the stands

Seminal Liverpool band the Stands was formed by Scouse legend Howie Payne after his previous band, The Big Kids, parted ways. (Howie Payne's brother and best mate drummer Sean Payne and bass player Russ Pritchard of The Big Kids would go on to form The Zutons with Dave McCabe, Boyan Choudhury, and Abi Harding.) The Stands first came to international attention after Noel Gallagher of Oasis saw the Stands play at the Zanzibar Club in Liverpool. Both Gallagher brothers remain major fans of Payne, stating in jest that their support "shouldn't cause anyone to doubt" Payne's brilliance.