Farse

Farse are a five piece ska-punk band hailing from Birmingham in the West Midlands. They attended St. Thomas Aquinas school in Birmingham, where the band formed in 1996. After releasing a string of demos they released their debut album, Means To An End, (recorded at Rich Bitch studios, Selly Oak, Birmingham) on 8 October 2001. The record created a buzz throughout the underground punk and ska scene in the UK and attracted the attention of the Moon Ska Europe label. Farse then entered UB40's DEP International Studios, to record their second album Boxing Clever in late 2002. Following the album's release the band's popularity grew, with the video for the song Hopscotch receiving heavy rotation on the now-defunct digital music channel P-Rock. The band then embarked on several headlining tours throughout the UK before unexpectedly announcing their split in early 2004. During their career they performed with similar acts such as King Prawn, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Mad Caddies, Bowling For Soup, Reel Big Fish and Capdown.

The final performance was held on Thursday March 18 2004 at the Carling Academy 2 in Birmingham. The show involved former band members joining the line up to play old material. The set finished with the song 'Youth On Paper', a song said to have been previously unheard at live shows.

Bassist Chris Badham now tours with The Mad Caddies. Ade is also the bassist of Beat Union formerly known as Shortcut to Newark.

Farse played two reunion gigs, one at Subside Bar in Birmingham on Monday, 4th May 2009, and one at O2 Academy 2 Birmingham on Saturday, 9 May 2009. Farse also performed at the Slam Dunk Festival in Leeds on Sunday, 24th May 2009.

Band Members

Ollie Patrick - Vocals / Guitar (Until 1998). (1996-2004)
Tom Rose - Guitar. (1996-1998)
Chris Badham - Bass. (1996-2004) (Mad Caddies)
Dan O'Connell - Drums. (1996-1998) (1999-2004)
Tomas Whitehouse - Guitar. (1998-2004)
Ade Preston - Bass. (1998-2004) (Beat Union)
Adam Price - Drums. (1998-1999)

Releases

Means To An End - 2001 (Sucka Punch).
Boxing Clever - 2003 (Moon Ska Europe).