Cecil

Cecil is a UK rock group from Liverpool, active from 1993 to 2002. The lineup includes Ste Williams on vocals, Patrick Harrison on guitar, Ally Lambert on drums, Anthony Hughes on guitar, and Jay Bennett on bass.

Formation and early activity

The band forms in Liverpool in 1993. It takes part in a Liverpool Echo-sponsored Battle of the Bands, which brings it to the attention of EMI’s Parlophone label.

Recordings and releases

Parlophone releases the band’s first single, No Excuses/Upside Down Smile, in 1995. The group then issues several more singles before its first album, Bombar Diddlah. Later singles include Hostage In A Frock/Stubborn Feather, which appears in multiple formats including limited green vinyl and bonus CD editions, and reaches number 68 in the UK chart. Another single, The Most Tiring Day/Sliphillclimb, follows in 1998.

The band’s second album, Subtitles, follows after these releases. EMI later deletes the group’s material.

Live work and later projects

Through EMI, Cecil supports acts including The Levellers and Skunk Anansie on headline tours. After Subtitles, the band reforms under the name Voy, described as a lighter and more commercial project, and later appears again as Fridge Mountain Fires. Cecil also plays a reunion gig in 2008.