Embrace

From Bailiff Bridge to Stardom: The Embrace Story

The Pride of Halifax: How Two Brothers Changed British Rock

In the quiet village of Bailiff Bridge, just outside Halifax, a musical revolution was brewing in 1990. At the bottom of a garden, in an unassuming outbuilding, brothers Danny and Richard McNamara were about to embark on a journey that would transform them from local dreamers into one of Britain's most beloved rock bands.

A Garden Shed Dream 🎸

Armed with nothing more than a guitar and a basic cassette recorder, the McNamara brothers began experimenting with sounds that would later become the signature style of Embrace. Their makeshift studio might have been humble, but their ambitions were anything but.

The best band to come out of the Calderdale region over the last few years is Embrace, a band formed in Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse. The band consists of brothers singer Danny McNamara and guitarist Richard McNamara, bassist Steve Firth, keyboardist Mickey Dale, and drummer, Mike Heaton. 
This video from the track 'Refugees'  released in January 2014, is especially interesting to this blog as it is filmed on Beacon Hill overlooking Halifax itself. 

The group have released seven studio albums: The Good Will Out, Drawn from Memory, If You've Never Been, Out of Nothing, This New Day, Embrace and Love Is a Basic Need.

The Band Takes Shape

What started as a brotherly collaboration soon grew into something bigger. Danny took his place as the charismatic frontman, while Richard mastered the guitar. The addition of Steve Firth on bass, Mike Heaton on drums, and Mickey Dale on keyboards completed the lineup that would go on to conquer the British music scene.

Yorkshire Roots, National Success 🌟

While many bands might have forgotten their roots after achieving success, Embrace has always maintained strong ties to their Halifax heritage. From those early days in Bailiff Bridge to selling out major venues across the country, they've carried the spirit of Yorkshire with them every step of the way.

Did You Know?

  • The band's first rehearsal space was a garden outbuilding in Bailiff Bridge
  • They signed their first major deal with Virgin Records
  • Their debut album "The Good Will Out" shot straight to number one
  • They've performed several secret gigs in local Halifax venues over the years

The Embrace Sound

Following in the footsteps of giants like Oasis and The Verve, Embrace developed their own distinctive sound. Their music combines anthemic choruses with emotional depth, creating a style that's uniquely theirs while staying true to their Yorkshire roots.

Embrace - Official website

Local Heroes, National Treasures 🏆

The impact of Embrace on local culture cannot be overstated. They've put Bailiff Bridge and Halifax on the musical map, inspiring countless local musicians to follow their dreams. Their journey proves that with talent, determination, and true Yorkshire grit, anything is possible.

A Continuing Legacy

Today, Embrace continues to influence and inspire. The McNamara brothers remain proud advocates of the local music scene, proving that you can achieve international success while staying true to your roots.

Share Your Memories 💭

Were you there in the early days? Did you catch one of their secret local gigs? Share your Embrace memories in the comments below - let's celebrate Halifax's contribution to British rock history!

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