Little Man Tate (band)
Encyclopedia
Little Man Tate were a four-piece indie rock band from Sheffield
, England
who formed in 2005. They broke up in 2009. The band quickly began attracting interest from several record labels and in March 2006 signed to V2 Records
, later parting ways in November 2007. Their fifth single, "Sexy in Latin
" was released on January 22 and became their highest charting single, entering the official UK singles chart at number 20.
The band made extensive use of the Internet to gather a fanbase. Like many other up and coming bands they made extensive use of MySpace
as well as their own forum to communicate with and co-ordinate fans.
Little Man Tate were originally formed as a 6 piece band by singer/guitarist Jon Windle, guitarist Edward 'Maz' Marriott, bassist Ben Surtees, drummer Mike Balkow and former lead singer Simon Barnes in 1998 under the name Carousel Moon. The band changed their name to The Moon on 15 October 2001 which remained in place until 2005. Then came a transitional period for the band as they briefly changed their name to Lazy Eye before finally becoming Little Man Tate in September 2005. The band line up had also changed over the early years, following the departures of drummer Mike Balkow, who was replaced by Dan Fields, original lead singer Simon Barnes and second guitarist Charlie Waites whose departure led to the band becoming a four-piece.
In an interview, Jon Windle revealed the name Little Man Tate came when he was on the telephone to bass player Ben Surtees and was trying to think of a band name. He saw the film Little Man Tate advertised in the television listing, and they settled on that.
On the 10 December 2005 at a gig in Oldham at Oldham Castle, police and sniffer dogs turned up at the venue and lead singer Jon Windle was escorted from the building and searched. He was eventually allowed back in and the gig continued.
The band were signed to V2 Records
on 20 February 2006 the day before their gig at the London Barfly.
Their first single, "The Agent
", was released 6 March 2006 on 7" vinyl with "Just Can't Take It" as the B-side. All 1,800 copies sold out as pre-orders. The back of the record sleeve featured 273 usernames of members of the band's forum. The song was rated 9/10 by Teletext
's Planet Sound
. "The Agent
" was Number 6 in Planet Sound
's top 50 singles of 2006. They band played acoustic sets at several HMV
stores around the UK to promote the single. It reached number 117 in the official UK Singles Chart
on sales of the 7" vinyl alone.
In April 2006 the band toured the UK.
The band's second single, "What? What You Got?
" was released on 22 May 2006 and reached number 40 in the official UK Singles Chart
and was first played by Steve Lamacq
on BBC 6 Music
Both "The Agent
" and "What? What You Got?
" were released under the band's own label, Yellow Van Records
, a tribute to their old yellow van which was stolen along with all their equipment at an early gig at Fibbers (Barfly
) in York
.
In June 2006, Little Man Tate played their first festival at the Middlesbrough Music Live
in Middlesbrough
, UK. In August 2006, they played the Reading and Leeds Festivals
on the Carling Stage.
On 26 August 2006, the band released their third single "House Party at Boothy's
". The track reached number 29 in the official UK Singles Chart
The band's fourth single, "Man I Hate Your Band
", was released on 13 November 2006. It charted at number 26 in the official UK Singles Chart
.
On 22 January 2007, the band released their fifth single "Sexy In Latin
" one week prior to the release of their debut album. The track became the band's first top 20 single when it charted at number 20 in the UK Singles Chart
.
The band's debut album, About What You Know
was released on 29 January 2007 and reached number 27 in the UK Albums Chart
The next single to be released was "This Must Be Love
" on 26 March 2007. The single reached number 33 in the UK Singles Chart
. The music video for the track starred veteran British actress Liz Smith
.
On 18 July 2007, the band released two new tracks "Suicide Tuesday" and "Trouble With Detox" free on NME.com.
The band played the Main Stage of the Reading and Leeds Festivals
on 24 & 25 August 2007.
