The Society (ex Danse Society)

The Society are an English gothic rock band, formed in Barnsley in 2014 after Paul Gilmartin, Martin Roberts and David Whitaker split from the reformed version of their previous band (see separate article, below). The current lineup is Jonathan Cridford (vocals), Elliot Wheeler (guitar), Darran Guy (keyboards), Ade Clark (bass guitar) and Paul Gilmartin (drums). Jonathan Cridford replaced Brian Jay in 2016.

Background

First incarnation

(see separate article The Danse Society)

Reformation

(see separate article The Danse Society)

Reincarnation

While Paul Nash and Louisa Pile (Maethelyiah) continued to Make Music as the Danse Society, Paul Gilmartin also began to rebuild his own version of the band with A Plan to re-establish the sound more in keeping with the original Danse Society.

Paul Gilmartin recruited a strong male vocal, initially provided by Brian Jay, which proved popular with fans old and new as well as live audiences. David Whitaker was instrumental (pun intended) in the band's development and direction and provided support in the studio.

The live band also began to take shape with the recruitment of Darran Guy on keyboards, Ade Clarke on bass and Elliott Wheeler on guitar.

Paul Gilmartin's Danse Society reincarnated itself and indeed - a seventh studio album "Reincarnated", featuring some early songs and many new ones, with lyrics by Gilmartin and scored by the band, was released in 2015.

While this incarnation of the band gained momentum, extensively touring the UK and Europe, playing alongside such bands as Balaam And The Angel, Chameleons Vox, Spear Of Destiny and Theatre Of Hate, a legal battle started for the sole usage of the band name.

During 2016 Brian Jay stepped aside to allow a new frontman, Jonathan "J" Cridford, to join the band. The "Reincarnated" tour continued, but as the tour drew to a close, the decision was made to change the band name, as Paul Gilmartin had lost the right to perform as "The Danse Society", a band that he had helped to form.

The Future

At the start of 2017 "The Society" was born, in order to deliver Paul Gilmartin's legacy of the Danse Society's back catalogue of songs, as well as recording and performing new material.