Who is The Long Stand?

Duncan Phillips & The Long Stand is a Melbourne group founded by singer-songwriter Duncan Phillips, whose song writing and subsequent band ‘sound’ has been influenced by artists like Gram Parsons, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, The Jay Hawks, Calexico and Wilco.

The Story

The Long Stand began when radio presenter Jon Von Goes invited Duncan to play a few of his songs with a band on RRR’s The JVG Radio Method in 2012. He and former bassist Jeff King had been discussing putting a project together for a while and decided that a live performance on RRR would be a great place to launch it. They enlisted drummer Dan Steedman and with the help of seasoned pedal steel player Ed Bates put together a three-song set for the radio performance.

After performing on RRR, the band decided to professionally record the songs they played on radio. They recorded as a three-piece group with Duncan overdubbing electric guitar, mandolin, backing vocals and once again Ed Bates helping out on pedal steel. Upon listening to the recorded tracks it became obvious that more band members would be needed in order to achieve the studio sound live. Subsequently Andrew Gallus joined the band playing guitar, pedal steel, mandolin and vocals. At the same time Duncan was introduced to Hugh Martin, and after hearing the studio recordings Hugh offered his services on Hammond organ and Fender Rhodes, as well as on vocals. In the same week the band found a new drummer, Chris Broomhead, replacing the departing Dan. After playing their first show at The Standard Hotel in Fitzroy the group completed its line up with Jeff’s long time guitarist friend Jimi Vaughan.

In 2015, The Long Stand line-up changed, moving forward in recording the band's first album. Duncan enlisted renowned Melbourne bass player and producer, Alics Gate-Eastley, who has subsequently recorded and produced the upcoming album. Duncan then recruited long-time friend, Ben Davis, on electric guitar. In addition to the new line-up, guest players include pedal steel player, Garrett Costigan, and fiddle player, Michael Harris.   

Duncan Phillips & The Long Stand have since played shows at a number of well-known Melbourne venues including The Standard Hotel, The Rainbow Hotel, The Lomond Hotel and The Royal Oak. They are currently looking to perform at new venues around town and will be releasing an album in the near future. Stay tuned!

The Lineup  

Duncan Phillips ~ Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin and harmonica

Alics Gate-Eastley ~ Bass and backing vocals

Paul Thomas ~ Electric Guitar

Chris Broomhead ~ Drums and percussion