Band of Skulls

Born in Southampton, England, Band of Skulls initially formed as a trio consisting of Russell Marsden, Emma Richardson, and Matt Hayward, delivering taut rock that blends blues rock, indie rock, and garage rock, anchored by thick guitars, a direct rhythm section, and a vocal dialogue between Marsden and Richardson. After early beginnings under the name Fleeing New York, the band rose to prominence in the late 2000s with Baby Darling Doll Face Honey in 2009, followed by Sweet Sour in 2012, Himalayan in 2014, By Default in 2016, and Love Is All You Love in 2019. Band of Skulls developed across British clubs, international tours, and festivals such as SXSW, while sharing stages with bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Dead Weather, or Muse. Their repertoire retains a raw rock core, often driven by tight riffs, understated choruses, and a tension inherited from electric blues, with occasional moments of more melodic and open songwriting. Since the departure of drummer Matt Hayward in 2017 and then bassist Emma Richardson in 2022, Russell Marsden has continued Band of Skulls under this identity, surrounded by on‑stage musicians, extending a journey started more than twenty years ago.