The Cheats were formed in 2001 by the then lead singer Nick Davey and ex Parchman Farm, Fagin and Serotonin bassist John Scales . They were joined in the early band by John Kane on drums and Alan Cummin on lead guitar. Alan left to be replaced by Chris Brookes and Paul Madden took over duties on the drums. Paul found it difficult to balance his running of Madstar Studios in Wapping and regular gigs with the band so he left and was replaced by Jim Martin. Jim has a wealth of experience through a life of drumming professionally touring Europe and supporting such greats as Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones during his band's residency in Monte Carlo. Chris Brookes was the next to depart and was replaced by ex Barking Spider Martin Hodges. The band stayed in this format until late 2005 when Nick Davey was forced to leave due to ill health. The difficult job of replacing Nick was achieved after a period in the doldrums for the band, when Steve Ratcliffe was drafted in on lead vocals and guitar. This gave The Cheats a new dimension with two guitars adding depth and variety to the sound.