The Band released their seventh single, European Lover
on 27 August 2007, a re-recorded version of the same track that featured on the debut Album About What You Know
. The single was not chart eligible as the single included a sticker advertising a competition to win tickets for the band's forthcoming Christmas gig in Blackpool at the Empress Ballroom
.
It was reported on 11 August 2007 that the band's record label V2 Records
had been bought out by Universal. The Band were subsequently dropped by V2 in November 2007 along with a large number of the rest of V2's roster of acts. It was during this time that the band announced they would release their eighth single 'Boy In The Anorak' prior to being released by V2
. Promotional copies of the single were sent out and the track was made available to purchase temporarily on iTunes, however at the last minute the single was cancelled. The band gave away free copies of the single at a Blackpool gig and it was made available to download from their website on Christmas Day.
which was the first to be taken from their second album Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
. The track reached number 60 in the official UK Singles Chart
.
The band released their ninth single Hey Little Sweetie
on 8 September 2008. The track reached number 142 in the official UK Singles Chart
On 15 September 2008, the band released their second album Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
which reached number 80 in the official UK Album Chart.
In November 2008, a list of BNP members was leaked on the internet which caused a case of mistaken identity when on the list appeared a Jon Windle of Sheffield. The NME verified that it was not Jon of Little Man Tate. The band then released a statement saying "We would like to assure our fans that the Jon Windle that has appeared on the leaked list of BNP members is not the band's vocalist. Jon has never associated himself with the BNP in any form."
Little Man Tate released their tenth single I Am Alive
on March 23, 2009 on 7" vinyl and digital download only. It was the band's final release.
Surtees is DJing and working on hospital radio and working on new material. Surtees hasn't spoken to Fields since the final show.
On June 17, 2010, Jon Windle announced he was to go solo. He released his debut album 'Step Out The Man' in October 2010 and toured the UK with a full band, but also undertakes a number of gigs on a solo acoustic basis and sometimes a partial band acoustic basis.. Jon Windle has a second album currently recorded and due for release early in the new year of 2012.
Fields is currently drumming for Jon Windle on his UK tour.
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
who formed in 2005. They broke up in 2009. The band quickly began attracting interest from several record labels and in March 2006 signed to V2 Records
V2 Records
V2 Records is a record label that is owned by Universal Music Group as of October 2007. The label was founded in 1996 by Richard Branson, five years after he sold Virgin Records to EMI....
, later parting ways in November 2007. Their fifth single, "Sexy in Latin
Sexy in Latin
"Sexy in Latin" was the fifth single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 22 January 2007, one week before their debut album About What You Know...
" was released on January 22 and became their highest charting single, entering the official UK singles chart at number 20.
The band made extensive use of the Internet to gather a fanbase. Like many other up and coming bands they made extensive use of MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
as well as their own forum to communicate with and co-ordinate fans.
Formation
Jon Windle and Edward 'Maz' Marriott were in several bands together since the age of 15 in Sheffield and their first gig together was at the age of 12 in a church hall in Crookes.Little Man Tate were originally formed as a 6 piece band by singer/guitarist Jon Windle, guitarist Edward 'Maz' Marriott, bassist Ben Surtees, drummer Mike Balkow and former lead singer Simon Barnes in 1998 under the name Carousel Moon. The band changed their name to The Moon on 15 October 2001 which remained in place until 2005. Then came a transitional period for the band as they briefly changed their name to Lazy Eye before finally becoming Little Man Tate in September 2005. The band line up had also changed over the early years, following the departures of drummer Mike Balkow, who was replaced by Dan Fields, original lead singer Simon Barnes and second guitarist Charlie Waites whose departure led to the band becoming a four-piece.
In an interview, Jon Windle revealed the name Little Man Tate came when he was on the telephone to bass player Ben Surtees and was trying to think of a band name. He saw the film Little Man Tate advertised in the television listing, and they settled on that.
Touring, V2 & Debut Album (2005-2007)
The Band began touring together in September 2005.On the 10 December 2005 at a gig in Oldham at Oldham Castle, police and sniffer dogs turned up at the venue and lead singer Jon Windle was escorted from the building and searched. He was eventually allowed back in and the gig continued.
