New Model Army are a legendary global underground cult band. Formed by Justin Sullivan in Bradford in 1980, their beginnings were inspired by Punk Rock, Northern Soul and the incendiary atmosphere of the times. Since then, they have had a long, creative and eventful journey. They have been massively influential in 'post-punk', 'folk-rock', 'politico-rock', 'goth', 'metal' and all kinds of musical sub-cultures but have successfully resisted belonging to any of these categories or genres. After nearly thirty years, they have never lost the ability to change, to thrill or to challenge and they remain central to the lives of thousands of fans from all walks of life spread across the world.
A breakthrough appearance on live music TV show 'The Tube' was followed by a No.1 independent album, two major record deals, top 40 singles, a controversial live performance on Top Of The Pops, countless festival appearances and thousands of enthralling live performances. Never afraid to experiment and never concerned by the fripperies of modern media New Model Army have carved a successful curve around the music industry norm. Having grasped early on that the Internet was going to revolutionise music, from the mid 1990s they set out on the now-fashionable wholly independent path, controlling all aspects of their output. As a result they have been perfectly placed to withstand the changes in the industry and have outlasted most of their peers. There are very few older bands in NMA's position of still being able to record and release what they like, when they like, maintaining, and in recent years increasing, a worldwide following, without making a single compromise.
In September this year they will release their eleventh studio album entitled 'Today Is A Good Day'. Mostly written last autumn in the wake of the Wall Street Collapse (an event celebrated in the white-hot opening title track), the recording was postponed by the sudden and unexpected death at Christmas of Tommy Tee, the band's long-time friend and manager. However, with another long-time friend Chris Kimsey (notable for his work with the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Cliff, Killing Joke and countless others), at the controls, the album is now finished - once again filled with unclassifiable music and challenging lyrical ideas.
The album tour will begin with a month in North America (where the band have an eventful history), continue through Europe until Christmas and on into spring 2010.
Originally formed as a three piece, the current five piece line up features, along-side Sullivan on vocals & guitar, Michael Dean on drums, Nelson on bass, Dean White on keyboards and Marshall Gill on lead guitar. This is a remarkable band - as hungry and focussed as ever, with a continually regenerating audience and insatiable creative ambition.