Hull's Musical Heritage - David Whitfield Version 2 - David Whitfield | Page 22

Who
Who Followed
Followed In
In David
David

Roland Gift
Roland Gift, originally from Between 1985 and 1997,
Birmingham, moved to Hull the band released 14
aged 11, where he studied singles, 5 of which, reached
at Kelvin Hall School,
the top 10 in the UK
before moving to The
singles chart.
Hull School of Art, whilst
there he was a member
The most successful of
of ska band, Akrylykz,
these was “She Drives
as the saxophonist. After
Me Crazy”, which reached
unsuccessful chart releases, number 5 in the UK, but got
Gift was approached by
to number 1 in Australia,
two members of “The
New Zealand, Canada,
Beat”, who Akrylykz had
and most importantly, in
supported on tour.
terms of kudos, the US,
where it topped the Dance
Andy Cox and David Steele chart, and the prestigious
spoke to Gift, asking him
Billboard Top 100.
to join a new band, Fine
Young Cannibals, as the
lead singer.