The band were signed to V2 Records
V2 Records
V2 Records is a record label that is owned by Universal Music Group as of October 2007. The label was founded in 1996 by Richard Branson, five years after he sold Virgin Records to EMI....
on 20 February 2006 the day before their gig at the London Barfly.
Their first single, "The Agent
The Agent
"The Agent" was the debut single by Sheffield based indie band Little Man Tate. The single was initially released as a limited pressing of 1,800 copies on 7" vinyl, on Yellow Van Records. The single peaked at #117 in the UK Singles Chart....
", was released 6 March 2006 on 7" vinyl with "Just Can't Take It" as the B-side. All 1,800 copies sold out as pre-orders. The back of the record sleeve featured 273 usernames of members of the band's forum. The song was rated 9/10 by Teletext
Teletext
Teletext is a television information retrieval service developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. It offers a range of text-based information, typically including national, international and sporting news, weather and TV schedules...
's Planet Sound
Planet Sound
Planet Sound was a Teletext music page on ITV and Channel 4 in the UK. It was broadcast on analogue Teletext from page 340, and on digital Teletext from page 820. From May 24, 2007, Planet Sound was also available to read online via the Teletext website...
. "The Agent
The Agent
"The Agent" was the debut single by Sheffield based indie band Little Man Tate. The single was initially released as a limited pressing of 1,800 copies on 7" vinyl, on Yellow Van Records. The single peaked at #117 in the UK Singles Chart....
" was Number 6 in Planet Sound
Planet Sound
Planet Sound was a Teletext music page on ITV and Channel 4 in the UK. It was broadcast on analogue Teletext from page 340, and on digital Teletext from page 820. From May 24, 2007, Planet Sound was also available to read online via the Teletext website...
's top 50 singles of 2006. They band played acoustic sets at several HMV
HMV
His Master's Voice is a trademark in the music business, and for many years was the name of a large record label. The name was coined in 1899 as the title of a painting of the dog Nipper listening to a wind-up gramophone...
stores around the UK to promote the single. It reached number 117 in the official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
on sales of the 7" vinyl alone.
In April 2006 the band toured the UK.
The band's second single, "What? What You Got?
What? What You Got?
"What? What You Got?" was the second single from Little Man Tate. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 40. The song was first played by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music....
" was released on 22 May 2006 and reached number 40 in the official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and was first played by Steve Lamacq
Steve Lamacq
Steve Lamacq , sometimes known by his nicknames Lammo or "The Cat" is an English disc jockey, currently working with the BBC radio stations BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2.-Early career:He was born in Basingstoke, Hampshire...
on BBC 6 Music
BBC 6 Music
BBC 6 Music is one of the BBC's digital radio stations, was launched on 11 March 2002 and originally codenamed Network Y. It was the first national music radio station to be launched by the BBC in 32 years....
Both "The Agent
The Agent
"The Agent" was the debut single by Sheffield based indie band Little Man Tate. The single was initially released as a limited pressing of 1,800 copies on 7" vinyl, on Yellow Van Records. The single peaked at #117 in the UK Singles Chart....
" and "What? What You Got?
What? What You Got?
"What? What You Got?" was the second single from Little Man Tate. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 40. The song was first played by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music....
" were released under the band's own label, Yellow Van Records
Yellow Van Records
Yellow Van Records is a record label set up by Sheffield band, Little Man Tate. The label is a tribute to their old yellow van which was stolen along with their gear, at an early gig at Fibbers in York....
, a tribute to their old yellow van which was stolen along with all their equipment at an early gig at Fibbers (Barfly
Barfly (club)
Barfly is a chain of live music venues nightclubs in the UK operating as part of the MAMA Group. It has venues in Brighton, London & York. They regularly feature live music. Their club nights tend to feature rock, alternative and independent music...
) in York
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
.
