Band Biography

Founded by James Lafferty and Billy Labus

The Encierro got together june/july 2003 with numerous musicians filling in on different levels such as Mattew Morton, Paul Docherty, Craig McClaren, Ciaran McKeown, Billy Labus, George Glaister (Joe) and Dave Loney (Sav).

By the 29th (first gig at Whistlebinkies in Stirling) the line up and songs from The Encierro were as strong as any other band around as well as having a good following of avid fans. Within 3 weeks of thier first practise the line up of The Encierro played thier first legit gig (A Saturday Night @ Strawberry Fields). Where as with a lot of Encierro gigs played there and anywhere else between (2003-5) they attracted fair crowds and generated alot of excitment as a live band.

After a few weeks and a member change later (Introduction of Iain Hamilton/The Big Ham), the band played the local festival in Stirling (SOUNDCENTRAL) where more than forty acts performed. A slot at 9.30pm on the opening night and the following day being called upon to open the festival had the band performing in front of a huge crowd. Thus far 11 gigs in 2 1/2 weeks did the line up* a world of good.

* Lineup at this point comprised of James (Souey) Lafferty, Billy labus, Iain (The Big Ham) Hamilton, Sav (Dave Loney) and George Glaister (Joe).

The Encierro went from strength to strength and played alot of consecutive gigs in september 2003 but not without incident (as usual). Gigs in Bo'ness, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow and Stirling set up a busy month ahead in which The Encierro would win (The Scottish Punch Pubs) semi-final and the (Battle of the Bands) final to win and become one of Scotlands best unsigned acts. All of this happened with only 6 weeks worth of constant gigs under The Encierros belt with heights already scaled that most other bands in Stirling don't ever reach, the bands drummer Joe decided to quit on the same night that they won the tournament (bittersweet)...

* New line up James, Billy, Iain, Sav and Jim McDuff.

Jim McDuff from S.L.K joins as a temporary drummer and the band record the "Idiot Rock'N'Roll EP at the Cava Studios in Glasgow...

From that moment onward the band see in the remainder of 2003. With little problems and more stunning live performances (unless anyone attending the Jaspers gig can remember).

The Encierro 2004 line up of the band remains the same.

The Encierro play Whistlebinkies in Edinburgh (6th January) and with only one practise since November the band somehow blow the audience away! Then the band play at the Cathouse in Glasgow at the end of January and as a bright year ahead beckons with 70+ tickets being sold on the night the band literally walk off the stage for the last time...

Billy and Iain fallout due to childish behaviour on both parts in the band, sees Billy leaving the band and forming "THE GIFTED". As the band try to get back on thier feet with the loss of the influential and co-founder Billy labus. Dav Loney (Sav) decides that it's all too much and quits and joined "THE HITLIST YOUTH"...

The Encierro temporarily die as of February 2004!!!

The Encierro in 2004 (cont)

After a few months break and total rebuilding The Encierro reform.



2004 The Encierro line up goes as follows

James, Iain, Jim, Steve Power and Jamie Porter.

August & September sees The Encierro play the Meadowpark (BofA in Stirling), St Marys Hall (Stirling) and the Cathouse again where more demons are excercised. With one more gig on the run up to Christmas sees a year of dismay for The Encierro end and forgotten.

2005 The Encierro fight on!

Ciaran McKeown (Reocurring) joins The Encierro Along with Paul Allan for gigs in Edinburgh, Bo'ness & Stirling are met head on with a new line up and looking forward to 2005 onward.

With a new demo under construction The Encierro line up now concludes:

Vocals: James (Souey) Lafferty

Guitars: Jamie Porter, Iain Hamilton & Paul Allan

Drums: Jim McDuff

Keys: Ciaran McKeown

Bass: Steve Power



VIVA ENCIERRO!!!