New Model Army (band)
New Model Army are an English rock band formed in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1980 by lead vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Justin Sullivan, bassist Stuart Morrow and drummer Phil Tompkins. Sullivan has been the only continuous member of the band, which has seen numerous line-up changes in its four-decade history. Their music draws on influences across the musical spectrum, from punk and folk to soul, metal and classical. Sullivan's lyrics, which range from directly political through to spiritual and personal, have always been considered as a key part of the band's appeal.
This article is about the band. For the 17th-century Parliamentarian military, see New Model Army.
New Model Army
Bradford, England
1980–present
- Justin Sullivan
- Michael Dean
- Dean White
- Ceri Monger
- Robert Heaton
- Phil Tompkins
- Rob Waddington
- Stuart Morrow
- Ed Alleyne-Johnson
- Jason Harris
- Adrian Portas
- Dave Blomberg
- Nelson
- Marshall Gill
Whilst having their roots in punk rock, the band have always been difficult to categorise. In 1999, when asked about this, Sullivan said, "We've been labelled as punks, post-punks, Goth, metal, folk – the lot, but we've always been beyond those style confines".[2] Following a large turnover of personnel, both permanent and as touring members, as of 2021 New Model Army comprise Sullivan, Dean White (keyboards and guitar), Michael Dean (drums) and Ceri Monger (bass).
"The Family"[edit]
Over the years, New Model Army have gathered a wide selection of fans, many of whom dedicatedly follow the band. Originally calling themselves "The Militia", after the song "Christian Militia",[5] they later universally adopted the term "The Family" for their multi-generational and gendered group.[45] Joolz Denby, long-time collaborator of Sullivan[46] and the band's main artist[47] has referred to the Family as "not a formal, contrived organisation, but a spontaneous sense of fellowship that has developed over the years",[48] whilst elsewhere it has been described as "sanctuary ... and acceptance".[2]
Influences[edit]
Frequently noted for their musical lyricism, Justin Sullivan has noted in interviews that some of the band's (and his own) lyrical inspiration has come from Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan, as well as "lots of country and hip-hop artists, all for their precision and poetry."[49]