In June 2006, Little Man Tate played their first festival at the Middlesbrough Music Live
Middlesbrough Music Live
INTRO Festival is an annual music festival in England held across multiple stages in Middlesbrough town centre. It is run and organised by local promotions company Ten Feet Tall alongside the local council, and is highly regarded as hosting many bands who rose to fame shortly afterwards...
in Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is a large town situated on the south bank of the River Tees in north east England, that sits within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire...
, UK. In August 2006, they played the Reading and Leeds Festivals
Reading and Leeds Festivals
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are a pair of annual music festivals that take place in Reading and Leeds in England. The events take place simultaneously on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend, sharing the same bill. The Reading Festival is held at Little John's Farm...
on the Carling Stage.
On 26 August 2006, the band released their third single "House Party at Boothy's
House Party at Boothy's
"House Party at Boothy's" was the third single by Little Man Tate. After its first week of release it reached 29 in the UK Singles chart.The title song is about house parties the band used to go to at their friend, Boothy's house....
". The track reached number 29 in the official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
The band's fourth single, "Man I Hate Your Band
Man I Hate Your Band
"Man I Hate Your Band" was the fourth single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 13 November 2006, following the band's lengthy UK tour and also dates in USA and Japan. It charted at number 26 in the UK Singles Chart on 19 November 2006...
", was released on 13 November 2006. It charted at number 26 in the official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
.
On 22 January 2007, the band released their fifth single "Sexy In Latin
Sexy in Latin
"Sexy in Latin" was the fifth single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 22 January 2007, one week before their debut album About What You Know...
" one week prior to the release of their debut album. The track became the band's first top 20 single when it charted at number 20 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
.
The band's debut album, About What You Know
About What You Know
About What You Know is the title of a debut album by Sheffield band Little Man Tate. It was released on both standard CD version, plus Limited Edition CD/DVD version, and a Limited Edition heavy yellow vinyl of which there will only be 1000 copies. The album was released on January 29, 2007, one...
was released on 29 January 2007 and reached number 27 in the UK Albums Chart
The next single to be released was "This Must Be Love
This Must Be Love
"This Must Be Love" was the sixth single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 26 March 2007 and reached #33 in the UK singles chart...
" on 26 March 2007. The single reached number 33 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. The music video for the track starred veteran British actress Liz Smith
Liz Smith (actress)
Liz Smith, MBE is a British actress, best-known for her roles in the sitcoms The Vicar of Dibley and The Royle Family. She also appeared in the 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.-Early life:...
.
On 18 July 2007, the band released two new tracks "Suicide Tuesday" and "Trouble With Detox" free on NME.com.
The band played the Main Stage of the Reading and Leeds Festivals
Reading and Leeds Festivals
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are a pair of annual music festivals that take place in Reading and Leeds in England. The events take place simultaneously on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend, sharing the same bill. The Reading Festival is held at Little John's Farm...
on 24 & 25 August 2007.
The Band released their seventh single, European Lover
European Lover
"European Lover" was the seventh single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 27 August 2007. The version released is a re-recorded version of the track taken from the original release of the band's debut album About What You Know...
on 27 August 2007, a re-recorded version of the same track that featured on the debut Album About What You Know
About What You Know
About What You Know is the title of a debut album by Sheffield band Little Man Tate. It was released on both standard CD version, plus Limited Edition CD/DVD version, and a Limited Edition heavy yellow vinyl of which there will only be 1000 copies. The album was released on January 29, 2007, one...
. The single was not chart eligible as the single included a sticker advertising a competition to win tickets for the band's forthcoming Christmas gig in Blackpool at the Empress Ballroom
Empress Ballroom
The Empress Ballroom is a 3,000 capacity entertainment venue, in Blackpool Lancashire, England. It is located within the Winter Gardens, a large entertainment complex in the town centre....
.
