The Members

The Members

The Members are a UK punk band from Camberley, Surrey, formed in 1977 and active since then. The group is founded by Nicky Tesco after he returns to Camberley following an unsuccessful attempt to emigrate to Canada and works in a series of jobs before forming a band. He first puts the group together with local guitarist Gary Baker as an initial four-piece, then adds Jean-Marie Carroll, known as JC, after becoming an admirer of his guitar style and songwriting.

Line-up and key members

The band’s core 1977 to 1983 line-up features Nicky Tesco on vocals, JC on vocals and guitar, Nigel Bennett on guitar, Chris Payne on bass and Adrian Lillywhite on drums. The group’s listed members also include Rat Scabies, Nigel Bennett, Jean-Marie Carroll, Adrian Lillywhite, Chris Payne, Nicky Tesco and Steve Thompson. Carroll becomes an important part of the band’s identity, with the Tesco-Carroll partnership driving the band through several line-up changes.

Activity and recordings

The 1977 to 1983 line-up reforms in 2006 for two shows. In 2009 the band releases an updated version of its single “Offshore Banking Business” under the title “International Financial Crisis”. Tesco has retired from touring for health reasons by this point, while Bennett has joined the Vibrators. In 2010 the band records a live album in Berlin, Live in Berlin, and performs at the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury festivals, as well as touring Europe. Later that year, Nick Cash has to withdraw for health reasons and is replaced by Rat Scabies.