Hey Bulldog

Hey Bulldog

Hey Bulldog is a UK rock band from Manchester, active since 2010. The group centres on Rob Manton, who plays guitar and vocals, with Matt Parry on bass and vocals and Ben Howarth-Lees on drums.

Formation and early releases

The project begins as Manton’s solo idea. He names the band after the last song the Beatles record together in one room. Before it becomes a full band, he records the debut EP, New York City Blues, largely on his own, using a drum machine for support.

As interest builds through music websites and fanzines, the band attracts early attention from Manchester music writers. Steve Lamacq names Hey Bulldog his Unsigned Band of the Week on BBC Radio 6 Music, and the group also becomes a favourite of XFM DJs Clint Boon and John Kennedy.

Band line-up and sound

With Parry and Howarth-Lees joining, Hey Bulldog develops into a three-piece blues-influenced psychedelic rock band. The group is associated with live improvisation and musicianship, and it is compared by commentators to artists including Jimi Hendrix, Loop and The Black Keys.

EPs and radio support

The EP Rip It Up receives support from BBC 6 Music, Amazing Radio and XFM’s Xposure show. A later EP, Numb, includes the single “Numb”, which is played on XFM and reviewed positively. The band’s live performances also draw strong responses in press coverage.