Been a long time since I rocked and rolled

Well, I guess someone out there is wondering where the hell old ESP have been since October 1999. Ok, this should have been done ages ago, so I'm sorry to all of you who haven't heard / don't know the story. On the 22nd October 1999 I (Jason) left the band. I don't think it's right to go into exactly why that happened but needless to say I haven't been part of the ESP fold for nearly 7 months now.

Right, that's part one down. Part two, on Monday 22nd May 2000 I was offered my position back in ESP. Obviously this needed discussing so I met with Paul Maclean on Tuesday night and it looks very much like I am going to be the first person to rejoin ESP (well, maybe the second…..does Tricky count :o)). Still some things need sorting out but it looks about 95%.

To be honest it doesn't seem like you people out there in cyberland have missed much in the time period I've been away. There has been only a few gigs, with the band working on a Madonna tribute that I think is not going to get off the ground now. I know that 'Synth' Tom Robson is leaving the ESP fold due to other commitments (he's off to Uni). As for the rest of the band, I'm not sure. There is still Sadie, Joe and Kevin, but whether they will still be part of ESP is not yet sorted out.

Well, that's about it for the minute guys and gals. I will keep this website informed of all developments. I can only apologise for not doing so when I left, but, as we say, that's all water under the bridge now (ohhhh, sounds like a song title :o)). Hopefully, if we can get this all together I'll see you once again when I hit the stage with ESP. Take care…..I've missed you all.

The Guitar String Incident

Thought you'd like to hear this one. Jason, being of sound body and mind, was dispatched to Musical Exchanges in Birmingham to procure some much needed strings (i.e - Paul had nicked all of Jason's spares :o)) Instead of buying said item he came away with…yep…a new guitar. The debut of his new ESP (coincidence ?) Explorer will be on Wed 9th. Jason would like it to be known he doesn't normally do things like this (i.e - he gets Tricky to go to Musical X :o)), but he fell in love with it and had to buy it. Ohh…..and he forgot the strings !!!!!!!!!!!!

I know…still no new photos

Okay, now ESP have (finally) got a settled line-up in 1999 I can organise updating the photo's on this site. Over the next few weeks, both myself and the ever wonderful Richard "Tricky" Reeves will be taking photos of the band, both live and at rehearsals. So I promise you'll get to see the new line-up soon on here.

We are now 6 again

The search is over ladies and gentlemen. After receiving a lot of interest in the vacant ESP keyboard players position it gives me great pleasure to announce the band have finally made a decision. Welcome into the fold Mr Tom Robson, a 16 year old from Stourbridge. Rehersals are currently underway with the new line-up and sound absolutely awesome, but, unfortunately, Tom will be in America for the Robin gig on the 9th. But make sure your there because it will be the "real" debut of new frontperson Sadie Harris.

Change of plans for the Robin on the 9th

ESP are due to headline their own show on the 9th, but, due to the recent personnel changes the band are going to be unable to do their full show as was planned. ESP will still play, but have handed the main slot over to the band who were originally going to support them, ESP will play a support set (around 45 mins). The band apologise to anyone who has already bought tickets for the show, it is unfortunate to change the plans this close to the gig date, but, they would rather do this than cancel the gig altogether. The bonus is that there may be an appearance of the new vocalist (possibly in a similar vein to the Shrewsbury gig) so keep your eyes peeled. The band are not going to cancel any upcoming gigs, and hope to be back to full strength in the very near future. So if you had already planned to go to the Robin on the 9th, be there early. The band will take the stage around 8.30 pm.

New ESP line-up goes live

The new ESP line-up has made an unscheduled live appearance at a festival in Shrewsbury on Monday 31st May. The festival, in 'The Quarry' in Shrewsbury featured 5 bands, with the new ESP line-up making it's debut by headlining the event. Sadie was there, and sang two songs, Paul handling the rest of vocal duties. Overall the reaction was fantastic, with everyone commenting on the new singer (and all favourably). A special mention to Callum Onions, a young lad from Shrewsbury who enjoyed the show. Always nice to see the young ones enjoying live music, hope you like the cd Callum.

ESP announce new vocalist

Well, at some point it was inevitable, and to those who know the Stourbridge music scene well it came as no surprise when ESP announced their new vocalist. The new front person is a former bandmate of both Joe and Kevin, back in their Lucid Moments days…ladies and gentleman welcome Sadie Harris into the ESP fold. Sadie is a stunning blonde with an incredible voice. As an odd quirk of fate, Sadie, who is replacing Jaq Pickett, originally tried out for the band when Estelle Field left. Obviously, Jaq got the job then, but the first name mooted when it was announced that Jaq was leaving was Sadie. Good luck Sadie, and welcome into the world of ESP.

