JAM 15
Comedy band "Jam 15" formed in 2000, and consisted of Andrew Cabourn (Vocals), Justin Larner (Acoustic Guitar), Mark Pears (Acoustic Guitar) and Jon Pears (Percussion). Although relatively young, Jam 15 have the potential to go on to super-stardom...however, this didn't happen. After the release of their incredible debut L.P. "Jam 15 - Jam 15", Mark Pears left the band in a haze of fury and the rest of the band left to refine their musical aspirations.

The Hunt For A Front Man
June 2001 saw Justin, Andrew and Jon join forces once again under the name "24 Yards", named after a streetsign outside Andrew's house. They had everything they needed for world domination, apart from the vocal department,and a second guitarist. Andrew could sing, but found it practically impossible while playing the bass. The hunt for a front man spread over 2 months, encompassing many people before friend and local talent Aidan Batey showed up at a practice session and practically blew them away. He was signed up immediately before he could be snatched away by the competition. The search was over at last, and 24 Yards could finally start on the road to fame.

Wanted: Guitarist
24 Yards were making good progress in the studio, with 2 songs under their belt (Crazy Sheep and Dwarf Lover). While Aidan and Justin were the creative writing force of the band, it was acknowledged one guitarist was just simply not enough: another guitarist was needed. Aidan had been learning the guitar for 4-5 months, but was nowhere near the quality 24 Yards required. The search seemed doomed, until lead guitarist Daniel Mackey decided his solo project "The Daniel Mackey Experience" was not enough for him, and decided to join 24 Yards. They were now ready.

The First Gig
The local Youth Club decided to hold a Showcase of Talent for local bands, one which 24 Yards entered. With a repetoire of Greenday songs, and their newest song "Ex-Portal" in the setlist, they stole the show and were the last thing most people thought of before going to sleep that night. 24 Yards had made the breakthrough.

The Studio
Early 2002 showed to be a turbulent time for 24 Yards, as they changed drummer no fewer than 3 times. Jon Pears left for local band and friends of 24 Yards "Urban Phoenix", and young Andy Steel was brought in. However, due to stage fright Jon was brought back in for a few gigs. Then bassist Andrew bought in drummer Sam Franklin, top local talent who ably took over Jon's sizeable reins.

Troubled Waters
With now over 8 songs ready to record, 24 Yards felt the time to record was now. But constant cancellations and band member absentees meant the album was never recorded, and manage to strain the links between the band members. After playing with Urban Phoenix in late 2002, it was decided to fire bassist Andrew Cabourn to differing views. Appalled, drummer Sam Franklin also left, leaving 24 Yards the shell of a band it once was.

The End of The Line
As a replacement for Sam, Justin's younger brother Rory took over the drumming, and Aidan rather reluctantly took over the bass duties while singing. It wasn't to be. The band decided to part ways, and 24 Yards split in early 2003, nearly 2 years after their formation, with only one original member remaining at the end.