June 1991 - November 1991
Whiskey Breakfast was formed in June 1991 by Simon Heywood and Martin Keates on leaving Melandra. It was always intended as a ceilidh band, originally with a strong acoustic, Irish flavour. Simon and Martin auditioned musicians in the early summer of 1991, before forming a trio with Julian, which played its first gig in September. However, this combination was shortlived: by November, Julian had left.
November 1991 - November 1992
Simon Dew (ex-Melandra and ex-Samarinda) and Jenny Smith (also ex-Melandra) took Julian’s place. Jenny’s brother Matt augmented the line-up on guitar for one gig: Simon Heywood played bass on this occasion, a taste of things to come.
When Julian left, the name Whiskey Breakfast was abandoned. However, the band did not agree on a new name until their very last gig. They played for one ceilidh as Rasklaat. The band often played under the name of the Big Deal Barn Dance Band, who passed many gigs onto them.
In November 1992, Simon Heywood gave up running the band, while Jenny went to California to pursue her medical career. Simon Dew and Martin Keates took over the running of the band.
Simon Dew and Martin Keates abandoned the name and most of the repertoire. They decided what they wanted the band to sound like, then looked for musicians to fit the sound. Martin was to play hurdy gurdy, Simon Dew was to play saxophone. Simon Heywood agreed to play bass guitar on a temporary basis. Shortly after this, Simon Heywood moved to Sheffield to start a PhD. He started playing bass for other ceilidh bands, including the Plain Brown Wrapper Band.