WarDance wasn't created through ads on a music shop notice board. The boys have a rich musical history that goes way back to the 1980s. It's this rich history which makes the band genuine friends and gives them an understanding of each other and the way they play.

Stavvy and ex-frontman Dave Mclean first played together in the late 80s, having spent earlier years as friendly rivals in bands such as Tokio-Rose, (Stavvy), and Wildsmith Street, Monro, and Traitor's Gate (Dave). Dave and Stavvy had a good crack at trying to 'make it', both in their earlier bands and together in In Pursuit, but endless gigs, demos and record company interviews failed to lead to meaningful careers in music.

Sheppy meanwhile was thrashing it up in Swansea with bands such as Swain, Season and Cremhater.

Glenn first met Dave and Stav in the early 90s through their bass player at the time, before going on to make a name for himself in the glamtastic City Kidds. In later years Glenn has played bass for the resurgent TigerTailz.

Dave and Stavvy 'retired' from music for several years and lost contact until they bumped into each other via FriendsReunited. A throwaway comment from Dave of; "Hey Stav, buy a kit and let's start a band" was taken seriously and before long they were on the lookout for a bassist and lead guitarist.

They met Sheppy via a friend and recruited a lead guitarist called Mark and the ball started rolling.

Originally called 'Mr Anderson', the band played both originals and covers, but whilst writing and performing original songs is satisfying, the truth is that covers is where the gigs and the audience is at.

Mark left to emigrate to America so the band drafted in Andy D'Urso, who had played with Dave and Stav in several bands since the 80s. The band was renamed WarDance and embarked on a programme of endless gigging, building a strong reputation on the back of a set of heavy metal covers which included; Metallica, UFO, Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Faith No More etc.

It soon became obvious that the heaviness of the set was limiting the places where the band could play. It was also becoming apparent that the audience for niche metal was also dwindling. So the band made a conscious decision to make the set more modern and contemporary.

It was the right decision, however, Andy decided it was no longer for him and announced that he was leaving. A quick phone call to Glenn and the band was able to carry on regardless. Andy even held the fort until Glenn was ready and still acts as deputy for when Glenn or Sheppy are unavailable.

In early 2010, Dave Mclean shocked the rock world with his sudden and unexpected departure from the band for personal reasons. It wasn't the way he wanted to end his career and it dropped the other lads right in it with no replacement lined up and gigs booked.

Fortunately, and in keeping with the 'family and friends' ethic which has always formed the basis of the band, Glenn was able to call on close friend Graham Roberts (ex-Diesel Pig, 11th Hour, The Kick and Raw Like Sushi - which also featured Glenn Quinn) to step into the spotlight.

A period of hard, intense rehearsals got Graham up to speed and the band are now back out on the road.

And that brings us right up to date. The WarDance set now contains everything from Snow Patrol to Rage Against The Machine, with quite a few surprises in there. OK, so it may not all be metal. but it sure as hell rocks. Long may it continue...