The Yo-Yos are a British rock and roll band, formed in 1998 by ex-

The Wildhearts The Wildhearts are an English rock band, formed in 1989 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The band's sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music, often described in the music press as combining influences as diverse as the Beatles and 1980s-e ...

bassist,

Danny McCormack Danny McCormack (born 28 February 1972 in South Shields) is an English singer and bassist. Biography McCormack became the bass player in The Wildhearts in 1991, and soon relocated to London with the band, enjoying success during their commerc ...

and Tom Spencer (ex- Sugarsnatch /

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), after the two met at a Toy Dolls recording session. The Yo-Yo's recruited

Andy Selway Andy Selway is an English drummer, well known for his work with KMFDM. Selway spent his early years in Luton, England, but moved to Kirton near Felixstowe, Suffolk, where he remained until his early 20s. From a musical family, he is the eldest ...

(Bladz) (ex- Sugarsnatch) on drums and guitarist Neil Phillips (B-Movie Heroes) to the band. The Yo-Yo's recorded their first single, "Out Of My Mind", and then joined The

Backyard Babies Backyard Babies are a Swedish rock band originally from Nässjö and currently based in Stockholm. The band was formed in 1989 and over the years they have released seven studio albums and won two Swedish Grammy Awards. They are largely attr ...

for a UK tour. Another single was then recorded, "Rumble(d)". The Yo-Yo's continued to tour the UK and were then signed by the US record label,

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. On the Sub Pop label, the Yo-Yo's released their debut album, ''Uppers & Downers'' on CD and LP in 2000. Despite gaining a cult following as well a favourable coverage from the rock and indie press, they split up due to infighting among members. Neil Phillips went on to play for Danny Frye & The Devildolls, and also return his concentration to his own B-Movie Heroes whilst Andy Selway went on to

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. Neil Phillips released his debut solo album in July 2012 under the name Jackrabbit Parole. The album, ''It's a Long Way Back to the Drawing Board'', was available on Front Room Records. In 2005, the group reformed with a new line-up, that included McCormack and Spencer, along with Rich Jones on guitar. The band recorded a new EP, ''Given Up Giving Up'' and toured the UK supporting

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. The EP was initially due for release on

Mighty Atom Records Mighty Atom Records is a Welsh based record label. The company was formed in early 2000 by Dave Simpson and Roger Hopkins. It is known for having been one of a few independent record labels at the forefront of the UK emo scene in the early 200 ...

, but was put out on Undergroove records at the last minute. Ex-Wildhearts drummer Stidi originally took up drumming duties for the band, but was later replaced with a thumb. The band finally walked out on McCormack halfway through a tour with AntiProduct. However, McCormack completed the tour in defiance, with support band Any Given Day providing a backing band. Tom Spencer is currently fronting the London-based The Loyalties, which includes Rich Jones, Lee Jones. Rich Jones also plays with Bassknives. McCormack is working on his first solo album in South Shields. Neil Phillips continues to play with B-Movie Heroes. On 17 February 2012, the Yo-Yo's reformed for "one night only" for a show at Camden Barfly to celebrate

's 40th birthday. Initially only one show was scheduled but due to demand, a second later show was also booked for later in the evening. At the end of each set the band was joined on stage by Chris McCormack,

Andy Cairns Therapy? are a Northern Irish rock band from Larne, formed in 1989 by guitarist-vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer-vocalist Fyfe Ewing. Therapy? recorded their first demo with Cairns filling in on bass guitar. To complete the lineup, the band r ...

, Ritch Battersby (first set) and Stidi (second set). In addition Ray McVeigh and

Carl Barât Carl Ashley Raphael Barât (; born 6 June 1978) is a British musician and actor, best known for being the co-frontman with Pete Doherty of the garage rock band The Libertines. He was the frontman and lead guitarist of Dirty Pretty Things, and ...

appeared for a selection of punk rock songs. The band also performed on the third stage at

Download Festival Download Festival is a British-created rock festival created by Terrance Gough, held annually at the Donington Park motorsport circuit in Leicestershire, England (since 2003); in Paris, France (since 2016); at Parramatta Park, Sydney (since 201 ...

on 9 June 2012. The band made a further appearance on 1 June 2013 at Camden Rocks Festival, curated by Chris McCormack at The Barfly. Chris McCormack was originally planned to take Rich Jones's place who was in the United States with the Ginger Wildheart Band, but Nick Hughes ended up taking second guitar duties, while Si Maxwell performed again with the band on drums. The Yoyos were confirmed for two dates in July 2013 at Camden Barfly, warming up to playing the satellite stage at Sonisphere Festival.

Discography

;LPs * ''Uppers and Downers'' (

2000) ;EPs * ''Given Up Giving Up'' (Undergroove 2005)

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Yo-Yos British rock music groups