devious adj describes people or plans and methods which could be considered dishonest, often in a complicated way, but often also clever and successful, e.g. You have to be a bit devious if you're going to succeed in business; a devious scheme.
Dictionary definitions often confuse people and do not often reflect the common meaning of the word. However, from the above we can see that three definitely apply to the band Devious:
If there’s a complicated way to do it Devious are your boys. “Never before in the field of human entertainment have so few, conspired to do so much in such a difficult way”
Clever, see above; I’m surprised that they can tie their own shoelaces let alone undertake acts of dishonesty
Successful; here’s the low down on what makes Devious tick
Larger than life, louder that hell, no one ever forgets Devious.
Smoke machines, back drops, lighting rigs, amps from floor to ceiling and a set list to whet anybody’s appetite are not just the realm of stadium rock acts but the standard for the professional show that Devious serve up.
Devious don’t just play songs they deliver them with both barrels and not just the usual drab pub and club faire. On any one night you could be treated Welsh anthems from the Manics and Stereophonics, Brit rock classics from Oasis and the Kaiser Chiefs, the classic rock of Guns 'n’ Roses and Van Halen or a number of impressive tracks from the mighty Queen.
The choice of songs and fervent delivery is the key to any Devious performance and has led to them being loved across South Wales and beyond. Don’t let them on stage too late as an encore is not just part of any performance it’s the best way to avoid a riot.
Keyboards
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Vocals
Keyboards: Chris. Possibly the most unassuming member of Devious, which isn't saying much considering the competition. From the opening chords of Van Halen's 'Jump' through to the dance floor filler that is Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now', Chris' ivory tinkling adds a depth to Devious that you just don't get with your run of the mill covers band.
Most likely to say: You're wrong, I'm right. Let's leave it at that.
Least likely to say: Sorry fella, perhaps your way was best after all.
Guitar: Jock. Some people say he was a cruel experiment, formed from the DNA of some of the biggest names in rock throughout the 80's. Most other people can't get a word in. Jock is the force behind the dizzying guitar solos and thundering power chords that Devious fans have become accustomed to. He's also fairly approachable too and is always willing to join in a discussion on any subject whatsoever. (just don't mention the war. ANY war!)
Most likely to say: SPARTA!
Least likely to say: I haven't really got an opinion on that.
How about we play some Phil Collins?
Bass: Mark. A simple man, in every sense of the word, who finds modesty hard to come by. He would love to read... well, anything about himself really, but he really doesn't need any encouragement! Mark enjoys the limelight and revels in entertaining the crowd doing what he does best. As is the Devious way.
Most likely to say: Six strings is just showing off.
Least likely to say: It's not warm, my t-shirt's dry as a bone.
Drums: Terry. A puzzle within an enigma wrapped in a conundrum. Or maybe he's just someone who likes to hit things with sticks. Terry dictates the pace of the band with youthful enthusiasm and quite often has the rest of the band fighting to keep up. Jim's ever decreasing wasteline bears testament to this.
Most likely to say: Bingie Wingie.
Least likely to say: I heard you the first time!
Vocals: Jim. Shy, retiring, wall-flower are just some of the words never used to describe Jimmy 9. The consummate front-man, Jim delivers each lyric as if he wrote it himself. His energy and interaction with the crowd ensures that he keeps them in the palm of his hand for the entire show before he sends them home fulfilled. Possibly with a takeaway.
Most likely to say: Anyone seen my blusher?.
Least likely to say: No thank you, have you seen what goes into a kebab?
Band History
The history of most bands usually start a number of years ago, they go through line up & musical changes, fights, tantrums and sackings. Devious are no exception, except their fights, tantrums and hissy fits are just bigger and better than the norm and usually involve toys, prams & kitchen sinks!!
The best place to start with one side of the history of Devious is with the band Area 51 and you will probably see how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Area 51 was formed in Aberdare in early ‘97 with the line up of Leon (vocal/guitar), James (Jock, guitar), Chris (keyboards), Curly (bass) and Percy (drums). They did the rounds in Aberdare performing some classics (and Purple Rain) which are still aired by Devious today.
The band floundered until the autumn of ‘97 when Gareth from Pontypridd replaced Percy on drums. Area 51’s energy picked up and settled into an established semi-controlled aggression until the summer of ‘98 when they started to stumble. Was this a tantrum? We don’t know, but Leon decided he didn’t want to be in the band anymore. He wanted to concentrate on his own material and his inner Zen (he didn’t even have a TV at the time!). Without the direction provided by Leon, Area 51 splintered. Gareth went on to join the Caerphilly based Futuristics and the boys attempted to resurrect Area 51 but without success. They continued to drift along the Aberdare scene without making any real impact, while Gareth was now boshing some serious bongo's with the Futuristics.
It could be a blessing in disguise but the members of the Futuristics were an odd bunch and their own in-fighting led to the need for a keyboard player in the summer of 2001. One phone call later by Gareth saw Chris join the fold with bassist Lee being drafted in December that year. Things went without any real hiccups until August 2002 when, in what could only be classed as a ‘rattle-out-of-the-pram’ incident, the Futuristics decided to sack their guitar player for deciding a holiday was more important than rock ‘n’ roll. Stepping manfully into the breach came James McMail and, with only the slightest stutter, the Futuristics played an awesome gig at Cefn Coed RFC with Jock being hailed to the chants of “new boy”.
The Futuristics were no more. Changing their name to Devious that autumn, they carried on gigging until just before Christmas when, bizarrely, the singer left. Was it chance or was it written in the stars (as foreseen by Russell Grant) but when sat around a table at a party thrown by the Lostprophets bass player, Gareth casually uttered “anyone wanna sing in my band?” In a now familiar style came a reply in the affirmative. “Who?” you may ask. None other than Jim Warnham. No-one can tell why these things happen but this coincidence could be considered as the most important event in the band’s history.
