Prior to joining Skipton (North Yorkshire, England) based band Smack Dolly in 1996 Claire was a budding singer songwriter/poet. Smack Dolly performed a mixed set of original material, coupled with the occasional cover version, the band played mainly local venues, the majority confined around the Yorkshire/Lancshire area.
Deciding to widen her outlook, she embarked on a world backpacking jaunt before eventually settling in New Zealand. Following return to England, and eager to work on new musical projects, was invited to an impromptu audition with Skeletal Family, impressed with her performance and attitude, there followed one further rehearsal which concluded with an invitation to join the band. Intense rehearsals followed, with Claire making her vocal debut with the band at low profile "warm up" gig at a local Keighley club.
Her performance (which included support from Oasis guitarist Bonehead and Smith's drummer Mike Joyce) drew enthusisatic reaction from both the 200 plus crowd and local magazine/fanzine reviewers, pleasing hardcore fans and also embracing a new, younger audience, with her performance.
Is currently involved in design/discusion for Skeletal Family live webcast (December 2003), alongside working on new lyrics/musical ideas with the band for inclusion in forthcoming tour dates and cd release for proposed February 2004 release.
