Leatherat are five musicians dedicated to playing original folk-rock music loud, fast and to the highest standard. “The ‘ats” (as they are affectionately known) are based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The current line up consists of Pete Bailey (Vocals, Mandolin & Guitar), Jono Watts (Violin), Bret Nicholls (Guitar), Jeremy Paul Carroll (Bass) & Hugh Edwards (Drums).

Leatherat’s live show captures the excitement of a rock gig combined with the influences of traditional and original folk tunes. Their show has a high level of energy that is instantly communicated to their audience spanning all generations, from teenagers, to hardcore rockers, punks and nostalgic folkies! With a stage presence to challenge any contemporary band their carefully crafted songs combine with their own sheer enjoyment of the music to fuel their powerful performance.

Leatherat played their first gig in 2004. Since then, they’ve been playing venues all over the UK, building up their ever-increasing fan base. 2005 / 2006 saw the band record their debut album with guests such as Ric Sanders (Fairport Convention) P J Wright (Dylan Project) Gareth Turner (Little Johnny England) and Dan Plews (Dansall) to name a few.

The album, ‘Temporary Immortality’ published by High Score Productions, launched to a capacity audience at the Mill Banbury in 2006 and provided the spring board to playing their first festivals, culminating in a triumphant performance at the Cropredy Fringe Festival and sharing the stage with world famous acts such as Fairport Convention and King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys at Emma’s Trust Festival.

On the forming of Leatherat, Pete Bailey say's "...I was sick of [‘Nice Folk Music’] and formed a band to put a hard rock beat behind the mandolin and violin, giving rise to Punk/Folk (or POLK!) And thus, for want of a better name, and already being known for my distinctive headwear, Leatherat was born!" .

"I have to convey my thanks to the rest of the band and to everyone that has helped supported, encouraged or inspired us, including yourself, Carl Lake, Andy Shaw, Pangea Studios, Stargoat Music, The New Flyer, The Lock Stock and Barrel, etc (the list of pubs is endless)............ The ‘at’s in the chair!!"