OK. Here we go..
Munky Punch was formed a few years ago by hartlepooldave (lead vox), rickyward (trumpet), chrisfromblythe (bass), gingeriain(guitar) and fatbarney (drums). Some tunes were written and the gigging began. And God was it awful. But the band grew to six and things got better. Only slightly mind and only due to the efficiency of a certain ginger German.

The arrival of Nils on sax led to a 2 piece brass section..which was later increased to 3, following the introduction of Woody on tenor sax. Things looked bright for those in the Punch. At the end of the year an EP by the name of Bingo Wings was recorded to spread the sound of the Punch to the masses. Well, the 100 odd people who now own a copy. The studio was great, the soundman was stoned and we actually played our instruments with a certain capability for the very first time!

But sad times were upon us. The end of degrees was nigh and something had to be done. In stepped Kenny on the trombone (sporting an affectionate Mo-hawk) and a new trumpeter (SuZy) to fill the soon to be made voids. For one last gig the band grew to 9. It was monstrous, with the sound of under-rehearsal booming out to the Mildert Day crowds. Alas, this could not go on. No, it was time for the 9 to become 7 again as the year drew to a close. It was time for Iain and Nils to depart from the band. Icky Icky Iain and Nils the German are the MP core and we salute you both.

Summer came and went without any sight of MP. But hark, what was this - the sound of a now complete four piece brass section, brash guitars (Ricky replacing Iain) and Fatbarney eating big macs, threatening Durham like the Mackem versus Student war that rages each term time. The Punch were back - all 8 of us. Increased by one due to the addition of a saxaphone replacement (Mark).

The first term of the 03/04 year saw several gigs with people skanking away and even, dare I say it, people singing along to Punch tunes. The reviewers even hid their true feeling and called us a good band. To the 8 of us here now and the two that have moved to pastures new, Munky Punch can say that we have achieved something through our music. Take your pick at what youd like to call it.

We love it and if people keep watching and listening we'll keep playing. In fact NO, even if no one ever listens, we'll keep playing. It wont be for the first time.

So, this brings us to the end of this academic year. There have been gigs a plenty and more people singing to our songs. We want to thank all our fans especially the further 100 people who have bought our new CD Got the Bastard..not to forget all the many many others who have witnessed the copious amounts of off-beat craziness.

And more changes occurred. Unfortunately Munky Punch lost Chris, Barney and Mark from the line up. But we quickly replaced them with Hache (bass), Adam (drums) and Jamie (sax)..and they are all wicked!

Munky Punch