls Mum’s work colleague was Sam (Jason’s wife) and through that source, the bald man was invited down. (Yes, he didn’t have any hair when he joined the band back then!!). Baldness aside, he blew them away with his drumming technique and they knew they found a gem.
So the band was formed but needed a name. After weeks of deliberation, “Taygan” was used as the bands identity. However, after just one live gig, Carl dropped a bombshell. In July 2000, he announced he was leaving. It was a blow for the band but with Carl being diagnosed with tinnitus, it seemed the only option for him. So four became three and they were on the lookout for a lead vocalist. The problem was they really needed someone who could play guitar as well hence it took a while for the band to take some type of shape.
After some disastrous auditions which included a 23-year old trapped in the sixties and an Italian from Streatham dressed like he had just left an S&M seminar, there was finally a break of light. John Thompson, a modest local cleaner from Elmers End graced the audition with an old Takamine and promptly burst into Sad Song by Oasis. They had a new singer; he had the swagger of Liam Gallagher and a voice to match. However, he was strictly a singer and didn’t want any part in the music. So they had to find a guitarist.
Carl Taylor knew they were a bit stuck for another musician and recommended a friend of his, Greg White. Greg was invited to an audition and seemed to be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. The new line up had been completed but the band felt that a new name should also be considered. It took a few months to come to an agreement but “Landslide” was the choice and the band was ready to go again.
The first gig this 5-piece had was actually the last. It came at The Regency in Sydenham and went down quite well. Only days later, Greg announced his retirement which meant they were again on the lookout for a guitarist. However, it didn’t take long to find one. A work colleague of Aaron’s was a keen guitarist and had always wanted to be part of a live band. Pete Allen took over the strings from Greg and the change was immense. Pete was a very confident character and it showed in his guitar playing and song writing.
The rehearsals used to take place in a class room in Langley Park Girls School, but after a radical shake up, “Landslide” needed to find a new practice room. Scream Studios was the only option and so the band booked in for a regular Tuesday slot. However, it proved extremely difficult for John to get to rehearsals so in November 2001 the band had no option but to part company and look for a new singer.
The auditions had hilarious effects. They were first greeted by a guy that was looking for a band to hit the big time. He was 18 and they can’t remember his name but to say he was nervous was an understatement. He had three songs to learn and he said they wouldn’t be a problem. He turned up at rehearsals and sang very uncomfortably. He first turned a light shade of red during the first song, then it was a bit more of darker red. Before the song was over, the dude had turned purple and the band were quite worried about him. He was allowed to finish off the other two songs (probably against medical advice) but advised heart-attack-head that they wouldn’t be requiring his services.
The next guy was a 22-year old fella who was “told by his mates that he could sing”. If any bands out there are looking for a singer, never trust anyone that runs off that line!! He turned up and he just didn’t look right for the band from the outset. His first song was “Lucky Man” by The Verve. The problem with the rehearsal room the band had for that night was there was a massive wall mirror behind Jason who was sat in front of the singer. It is impossible to describe the tones that came from this boy’s mouth but the band were all in hysterics. Standing behind the singer was a problem because he could see everything going on behind him with the aid of the mirror. Jason was sat right in front of him and must have been thinking very unhappy thoughts to try and prevent himself from pissing himself!! They didn’t even let him finish his songs. Just told him that he, “wasn’t right for the band” and “thanks for coming”.
The third auditionee was a man we all know very well. Richard Cank turned up for rehearsals as he does on stage: Dressed like a model from a BHS catalogue. As soon as he opened his mouth for the first line of “Live Forever”, the band knew they had found their man. Well, for 12 weeks anyway. Unfortunately, Richard decided that the band wasn’t for him and so were stuck in the same awful position of looking for a singer again.
Without realising, the band always had a singer and never actually thought of using him as the lead vocalist. Pete was happy to oblige and the band took off as a four piece. At this time, they needed somewhere else to rehearse due to the locations of where the band were living. The band were told about some stables in Foots Cray that were being used as rehearsal space and managed to themselves a regular Tuesday night slot. The band rehearsed religiously and played live as a four piece for the first time in July 2003. It was a very good gig, they played a lot of covers but threw in some original material and the set went down a storm.
But guess what? One month later, the band were once again on the lookout for a singer after Pete announced that he would be quitting. It was quite a tough time for the band and it seemed logical that they were on a beaten track of constantly looking for new members and starting again. It was agreed the band would quit.
It took two months though for Aaron, Bobby and Jason to have a change of heart. It was too tough not being able to play the music they all loved and decided they would give it another go. The band were on the lookout for another singer. But another problem arose. In April 2004, Aaron announced that he was moving to Plymouth and felt it was best to part company with the band.
Bobby and Jason were now left wondering what to do. Over a pint at The Eden Park Hotel, Jason had an idea! "Let’s phone Richard Cank"!! Bobby was in agreement and they were ecstatic at the news that Rich had decided that he would like to re-join the band.
Time for a new name!! I think everyone can guess what it is!! Yes, “The Kick” was born. Starting out as a three-piece in October 2004 and then performing their first gig in February 2006 at O’Neil’s “Battle of the Bands”, “the Kick” have gone from strength to strength.
“The Kick” were still incomplete. They felt they still needed another personality and decided to place an advert online and in the local newspaper. It didn’t take long for Mani Hill to respond and was invited down to Scream Studios for an audition.
“The Kick” were ready; and for the next two years performed at many live venues including the Crows Nest, O’Neil’s and The Cartoon. They have established themselves as probably the best covers band in South London and also in the South-East of the UK and there are few that would disagree. But in April 2008, Rich announced that he was moving to Thailand with his girlfriend and that the cost of flying back and forth was too great to continue with his love-affair with “The Kick”. It was a huge shock and “The Kick” were once again looking for…….a singer. Rich continued until May 2008 before bowing out at O’Neil’s in Wimbledon.
Fortunately, there aren't many people that Mani doesn’t know. His contacts in the music world included Kevin Seward who not only sings but also plays the most incredible guitar. Kevin slotted in where Richard left off and took to each song with aplomb. There hasn’t even been a break in “The Kicks” schedule and have since played a host of successful gigs including The Godstonebury Festival and a handful of private functions.
If you get a chance to see this band live, please do so. It will be a night that you’ll never forget!!
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