What ? Yet another line-up change ?

Just when you thought it was safe for a while, ESP have once again altered their line-up slightly. This time it's a big 'Farewell' to long time front person Jaq Pickett. ESP would like to thank her for a job well done (for near enough two years now) and wish her well in whatever she decides to do.

ESP win 1st heat in "Battle of the Bands"

In perhaps the most bizarre incident involving the band, ESP have qualified for the next round of the "Battle of the bands" competition at the Shed. Their opposition, a band called "Shatner" did not appear, so, ESP won by default. Even though they had already qualified the band decided that as a few people were looking forward to seeing the new band spread their live wings, some travelling from as far away as Nottingham, they would play anyway. So, in a very relaxed atmosphere, ESP took the stage and performed. It was nice to see old ESP members Lee Goodyear (with his beautiful wife to be…congratulations Lee) and Angie Kiernan in the audience too. News on who ESP play in the next round will appear here as soon as it's announced.

Let Battle Commence

ESP have entered a local "Battle of the Bands" contest. The contest is taking place at the relatively new venue, "The Shed", at Brierley Hill, West Midlands. The draw for the first round was made on Tuesday 9th by last years winners of the competition "The Band With No Name". ESP drew "Shatner", no….not William :o) Their contest will take place on Tuesday 27th April. ESP took place in a similar contest when they first started, and finished 3rd out of 81 bands. This will be a special occasion as this will be the new bands debut (discarding the Robin 2 gig in January which was just to fulfil outstanding gig commitments), so get yourself down to the Shed and hear the new set and, of course, vote for ESP.

News on the New ESP Set-List

ESP are all but ready to start playing live once again and the news is that they have a whole new set-list to entertain the masses once again. Obviously the band are keeping some suprises up their sleeves, and are loathe to disclose everything, but I can reveal that virtually all of the cover songs in the set will be brand new, as well as some interesting new versions of some old favourites. "Zombie", will still be in the set, as will the likes of "Pass another Bottle" and "Survival Song". Also included will be versions of "Favourite Game" by the Cardigans and the Lenny Kravitz number one "Fly Away". To find out for yourselves what ESP - The Next Generation is all about keep your eyes peeled on the live dates page, you will not be disappointed.

Band seeks Keyboard Maestro

The band have decided that with the direction they now seem to be heading in, and with the new influences of both Jo and Kev, they once again require a permanent keyboard player. Lee Goodyear was never replaced in the band when he left last year, and the band think now is the right time to look for a replacement. So, if your reading this, and you can play a mean keyboard, then get in touch via e-mail through the site and you never know.…you may be the next member of ESP.

ESP - Hit the radio waves again

ESP are due to appear on Wolf radio (FM 107.7), only available in the Wolverhampton area (sorry), on Wednesday 10th February at 8.00 pm. The band will be discussing the new line-up as well as chatting about their music. If your in the area, make sure you catch the show.

...Hello There

We are now pleased to announce the new line-up for ESP has been finalised. In an unusual move, ESP, for the first time, will have a male bass player, leaving Jacqui the only female in the line-up. I'm sure you'll all join me in welcoming Jo Isherwood (Bass guitar) and Kevin (Kev) Lewis (Drums). Originally they hail from the band "Lucid Moments" and are now ready to take ESP into the next millennium. Photos will appear on the site soon, so get ready for ESP….The Next Generation.

Goodbye there...

ESP would like to announce that drummer Adrian Holmes and bass player Sarah Taylor have moved on to pastures new. Adrian can now be seen thumping the tubs with his new band Badge. Sarah is taking a sabbatical from the music business. The band would like to wish them well and thank them for a job well done with us. News on the new line-up will appear here shortly.

Following up on Freaks & Friends...

The Freaks & Friends Charity Party in Nottingham on 3rd October at which ESP played raised over £1,200 for The Villas Children's Respite Care Unit at Nottingham's City Hospital. Marillion will be presenting a cheque on behalf of Freaks & Friends at The Tap & Tumbler in Nottingham on Monday 2nd November prior to their show at Rock City. If you are in the area, feel free to come along at about 7:00pm - see you there!

ESP Presents Various Artists

In response to requests from agents & venues ( & to get some cash together to finance the next album !) we have put together a 'covers only' set. So as not to confuse people, when performing the covers show, the band will appear under the name Various Artists. The set will include a wide range of material from the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's by artists as diverse as The Beatles, Queen, Aerosmith, The Cranberries, Alanis Morissette, Natalie Imbruglia & many others. So, don't expect ESP songs at these gigs ! But do expect a great selection of songs you know performed as only ESP can ! See you there !

