Dexter (band)

Dexter were an alternative rock band from Newcastle, England. Formed in 2000 with Paul Bradley (guitar), Paul 'Monty' Montgomery (bass), Ryan Fortescue (vocals) and Phil Wilson on drums. Fortescue and Wilson left in 2001 and in came former Cheese guitarist Pete Bell. Bradley moved onto drums and the familiar line up were complete. In August 2001, Dexter's first single 'Perfect Day' hit number 18 in the UK Singles Charts, their debut album 'Cheese and Wine' released the following week peaked at number 2.

Releases

Dexter had two number 1 hits in the UK Singles Chart, both in 2002, 'Homeless' (penned by Bradley) and 'C U Next Tuesday', a power song written by Bell. The band's only other hits from Cheese and Wine were 'Burt Bacharach and Family', 'Emotional Meltdown' and a cover of the ABBA classic, 'S.O.S'.

Dexter released a follow up album in July 2002 entitled 'The Gasworks Sessions', which peaked at number 33. Only two of the five tracks released from this album made it into the top 40, 'Living A Lie' reached number 28 and 'I Promise' reached number 17. The other releases were 'Helen Daniels', 'No Surprise Please, Vincent' and a cover of Tom Robinson's '2468 Motorway'.

Dexter split in late 2002 after failing to secure a new record deal with First Avenue.

Post Dexter

Since 2003 they have formed a Britpop band with drummer Martyn Vaughan called Substitute, whose debut album, 'Jacko at The Masons', is released on 9 April, 2007.