Taking 6 weeks off to regroup, eat kebabs, drink beer and learn new songs, Devious came roaring back in the February of ‘03 with a gig at O’Neill’s in Cardiff. It soon became apparent that Devious had moved into a new league with Jim’s stage presence (& eyeliner) and they were quickly establishing themselves as being louder, brasher and more rock ‘n’ roll than the rest. Devious now became identified as the band where crowd participation is an intrinsic part of the show (as well as the volume) with Jim being able to hold the crowd in the palm of his hand.
The legendary boots and leathers soon followed helping the band to become instantly recognisable on the gig circuit. Devious’ reputation grew and the offers of work became bigger and bigger, including playing the Hard Rock Café in Cardiff and being told to stop walking on the bar and frankly having too much rock for them (a Devious rock fact!!). This was swiftly followed with a triumphant appearance headlining the Yellow Chopper Festival in Margam Park in August ‘05.
In the autumn, to cover vocals and fill in with an extra guitar, Leon made another appearance in Treorchy Rugby Club and was eventually drafted in to the band fulltime. Gareth’s final gig came in December ‘05 at the one and only Cefn Coed RFC. After being a stalwart of the band from the start, he decided that some much needed rest was in order and, early in 2006, was replaced on drums by Terry. Aiding the band through this time of transition was Mark who went on to replace Lee on bass guitar later that year.
In what by now was becoming a bolt from blue you could set your watch by, Leon decided to quit (again!) in December ‘06. The circumstances of the member alteration is open to conjecture, but can definitely be put down to ‘musical differences’ along with his rumoured new passion for collecting cheese mold. So, the Devious 6 then became 5 (in a 9 sort of way) and has remained the same line up you love and see today.
With a more settled line up Devious started to move up through the gears while continuing to constructively bicker in their own inimitable style. More and more work was coming in, with new venues and agents seeking their services rather than the band having to pursue gigs. Repeat performances headlining both the Yellow Chopper Festival and The Big Gig in Treherbert have been made over the last few years but most successful has been the Deviants’ Halloween Ball which will be in its 6th year this year. Here demonstrating their appeal as a band as well as their business acumen, Devious have to critical acclaim, arranged and performed for a rabid fancy dress audience for All Hallows Eve.
The Secret of our Success
The secret to Devious’ success (as with many things) is a combination of many factors. Firstly, the varied set list. The unmistakable opening chords of “One Vision” to the shuffle of “Sweet Home Alabama”, the sing-along Stereophonics hit “Local Boy in the Photograph” to the bombastic “I Predict a Riot”, the classic opening riff of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” to the infectious “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and many, many more. With classics like these not just played, but delivered to the audience as only Devious can, they leave venues baying for more. Like the consummate professionals they are - Devious always oblige, usually culminating in “We are the champions” which signals (to everyone who has lived in the civilised world for the last 25 years) that the show is finally over.
Secondly, a wide ranging (much copied) set list is not the only factor for Devious’ success. The group are friends as well as colleagues, feeding of each other’s energy and then responding to the moment. They are at ease in each other’s presence, which is then translated onto stage where unlike most other bands - they make the audience a major part of their performance leaving the crowd in the palm of Jim’s hand.
Finally it’s the confidence the band instil in both venue and customer, which is part of the appeal. Venues can be warned that a full house is usually expected with Devious and that the crowd will always be treated to the full unique rock n’ roll experience that is Devious. This partnership leaves satisfied customers and satisfied venues!! Everyone is a winner when the Devious boys are in town.
Devious are more than the dirth of covers bands, tribute acts or artistes clogging up the circuit. They are motivated by the music and it’s this love, which is the appeal. Songs delivered with the same level of passion and excitement as if it were the first time they were played. The same show and energy levels are given whether they are playing to 50 or 500 people. In it for the money? No. It helps, but this is a band that are in it for the love of rock n roll.
Set List
At a Devious gig a wide ranging selection of rock anthems mixed with modern-day classics ensures that there will be something for everyone to tap a foot, sing along or even bang their heads to. We pride ourselves on being able to tailor our set to suit the audience at each venue.
Current set list from;
Queen - One Vision, Dont Stop Me Now, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You, Tie Your Mother Down
The Killers - Mr Brightside
Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire
The Kinks - You Really Got Me, All Day & All Of The Night
T-Rex - 20th Century Boy
The Jam - Town Called Malice
Feeder - Buck Rogers
Van Halen - Jump
Stereophonics - Local Boy, 1000 Trees, Tramps Vest, Bartender & The Thief, Handbags & Gladrags
Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle With You
Metallica - Whiskey in the Jar
Oasis - Dont Look Back in Anger, Roll With It
Poison - Every Rose
The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
Greenday - Holiday, American Idiot
Manic Street Preachers - Design for Life
Whitesnake - Here I Go Again
Thin Lizzy - Boys are Back in Town
Bad Company - Can't Get Enough
The Beatles - Help
The Monkees - I'm a Believer
Bon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad Name, It's My Life, Lay Your Hands on Me
Bryan Adams - Summer of '69
Guns 'n' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine, Knockin' on Heaven's Door
The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar
Journey - Don't Stop Believing
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Europe - Final Countdown
Alice Cooper - Poison
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot
Blink 182 - Small Things
Rod Stewart - Maggie May
Black Crowes - Hard to Handle
Joan Jett - I Love Rock 'n' Roll
Free - Wishing Well
Elvis - Suspicious Minds
Robbie Williams - Let Me Entertain You
The Boomtown Rats - I Don't Like Mondays
