| Alex Westaway | |
|---|---|
Westaway performing in 2009. |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alexander Derek Westaway[1] |
| Born | 2 February 1983 |
| Origin | Northampton, England |
| Genres | Post-hardcore, alternative rock, alternative metal |
| Occupations | Musician, guitarist, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 2003—present |
| Labels | PIAS, Trustkill, Edsel, Gut, Deep Elm, Island |
| Associated acts | Fightstar, Brigade |
| Notable instruments | |
| Fender Telecasters Gibson SG Fender Stratocaster Gibson Les Paul Fender Jazzmaster |
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Alexander Derek Westaway (born 2 February 1983)[2] is an English musician, singer and songwriter from Northampton. Westaway is the co-founder of British alternative rock band Fightstar, for whom he plays lead guitar and provides vocals. Along with Charlie Simpson, he writes the lyrics for the bands material.[1][3][4][5][6]
Westaway grew up with his sisters Fleur and Hannah, in Northamptonshire, Northampton. He attended Rugby school.
His lighter vocals contrast Simpson's deeper voice and screams to give Fightstar a more versatile range.[7][8] Westaway is also a potent painter and has designed cover art for two of the bands releases.[9][10] When playing live he favours the use of Fender Telecasters and the Gibson SG for heavier songs. However he has also used the Fender Stratocaster the Fender Jazzmaster and the Gibson Les Paul.
Westaway had met Simpson during 2003 whilst attending a dinner party. During the party they decided to have a jam and together did an acoustic cover of Rage Against The Machine's song "Killing In The Name".[11] He subsequently dropped out of university and moved into the spare room of Simpson's London flat where they began writing songs together. Over the next six months, their debut EP had been written.[12] Westaway has named his biggest inspiration as the late Jeff Buckley, while he has also named his all time favourite album as Radiohead's The Bends.[13][14]
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