Biography
UK nu-punk outfit the Paddingtons originated in Hull, Humberside, contrary to the widespread belief that they emerged from Whitechapel in east London. Its lineup consists of vocalist Tom Atkin, guitarists Marv Hines and Josh Hubbard, bassist Lloyd Dobbs and drummer Grant Hobbs, all of whom first crossed paths as schoolmates in Hull. A core group had already been performing as a Beatles tribute act before they encountered rasping singer Tom Atkin, whose Johnny Rotten-inspired delivery abruptly redirected their sound. Countless rehearsals in local Hull halls honed their aggressive, confrontational punk style, which drew heavily on the Clash and the Sex Pistols. The name the Paddingtons stuck after two members began sporting hooded coats reminiscent of the beloved children’s character Paddington Bear. Their initial east London performance, arranged by Libertines associate Scarborough Steve, was halted by police at a rundown club packed with Portuguese punks, yet the brief set generated enough buzz to attract UK music mogul Alan McGee, who promptly added them to his Poptones roster. The band subsequently shared bills at more upscale UK venues alongside fellow newcomers Thee Unstrung and, during 2005, served as support for Babyshambles. Late that year they issued their debut album First Comes First, produced by Oasis associate Owen Morris, which earned favourable notices from the British music press.