By Mark Tavender | Photography by @WBnephotography
Here in North Shields, we’re lucky to be witnessing a positive change in cultural activities and opportunities. It’s refreshing to see and long may it continue. It benefits everyone no matter what their age or interest.
Part of that mini-revolution is a young band called Short Back And Shields. They are twins Cody (lead guitarist, vocals) and Caden (drummer, vocals), Luke (rhythm guitar) and Ethan (bassist).
They’re only 16 and still at school but are aiming their sights high. All of them are talented musicians and at the moment are playing mainly cover versions of their favourite songs – although they are in the process of writing their own stuff too. And they’re already gaining a following (check out their version of Steppenwolf’s ‘Born to Be Wild’).
Despite their young ages they have all been in other bands too. Whilst Cody, Caden and Luke have always been a band of sorts, Ethan, the bassist, describes himself as a ‘gun for hire’ often being asked to play bass for other bands.
So how did their 4-piece come about? They started playing in late 2019 and Cody, Caden and Luke were a 3 piece called Dystopia at that point and Ethan was in a band called Demonstration Of Rage. They hadn’t met at this stage but were on the same bill at a battle of the bands event at the former O2 in Newcastle in March 2020.
Then Covid and lockdown happened; but that didn’t stop these lads honing their crafts.
Their real journey to becoming a band started when Ethan, Luke and Caden were part of another band, The Narviks, and were playing at the Rock School gig run by North Tyneside Music Education Hub (NTMEH) at The Exchange in June 2023. With 30 minutes left before they were due to go on stage, they received a message that the lead guitarist could not make it. A decision was made to call Cody and ask him to step in at the last minute – which he did.
At the time SBAS had another bassist who did not share the same enthusiasm as the rest of the band. They were due to perform at another NTMEH event the following month and the band took the decision to replace the bassist with Ethan – quite a decision to make at a young age but it shows their determination.
Ethan got up to speed for the event at Segendunum and after a blistering performance the band were asked to play a gig at The Three Tuns, a well respected live music bar in Gateshead. Again they went down a storm and returned there in September.
When I asked the twins about their musical influences, both said in the same breath ‘The Beatles’! That four-piece has so much to answer for, even more than 60 years on! Luke says he has no real influences but just picked up a guitar when he was younger and has taken it from there. Ethan, on the other hand and by his own admission is more of a metal and prog rock fan which I’m sure will only add to the band’s groove when they fully get going.
And how did they get their name?
They were nameless and had to come up with something before playing a gig. Whilst contemplating this Cody looked out of his window at the closed down barber shop across the road and the band’s name was born! And it has stuck – Cody is studying graphic design so put together their band logo too.
The band are at the start of their musical journey but already grabbing attention locally. And once they start playing their own songs more, I’m sure they’ll go from strength to strength. It’s great to see a young, talented and enthusiastic bunch of lads doing something they love. They’ve certainly got something and I’m looking forward to seeing how they progress.
Get yourself along to see them, you won’t be disappointed. Their enthusiasm is infectious and they play like they’ve been a band for years.
Instagram: @shortbackandshieldsband