The band was composed of singer-songwriter Howie Payne, guitarist Luke Thomson, bassist Dean Ravera and drummer Steve Pilgrim.
[1] Early local shows featured a revolving cast of backing musicians, including brother Sean Payne and Russell Pritchard (both fellow ex-Big Kids members and later of The Zutons) and session player Martyn Campbell.
Payne then set about putting together a more permanent lineup and recruited local acoustic singer-songwriter/drummer Steve Pilgrim on drums and Luke Thomson on guitar.
[2] The trio, along with Campbell on Bass, recorded a selection of demos at Parr St Studios in Liverpool, which were reportedly financed by Payne roadying for The Zutons on the first UK tour.
In October 2004 The Stands relocated to Los Angeles, California to record their second album, Horse Fabulous with Beck and Elliott Smith producer Tom Rothrock at Sunset Sound Studios.
Without a record deal, The Stands embarked on a fourth UK tour in September 2005, climaxing in their final show at the Carling Academy Islington, London.
The band broke up in November 2005 [7] shortly after their final gig as part of the Love Music Hate Racism campaign in memory of murdered schoolboy Anthony Walker at University of Liverpool on Thursday 27 October 2005.
He has released two solo albums, collaborated with Japanese folktronica artist Akeboshi and is currently a member of Paul Weller's live band.. Luke Thomson and Steve Pilgrim played together in Cuckolds from 2005 to 2006.