Yobbo-Bro band still together

Several line-up changes and more than 10 years in the local music scene won’t stop three-piece band Remnants from rocking out.

First bursting on to the scene in 2004, the pub rock band features Peter “Yobbo” Marshall on drums and lead vocals, Craig “Bro” Hopa on bass and Bryn Ellis on lead guitar.

Although the boys primarily focus on covers of classic rock songs, the Remnants are looking forward to working on their own original music.

“We’ve been back together for eight months now and we’ve come to a bit of a lull,” Yobbo said.

“It’s good because it’s put us back in the shed for learning more songs.

“We’re going to start working on some originals, just have a jam, throw it out there and then chuck some lyrics.

“If you can write lyrics people can relate to, that’s another bonus too.”

Yobbo and Bro first met back in the late 80s when Bro joined the classic rock band Crowley.

When band members began going their separate ways, Yobbo and Bro continued playing as a three-piece with guitarist Kyle Nimmo, performing under the name Remnants when they realised they were the “leftover bits”.

But a few years ago tragedy struck the band when Nimmo died from cancer.

Still wanting to play as the Remnants, Yobbo and Bro stumbled upon Ellis, who was one of Nimmo’s music students.

“He’s still in school, he’s in Year 12 but he’s cranking. He’s picked up all of Kyle’s old traits and just slotted straight in,” Yobbo said.

“Our show’s pretty full on, full sound and lighting; we like to class our show as a show, not just the band in the corner.

“It’s hard to cater for everyone but as long as you can see them moving and tapping their head and foots then they’re listening.”

With Ellis studying and Yobbo and Bro working full time, the trio often find it hard to co-ordinate times to get together and jam.

But Yobbo said music was something all three of them would always be passionate about.

“We’re all busy-busy, but we find time to get out there and still rock,” he said. “It’s not something you can do as a job, but it’s a good fun hobby.”