It was reported on 11 August 2007 that the band's record label V2 Records
V2 Records
V2 Records is a record label that is owned by Universal Music Group as of October 2007. The label was founded in 1996 by Richard Branson, five years after he sold Virgin Records to EMI....
had been bought out by Universal. The Band were subsequently dropped by V2 in November 2007 along with a large number of the rest of V2's roster of acts. It was during this time that the band announced they would release their eighth single 'Boy In The Anorak' prior to being released by V2
V2 Records
V2 Records is a record label that is owned by Universal Music Group as of October 2007. The label was founded in 1996 by Richard Branson, five years after he sold Virgin Records to EMI....
. Promotional copies of the single were sent out and the track was made available to purchase temporarily on iTunes, however at the last minute the single was cancelled. The band gave away free copies of the single at a Blackpool gig and it was made available to download from their website on Christmas Day.
Skint & Second Album (2008-2009)
On 2 June 2008, the band released their eighth single, What Your Boyfriend SaidWhat Your Boyfriend Said
"What Your Boyfriend Said" was the eighth single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 2 June 2008 and reached #60 in the UK Singles Chart.- Track listings :CD# "What Your Boyfriend Said"# "Shark Bite"7", #1...
which was the first to be taken from their second album Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy is the second album by Sheffield band Little Man Tate released on the 15th September 2008. It was released as a standard CD and a special enhanced version with exclusive video footage.-Track listing:#"Money Wheel"...
. The track reached number 60 in the official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
.
The band released their ninth single Hey Little Sweetie
Hey Little Sweetie
"Hey Little Sweetie" is the ninth single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 8 September 2008 and reached #142 in the UK Singles Chart- Track listings :CD# "Hey Little Sweetie"# "Nigel"# "Pay Days Thursday"7" Picture Disc...
on 8 September 2008. The track reached number 142 in the official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
On 15 September 2008, the band released their second album Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy is the second album by Sheffield band Little Man Tate released on the 15th September 2008. It was released as a standard CD and a special enhanced version with exclusive video footage.-Track listing:#"Money Wheel"...
which reached number 80 in the official UK Album Chart.
In November 2008, a list of BNP members was leaked on the internet which caused a case of mistaken identity when on the list appeared a Jon Windle of Sheffield. The NME verified that it was not Jon of Little Man Tate. The band then released a statement saying "We would like to assure our fans that the Jon Windle that has appeared on the leaked list of BNP members is not the band's vocalist. Jon has never associated himself with the BNP in any form."
Little Man Tate released their tenth single I Am Alive
I Am Alive (song)
"I Am Alive" was the tenth and final single to be released by Little Man Tate. It was released on 23 March 2009....
on March 23, 2009 on 7" vinyl and digital download only. It was the band's final release.
Break Up
On July 13, 2009, Little Man Tate announced their decision to split after 4 years. They performed two final shows at the O2 Academy in Sheffield on the 2 and 3 October 2009.After Little Man Tate
Marriott is a session musician living in London. As of March 2010, he has been touring with Jay Brown.Surtees is DJing and working on hospital radio and working on new material. Surtees hasn't spoken to Fields since the final show.
On June 17, 2010, Jon Windle announced he was to go solo. He released his debut album 'Step Out The Man' in October 2010 and toured the UK with a full band, but also undertakes a number of gigs on a solo acoustic basis and sometimes a partial band acoustic basis.. Jon Windle has a second album currently recorded and due for release early in the new year of 2012.
Fields is currently drumming for Jon Windle on his UK tour.
Discography
- About What You KnowAbout What You KnowAbout What You Know is the title of a debut album by Sheffield band Little Man Tate. It was released on both standard CD version, plus Limited Edition CD/DVD version, and a Limited Edition heavy yellow vinyl of which there will only be 1000 copies. The album was released on January 29, 2007, one...
(2007) - Nothing Worth Having Comes EasyNothing Worth Having Comes EasyNothing Worth Having Comes Easy is the second album by Sheffield band Little Man Tate released on the 15th September 2008. It was released as a standard CD and a special enhanced version with exclusive video footage.-Track listing:#"Money Wheel"...
(2008)