The Courteeners

The Courteeners are an English indie rock band formed in Middleton, Greater Manchester in 2006 by Liam James Fray (guitar/vocals), Michael Campbell (drums/backing vocals), Daniel "Conan" Moores (guitar), and Mark Joseph Cuppello (bass).

Formation (2006–2007)

The band members have known each other since they were ten years old. All members of the band are from Middleton: Fray and Moores attended Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School in Middleton while Mark Cuppello attended St Monica's RC High School in Prestwich, and Michael Campbell attended St Cuthberts RC High school in Rochdale. While at the University of Salford (studying Creative Writing), Fray started performing acoustic sets as a singer-songwriter around bars and at open-mic nights in Manchester. After getting positive reactions from the crowd, Fray decided to leave University and form a band. Liam recruited long-time friend and neighbour Michael Campbell, who had never played the drums before. They played as 'Liam Fray' until Moores and Cuppello joined the band.

Their first gig was at the Manchester Roadhouse in October 2006, and the band went from strength to strength in Manchester, largely through a word-of-mouth following brought on by extensive gigging and television publicity. The Courteeners released their debut single "Cavorting" on 6 August 2007 by Loog Records. A second single, "Acrylic" was released on 22 October 2007 reaching number 44 in the UK Chart