TIM BOOTH

Vocals 1981-2001

Birthday : February 4, 1960

Band Nickname : Monty Moneybags - dates back to early years in the band and Tim's middle-class background

First Gig : Cockney Rebel, Leeds Town Hall

Football Team : Leeds United

Tim's 1990 Tour Programme Questionnaire

see Tim's Patti Smith tribute for War Child here

click here to read about Tim's Five Rhythms Creativity Workshops

Tim Booth, Manchester University drama student and ex-pupil at Shrewsbury School where he gained 11 O Levels, joined Model Team International when he confronted Jim, Gavan and Paul stealing his drink at a Manchester University disco in 1982.  Impressed by his dancing and thinking he could write them some lyrics as he was a student, Tim was asked to dance with the band and sing backing vocals initially. When Danny Ram and Jennie Ingram were subsequently kicked out of the band, Tim was asked to take over lead vocals.

Tim had got into music whilst at school when he was informed that his father was critically ill and he listened to Patti Smith that evening - she was to become one of his major inspirations artistically.

During James early career, Tim was plagued by a liver disease which dated back to his childhood and it was this that contributed to his pursuit of altenative forms of healing and stimulation, including membership of the Lifewave group in the 1980s and his interest in shamanic dancing which he still pursues actively today. The liver condition has lead Tim to abstain from the traditional rock n roll lifestyle of drink and drugs and his abstinence and beliefs have led James to be labelled as Buddhists, vegans and all sorts of other implied insults.

Tim's interest in certain themes - religion (Tim went to the religious Shrewsbury School and was expelled for being a bad influence), suicide, victimhood, betrayal - run through James whole career.  The embittered lyrics of Seven and Laid reflect the fallout from his relationship with the band's ex-manager Martine, mother of Tim's son Ben - the inspiration for Gold Mother whilst the lovestruck Just Like Fred Astaire and Shooting My Mouth Off reflect Tim's contentment with fiancee Kate.

Tim spoke openly to ITV's Faith And Music documentary about his beliefs in June 1999.

In addition to his vocal duties with James, Tim maintains his interest in acting, taking the lead in Edward Bond's production of Saved at Bolton Octagon in May 1998.  He also has taught Five Rhythms dance on a regular basis in Manchester, New York and California during quiet periods for James.  He also recorded a solo album Booth and the Bad Angel with Twin Peaks composer Angelo Badalamenti in 1996.

In 1999, Tim narrated the ITV programme commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Strangeways riots.

In October 2001, Tim announced his intention to leave James after the December 2001 tour to pursue other interests outside James - click here to find out more