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The Dead Headz
The Dead Headz are a four-piece rock band based in Brackley, bringing together four experienced musicians with a shared passion for great guitar-driven music and live performance.
The band features Harry Pane (vocals/guitar), Chris Ayres (lead guitar), Matthew Smith (bass) and Nial Hogarth (drums).
With influences rooted firmly in rock, blues and the great guitar music of the past five decades, The Dead Headz combine strong musicianship with an energetic and spontaneous live approach. Their repertoire encompasses classic and contemporary rock, with performances that allow the individual musicianship of the band to come through rather than simply recreating recordings.
Although based in Brackley, The Dead Headz perform throughout the UK, from established live venues and private events to outdoor shows and festivals. Their recent schedule has included performances at Front Row Festival, Goatfest and Go Nuts Festival, alongside appearances across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and further afield.
The Line-Up
Harry Pane — Vocals & Guitar
Chris Ayres — Lead Guitar
Matthew Smith — Bass
Nial Hogarth — Drums
Based in Brackley | Performing across the UK
At the centre of the band is the combination of Harry Pane and Chris Ayres, bringing together two very different but complementary musical backgrounds. Harry is an established singer-songwriter and performer who has appeared at major festivals including Glastonbury and SXSW, as well as performing at the Royal Albert Hall and extensively throughout the UK.
Chris Ayres brings more than three decades of professional guitar experience to the band, with a musical background encompassing rock, blues, jazz, funk and contemporary guitar. His playing provides the band’s lead-guitar voice, combining a strong blues and rock foundation with the freedom to improvise and respond to the music in a live setting.
Bass player Matthew Smith and drummer Nial Hogarth complete the line-up, providing the rhythmic foundation that gives the band its drive and dynamics. Together, the four musicians create a tight but flexible live sound capable of moving from stripped-back blues and groove-based material to full-on classic rock.
The Dead Headz are first and foremost a live band. Their shows are built around musicianship, interaction and the energy that comes from four experienced players performing together in the moment.