Ian Harding
Bands I’ve Played In
I’ve been in a fair few bands over the years – some lasted a while, some came and went in a flash – but each one added a thread to the tangled tapestry of my musical life. Here’s a look back at the various projects I’ve been involved in:
The Scene (1978–1980)
My first real band. We gigged extensively around West Yorkshire, Lancashire and beyond, and even released a single – Hey Girl / Reach The Top. Proper Mod revival energy. Lots of fun. Lots of mileage.
Buddy Valentine and the Lonely Hearts (1980–1981)
We recorded demos and gigged around Bradford. Sadly came to an end when my guitar was nicked at Queens Hall after a gig – not exactly the fairy-tale ending, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
The Muskrats (1982)
The first incarnation of a name that would come back later. Mainly busking and a couple of chaotic parties – more a vibe than a band.
The Gathering (1982–1983)
Played a few local gigs, including a memorable one at Bradford Uni. Disbanded when our bassist, Rocker, got fed up and wandered off into the wilderness.
The Doctors of Love (1984–1985)
Mostly me, Kenzie, and Steve Strong in the studio. We recorded at RicRac with a rotating cast of players, but never made it to the stage.
The 1 in 12 Cowboys (1985)
Loosely organised chaos at the 1 in 12 Club. Line-ups changed almost as often as the setlist.
The Harding Boys (1985)
Just me and my brother, Phill. A bit of busking, and one very rough gig at the 1 in 12 Club. Blink and you’d have missed us.
The Men From The Mountains (1986)
We actually got our act together long enough to play a few solid gigs and release a single – recorded at Chapel Studio, Louth and put out on the 1 in 12 label.
TNT (1987)
One gig only – on my 30th birthday. I honestly thought it might be my last ever performance. (It wasn’t.)
Solo Projects (1987–1999)
No live shows during this period, but plenty of writing and recording at RicRac and in my own studio. A lot of material never saw the light of day, but it kept me going.
Johnny 7 (2001–2004)
A covers band in the States, doing British Invasion classics at private parties. It was great fun – and, oddly enough, the only band I ever actually made money from.
The Mighty Muskrats (v1) (2019–2021)
A lockdown project that grew legs. We rehearsed hard at Prospect Studio, recorded a couple of singles and an album, and even played a gig in London before calling it quits when Covid got the better of me.
Ray Gunn and the Rockets (2022)
Put together for one special occasion – the funeral of Elvis Crigglington. We rehearsed in Tony’s garage and recorded those sessions. A fitting tribute.
The Mighty Muskrats (v2) (2023-2024)
No gigs this time – just music, made at home and at John’s. After Long Covid wrecked my voice, recording an album became therapy, helping me find my way back to singing. It wasn’t about making a comeback – just making something honest. And proving there’s still plenty left in the tank.
The Mighty Muskrats (v3) (2025 and beyond)
A new chapter, wide open. I’m teaming up with other musicians and seeing where the music takes me – no fixed plans, just a willingness to follow the spark. The Muskrats spirit lives on, but the sound might shift. That’s the fun of it.