Hibby and the Untrained Eskimos began at the end of 2004, but its members have known each other and been performing for many years.

The band began when bassist Di Stickland left unsigned band Friday Streets and joined forces with rhythm guitarist Rob Farris.  Di began playing bass in 2001 after many years playing other instruments including mallet percussion, brass and classical guitar.  She joined her first rock band Reload that year and met Lead guitarist Dave Sykes.  The pair continued performing together when Reload split and Friday Streets were formed, and their partnership continues in the Untrained Eskimos.

Rob and Dave have known each other for many years although have only performed together on spontaneous occasions.  Rob has played guitar since the early 90s and has mainly applied his talents at theatre productions and shows.  His contribution to the band goes beyond his guitar playing as his enthusiasm and charisma on stage is always evident!

Drummer Rich Stickland joined the band from a much varied drumming background.  Learning his trade on a single snare, he took kit lessons at school and began his drumming career playing heavy metal with friends.  His most notable appearances were with unsigned band Cherry Samba which after many years of writing songs finally split at the turn of century.  Rich kept his drumming going with various amateur groups and guest appearances until he joined the Eskimos.

Vocalist Paul ‘Hibby’ Hibberd and Lead guitarist/backing vocalist Dave Sykes were previously a successful duo called Last Orders, playing pubs and clubs on a regular basis.  Hibby realised his talents as a singer on Karaoke and a mutual friend introduced him to already successful guitarist Dave. 

Dave was a keen musician from a young age, learning to play clarinet at a high standard and having a flair for Jazz.  He learnt the guitar in his teens and often played with friends in their band The Reptiles.  His talent soon enabled him to move on to his own band and it was here he learnt his guitar and vocal styles as well as learning to play mandolin.  From here Dave has played in many unsigned rock bands as lead guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter, including Reload, Friday Streets, & Right Eye Rush.  Right Eye Rush saw success as an unsigned band, with one of their singles making it onto a compilation album, but other commitments meant the band folded recently and Dave is broadening his playing talents with a new style in Sonic Republic.

Dave and Hibby completed the Eskimos line up and it’s been a fun packed ride ever since.  The band has enjoyed successful performances at Weddings, Birthday parties, Christmas parties, Corporate Events and Balls.  Hibby and the Untrained Eskimos are known not only for playing great music but providing an all round entertainment experience with their enthusiastic stage performance and crowd connection.

No website about the Eskimos would be complete without a bit about Armstrong the band's mascot. Armstrong is Di and Dave's Bassett hound who comes to every practice and enjoys our music joining in when he can. He is also good at pressing guitar effects pedals- but not when you want him too, chewing through leads and going to sleep on the bass drum pedal whilst Rich is playing it! Click on his picture for Armstrong's Blog.