The band was put together by Czech drummer Milan Milata and singer David Gore, the US „refugee“ from Lafayette, Louisiana. These two guys had known each other for a while, but the big spark spread between them in 2002, when David presented record of his new song to Milan saying „Listen to this man!“
In this moment, Milan - the old cat from various blues-rock groups – knew, that this co-operation would be prolific.
The drummer and band-leader Milan puts the first line-up together very soon. He uses the musicians he knows from his numerous projects. The band starts with Leos Koudelka on bass and Michal Benes on guitar. Michal together with David Gore creates the main song-writing team for the band.
The Cell also engages a vocalist Veronika Mohaplova (later Milatova after marrying Milan’s brother). In 2005 the second vocalist Hanka Vanikova comes to the band but she’s being changed for Vladka Svobodova very soon. From now on, the band has 2 female singers.
The spot of guitarist takes the most changes. There has been 5 musicians fluctuating till 2007. After engaging Martin Endl, this position is unchanged till nowadays.
In 2006 The Cell releases the debut CD „Are You Ready?“, which gets very positive reviews in the blues-rock and southern-rock magazines and music websites. For instance the song „Blues Never Stops“ stays in Top 20 chart of the „All Southern Rock“ Radio for several weeks. The album captures the former line-up of The Cell.
In the autumn od 2009 the founding member David Gore is leaving the band due to different approach to the band. The second reason is David’s removal to the north of the country which makes organizing the band slightly more difficult. Both sides decided to continue in their own paths and keep friendly relationship.
David is very soon replaced by another David – David Kangas from Boston, Massachussetts. This guy brings also the sound of saxophone besides the lead vocal. Nevertheless, he stays in the band only till the half of 2010 when the current frontman Michal Cerman appears.
Michal is a born Praguer, profesional singer from many Czech rock bands, who also takes part in the Czech version of the „Jesus Christ Superstar“ rock opera.
Between 2004 and 2010 the band had a significant keyboard player Tomas Homuta, who enriched the sound by piano, Hamond organ and harmonica. After his departure, the band continues only with the guitar arrangement.
In the beginning of 2011, The Cell are attending another recording sessions for the second CD „Keepin‘ On, Rollin‘ Hard“.
In January 2012 the vocalists Veronika Milatova and Vladka Svobodova are leaving the band. However, they are soon being replaced by the new signers Radka Vojackova and Martina Doleckova.
During the 10 years of existence, The Cell plays gigs all around the Czech Republic and surrounding countries such as Germany and Poland. From time to time, the band also appears in Italy, Spain or Netherlands. In 2009, the band visited the cradle of blues – Louisiana for 6 club concerts.
The Cell also performed as an opening act for following artists:
- John Mayall
- ZZ Top
- The Sweet
- Tito & Tarantula
- Shemekia Copeland
- Smokie.
You can find more details in the gig archive.