Payback

Looking for a band? Pick the best. Payback. Our reputation and client list speaks for itself - professional and reliable, Payback are the first choice for wedding and event co-ordinators.

Payback are a ten piece funk, soul and disco band playing club classics and gulity pleasures from the funk and soul of the 1960s right up to the pop classics of the 1990s and Noughties.

Payback are now booking for weddings and events through Spring 2008 to Christmas 2008 and beyond. Book now to avoid disappointment!

What's special about us? Why choose Payback for your function? Read on and find out why we're different

Payback formed in 2001 with the intention of recreating the funk records of the 60s and 70s, but rather than just recreate the notes, to emulate the spirit and energy of the original artists.

Over the past few years Payback have evolved into a versatile and in-demand party band playing a range of music for events, with a long list of satisfied clients across the whole UK. The band radiate an infectious enthusiasm for the music they play which is guaranteed to finish a memorable day with a rousing climax!

Payback are a premier function band based in London, UK and cover the whole UK.

We have a set list that can be easily adapted to suit the many demanding tastes of the people you plan to entertain.

Our set covers the most popular eras of soul and disco, styles of music that we find are never lacking in energy and enjoyment.

We take great care to arrange with event organisers an appropriate set for the occasion, in order to guarantee a successful event. We pledge to give satisfaction and value for money.

With the option of up to a 4 piece horn section, we have selected our players not only for their exceptional musical skills, but also for the fun, professional qualities that your audience deserves. We consider our shows to be much more than working gigs. Indeed, the audience feedback we receive consistently refers to the feeling of having been entertained and fulfilled.

So consider Payback for your next function, and realise that you don't need to settle for the usual pub band; we will give you a night to remember!

The members of Payback have an excellent pedigree. The core of the band (Dob, Lip, Russ and Ben) were previously members of underground jazz-funk outfit Wav Clah who achieved success on the club scene in the late 90s and early 00s, playing all over the country, including the Glastonbury Festival 2000. The following is a list of the normal line up (the "first eleven" if you like - even though we are a ten-piece...)

LEAD VOCALS (MALE) - Dob Donnolly
Dob trained at the Brit School in South London has appeared on stage in the West End, on various TV shows and adverts, and is a flamboyant showman, with an extremely versatile and diverse vocal range. He has graduated from Vodka Red Bulls to Smirnoff Ice. He doesn't drink beer.

LEAD VOCALS (FEMALE) - Julia
Julia is the bands "stunna", although Roostaar might dispute this title. The band spotted her with her own band "Family Fandango" at the Jazz Cafe, in Camden, and were extremely impressed with her powerful voice. And we fancied her something rotten (it was probably the hot-pants and thigh length leather boots?!). The rest is history. Don't mention Aretha Franklin. Just don't.

DRUMS - Ben "Blameboy" Harris
The practical joker of the band. Never believe a word he says. Also has far too many cymbals and tom-toms - claims they are "essential". Fails to grasp the concept of travelling light.

TENOR SAX - Russ "Roostaar" Holdsworth
Our "cover star" (well, he was featured in the career section of the Daily Mail), Russ studied at Leeds College of Music where he was a member of local jazz-funk band Taxi. And sometimes he woke up in time to catch the coach back to London to play with the boys in Wav Clah. He supports Spurs. Poor boy.

GUITAR - Joe Pettitt
Really a great bass player, Joe moonlights with Payback on guitar. Currently appearing in various West End and touring shows, and becoming a property magnate in Bulgaria.

KEYS - Ranjith Kanagasundaram
Ranj is the repertoire co-ordinator and cracks the whip at rehearsals.

BASS - Andrew "Lip" Lipscombe
Lip studied at University of York and is the band's webmaster, van driver, recording engineer, live sound engineer, real ale fan and all round geek. He can't throw a ball to save his life. He doesn't play cricket. Click here for his copious photography output.

TROMBONE - Owen "Big O" Rees
Owen studied at Trinity College of Music in London, and is studying for an degree in Philosophy. For his sins he supports the Welsh national rugby side. And Crystal Palace FC. Ho hum.

TRUMPET - Alastair "Titch" Walker
Titch studied at Trinity College of Music in London, and has played in many bands, including chart acts Divine Comedy (Casanova album), Paul Weller, Death in Vegas and Claire Martin. He is not six foot tall.

BARITONE and ALTO SAX - Claire McInerney
Claire also studied at Trinity (spot a pattern?). She's a popular lass is Claire... playing in West End shows and touring productions (including Chicago), and her latest coup is to get the Parkinson show chair alongside such luminaries as Derek Watkins. Blimey and she plays with Payback too. Of course.

BOSSMAN - Jon Harris
Fortunately there is now a law against driving using a handheld mobile. All we need now is a law that states that eating ice creams while driving the band bus is banned, then we'll all be safe. Until that point the band reserve the right to act collectively as back seat drivers..

Wedding Awards Voter Feedback

* Jon did a great job at our wedding. He was flexible to our requests, the music was great and the dance floor was never empty. Would definitely recommend his compnay.

* Payback not only provided us with excellent entertainment that my guests are still talking about, but they also sorted out issues with the venue when they arrived which I wasn't even aware of until after the event. I truly believe they were the best money we spent.

* PayBack were amazing. Our guests are still talking about it and have booked them for other events since. It was the highlight of the day (obviously apart from the marriage). Jon Harris was very committed to providing us with exactly what we wanted for our big day and delivered even more. Their freindlyness, talent and professionalism created the best atmosphere and people were amazed that they were playing at our wedding.....still makes us so proud. Thanks Payback (as we'll see you again soon).

* Payback provided fantastic entertainment and everybody thoroughly enjoyed their set. Much better than I'd ever imagined and everyone got up danced, from 9 years old to 90! I can wholly recommend this superb funk band.

* The one thing our guests commented on the most after our wedding was how great the band were. If you are looking for a great atmosphere at your wedding reception you can't do better than book Payback - it will be a night to remember!

* Everyone who attended the wedding has raved about Payback - a really great contribution to a fantastic day! They even made it all the way to deepest rural Northamptonshire from Croydon without complaint! Extremely professional, we've recommended them to plenty of friends.

* Payback were simply amazing. Our guests were taken aback by the size, energy and quality of the band. Over a year down the line and people still comment on our wedding being an absolutely amazing day and night. The dance floor was packed all night. Everyone was dancing, both young and old. We chose Payback after two different sets of friends had seen them at separate weddings and thought they were brilliant. One of our wedding guests have booked Payback for their wedding next year and we can't wait to see them play again!

* Payback are a level of performance and class above all others and ensured our evening was a party to remember. Delivering an impeccable performance with great humor, for weeks afterwards we received fantastic comments from our guests. A band with a difference, complete with brass section, male and female vocals.

* Manager Jon and the Guys were fantastic and made are special day complete. These guys are a really talent... class act.

* This band were really amazing and worth the expense. They allowed me to pursue my dream and sing as well!.

This band played to a musically picky audience and they filled the dance floor for every song.

They have to win this award!
Tim

Payback are up to 10 piece funk band, soul and disco band playing club classics and gulity pleasures from the funk and soul of the 1960s right up to the pop classics of the 1990s and Noughties.