The ESP Christmas Party

Our Christmas gig has now been confirmed at The Shed in Brierley Hill on Thursday 3rd December. The Shed is a superb new purpose built venue with great sound and light systems, two bars and has a late license. Special guests are Grass, another excellent Stourbridge based original band. We are planning plenty of special surprises for the evening to make it a really special event - SO DON’T MISS THIS GIG ! Tickets will be on sale soon price £3:00 each.

Freaks 'n' Friends Charity Party

On Saturday 3rd October, ESP are taking part in a charity event organized by Freaks and Just Good Friends; two Internet mailing lists dedicated to the music of Fish and Marillion. The event takes place at The Test Match Hotel, West Bridgeford, Nottingham and as well as a set by ESP it will feature a prize draw (with some great prizes!), a quiz, a buffet, a late bar and possibly some *special* guests. All proceeds will go to The Villas Children’s Respite Care Unit at Nottingham’s City Hospital. For further details, visit the Just Good Friends web site (www.welcome.to/justgoodfriends) and tickets are now available at £5.00 each from Gary Grove (gary.grove@which.net)

Personal Ad: Band With Genuine Sense Of Humour Seeks Gigs!

ESP are looking to spread their wings and play some live dates further afield. However, if other areas of the country are anything like music scene around the West Midlands at present, all the best gigs are going to Tribute Bands ! (Un)Fortunately, we don’t pretend to be anyone but ESP (perhaps we should start an ESP Tribute Band ?!?!). So, if you know of any good venues that support ORIGINAL music, PLEASE LET US KNOW !!!!!

ESP - The Beer!

Pete’s Brewing Company an independent brewery based in Paulo Alto, California has just launched its latest beer - ESP Lager. The company was founded in 1986 by Pete Slosberg and is famous for its beers such as Pete’s Wicked, Strawberry Blonde, Summer Brew and now ESP. Pete’s beers are available in the U.K. at better off-licenses & supermarkets. Visit their web site via our links page.

Chris Evans gets more than his fair chair!

In an effort to get even more publicity for the band, Jason, who seems determined to get on every radio show in England, appeared on the Chris Evans breakfast show on Virgin Radio on June 18th. As Mr Evans was due to broadcast his show from the Habitat store in Birmingham, Jason and Adrian planned their attack. Jason had programmed his auto-fax to bombard the ginger haired radio and tv star, expressing the bands wish to be mentioned on his radio show. The fax-out worked so well in fact, that the radio shows fax-machine couldn't take anyone elses' faxes. Evans was so impressed by their persistence he made a point of talking to Jason on his show. Jason was in the crowd outside, so he interviewed Jason on air, who mentioned the band as many times as he could. As a gesture, Mr Evans gave Jason the chair he was sitting on, a chair Mr Evans himself had bought from the Habitat store for £145.00, as a present for his persistence.

The local press found out about this, and the band featured in a couple of articles in the local press (Express and Star and the Stourbridge News). Some photos were also taken of the band with the chair given to Jason. The band have decided that, as the chair is obviously a real celebrity, it will be making it's debut with band on-stage at the Robin Hood on July 22nd.

So if you fancy seeing how the hell they're going to incorporate the chair into their set, or you just fancy seeing a celebrity chair, then get yourself down to the Robin on the 22nd.

Talk Radio

ESP have started what has amounted to a crusade against the cover bands which seem to be ruining our industry. To make their views known to the nation, Jason appeared on Tommy Boyds’ show on Talk Radio on June 1^st. Read a transcript of the conversation.

Lineup Changes

Keyboard player Lee Goodyear has left ESP. Lee had been with the band for 2 years. Unfortunately due to work and other committments, Lee has found it impossible to keep playing with the band. ESP wish Lee all the best for the future.

For the time being, ESP are continuing as a 5 piece whilst deciding whether or not to seek a permanent replacement for Lee.

London Dates Planned

In the past, ESP have mostly stuck to Midlands venues. Even so, they have covered a pretty large area from Worcester in the south to Derby in the north. This year however the band are really keen to break into the capital and start building a following around the London area. Dates will be on these pages as soon as arranged.

ESP Played On Polish Radio

Over Christmas ESP were featured on Alfa Radio in Krakow. Presenter Artur Chachlowski played several tracks from the album on his show Art-Rock. Artur heard about the band through The Classic Rock Society’s magazine Wonderous Stories which reviewed the album last year and contacted the band. Artur promises to keep plugging ESP in Poland.