Wallasey rockers Hippys on the Hill play last gig before name change

Aug 24 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL rockers Hippys on the Hill are no more!

But fans can breathe a sigh of relief – the hotly tipped foursome are just changing their name.

The Wallasey band, who have gone from strength since they burst onto the scene five years ago, have decided on the change to coincide with the release of new material, plus a video and UK tour.

Their last appearance as the Hippys was at Wirral’s first music festival for teenagers, Youthfest, which took place in Vale Park, New Brighton over the weekend.

The band – Mike Priest, Sean McMinn-Davies, Craig Henderson and Brad Done – will reveal their new name on their Facebook page soon.

Bassist Sean McMinn-Davies said: “It’s definitely the end of an era, but in a good way.

“We’ve been Hippys On The Hill since we first got together in 2006, but it doesn’t really describe where we’re at now.

“The new name reflects our solid, rock ethos and sound much better. We’re not kids any longer – this is it, we’re here for the long haul.”

The band’s first gig under their new name will be on Friday, September 23 at the Shipping Forecast in Liverpool.

But they say their commercial rock sound and killer hooks will remain.

Guitarist Brad Done said: “Renaming the band has been a tough one for us.

“We have a really successful web presence that includes a MySpace profile with 53,511 plays and 1,892 Facebook ‘likes’ – so we don’t want to lose anyone on the way.

“But it’s a good time to do it as it ties in with the launch of some exciting new material which we’re really proud of and dying to get in front of our fans.”

From their beginnings at small school gigs in Wallasey, the band are now playing at some of the the UK’s top rock venues.

They will go on tour in the autumn and are hoping to play at festivals next summer.

RAIN failed to dampen spirits at Wirral Youthfest on Sunday.

Around 260 teenagers enjoyed music from the Hippys, We Were Beautiful, Solitary Confinement, The Heist, Notion, Static Vibe, Casino Heist and The Blackhand.

WIRRAL bands – we want to hear from you! Tell our readers what you’re up to by e-mailing lorna.hughes@liverpool.com – attach a photo if you can.