A FINAL WORD WITH SNAKEBYTE

If you’ve been in any way involved in the buzzing music scene in Yeovil and the surrounding areas, you’ll have seen 4 piece glam rock band Snakebyte perform their high energy set of 80s and 90s rock covers.

From headlining stages at Home Farm Festival, and supporting Reef, to performing at Beer Festivals, and various performances at Westlands (just to name a few).

Snakebyte have been the leading band in the area for the previous several years, and as July 2022 drew to a close, the 4 lads announced they’d be taking a step back, and closing a metaphorical door on Snakebyte. on Saturday 27th August, the band played their final show at The Bell, Yeovil to a crowd full of rock fans, with support from the equally talented Electric Peach.

With this news, we at Antix felt we had to get to know the people behind the band; finding out the way the band started, learning about their journey, and what the future holds for 4 extraordinarily talented individuals.

Frazer; Hey lads! So firstly, I’ve got to say I was personally saddened by the news you’re separating. Over the years we’ve done a lot of gigs together, and the scene simply won’t be the same without you.

Snakebyte: It’s been the best 10 years, we are proud of everything we’ve achieved and it’s just the right time to call it a day.

Frazer: So let’s go way back; you guys have been in many different bands, including Black River Sinners, (the band I can never spell - Apherium? Plus others I’ve missed?). Who came up with the idea of a glam rock band? And when did you guys start Snakebyte?

Snakebyte: So Vice (Cal) & Hanson (Pete) love the 80s glam rock scene, and in college bonded over it and wanted to put together something. They asked Laz and Storm E. Weathers (Ash) if they wanted to get involved and they did and we started rehearsing. But never pressed it until college was done, Vice & Hanson then got the boys together and Snakebyte was born. We formed in 2012.

Frazer; I think a lot of people will be wondering where the name Snakebyte came from - it’s one of those things I feel I should know, but don’t. So, why Snakebyte?

Snakebyte: We wanted something that had a bite to it and was linked to an animal. We just all came up with it and then switched it up by adding a ‘Y’ to it.

Frazer; Did you ever think Snakebyte would take off and become the success when you first started the band?

Snakebyte; Our following and amazing gigs have been as much luck as they have been earned. We’ve been ambitious from day 1 and tried to do things no other local band has and we always committed to that.

Frazer; looking back, there must be some stand-out highlights for you, and everyone who’s been a supporter will have specific memories. I think my stand out memory of you lads was Yeovil town centre for a Christmas light switch on, which moments before you came on stage was a calm atmosphere, and the moment you started, Cal is in the crowd on the benches, the crowd is going wild, and it was just crazy scenes. Watching from a distance soaking it all in was one of those “wow” moments of my music career so far. So individually, what’s your stand out moments - only allowed one!

Snakebyte: My highlight could be any festival slot really, but if I had to pick only one it would have to be our first Lloyd Lounge. Arriving to an acoustic tent with 5 people in it and finishing our encore with people screaming as far as we could see. That’s the gig that put us on the map and made me fall in love with festival gigs.

Another has to be our set at this years Home Farm Fest. After two years without it due to Covid, I felt like there was such a feeling of anticipation and excitement and getting back on that stage in front of that crowd again was truly exhilarating.​

Frazer; so to keep things real, not every gig would have been standout - there must have been at least one which didn’t quite work out, which probably brought you closer as friends and as band mates. You don’t have to name names or give too much detail, but tell us, were there low points in being in Snakebyte / or not so positive experiences?

Laz: We've played a few private events where I really don't think our vibe was expected nor appreciated! But honestly, we've always tried to enjoy ourselves despite any set backs. I wouldn't say we've ever truly had a "low point".
Frazer; You guys have been a covers band for a long time, and between you, you have everything you need to become an original band; for example, Larry, you produce and mix other’s recordings, Cal you make music videos, and you’re all very competent musicians and songwriters. Is there one last little surprise in store before you close the doors on Snakebyte? If not, could there be one?

Snakebyte; we did start writing a couple of songs but never found the time to finish them and we wasn’t to bothered about finishing them as Snakebyte wasn’t an originals band.

Well, never say never! There was once a time we began writing Snakebyte originals, but covers bands and originals bands are worlds apart. It’s a whole new commitment. We love writing together though, even if no one besides us ever heard it.

Frazer; One thing I’ve noticed with Snakebyte is that you guys have resonated with such a wide audience; you have young children in the front row, or on their parents shoulders, and you have the older generation also loving what you do. Do you guys have anything to say to the fans?

I think we are incredibly lucky to have enjoyed the success we have during our time as a band, and every one of those successes we owe to our fans who have been endlessly supportive. Without them we wouldn't have had the opportunities we have had and I don't think we could ever thank them enough.

Frazer; That pretty much sums up our interview today, but I’d like to wish all 4 of you lads the very best, and thank you so much for the wicked nights of musical entertainment. I think I speak on behalf of a huge number of music fans and say you will be massively missed in the local scene!

Snakebyte: Thank you for putting your time into letting us express our gratitude and reflect on our time as a band!

Thanks Snakebyte for the Good Times! #SnakeByteGoodTime