Me Vs Hero

Me Vs Hero were a British rock band from Blackpool, Lancashire, best known for pop punk songs built with heavier hardcore punk and metal touches. Their main run stretched from 2007 to 2015, with a later reunion run tied to Slam Dunk Festival UK in 2018.

Starting Out in Blackpool

The band formed in 2007 with Sam Thompson, Michael Booth, Alex McCulloch, and Oliver Bradley. Thompson and Booth had been close since secondary school, and early practices happened in Thompson’s garage. Thompson wrote early demo songs and brought them to the rest of the group, which helped kick the project into motion.

The name “Me Vs Hero” came from a misunderstanding of lyrics while McCulloch was listening to Walls of Jericho, hearing “beast versus hero” and twisting it into what became the band’s name. Their first gig took place in Blackpool at a small venue called Riffs.

A Loss, Then The First Releases

In August 2008, the band announced that founding guitarist Alex McCulloch had died. They said they continued as a tribute to him, bringing in guitarist Ross Malpass not long after.

They began releasing music quickly. Their self-titled EP came out in January 2009, followed by a second EP, This One’s for Our Friend, in December 2009. During 2009 they also toured, including a co-headline run with Paige, and played festival dates such as Slam Dunk and Sonisphere.

Days That Shape Our Lives

Their debut album Days That Shape Our Lives was released on October 18, 2010. The tracklist included re-recorded songs from the two EPs, with the band selecting what they felt were the strongest songs and giving them a wider release through the album.

Before the official release, the album was made available to stream online on October 6, 2010. The band then hit the road in support of the album, including a UK run supporting Deaf Havana later that year.

In December 2010, Me Vs Hero signed with Hang Tight Records to release the album on 12-inch vinyl. The pressing was limited to 500 copies, split across color variants.

Drummers, Guitars, And Constant Road Time

In early 2011, drummer Oliver Bradley was replaced by Stephen Jones. The band spent much of 2011 touring and playing festivals, including appearances that year at events such as Relentless Boardmasters, Slam Dunk, Sonisphere, and Hevy Music Festival.

In 2012, Jones left and the band asked Simon Smith to join on drums. Smith initially declined due to other work as a session drummer, but joined shortly after.

Across 2012 the band focused on writing and recording their second album, while still keeping busy live. They toured Japan in June 2012 on a short run billed as “Beyond the Blue,” alongside With The Punches and Heroes For Hire. Back in the UK they appeared at Make A Scene Festival and the UK Warped Tour at Alexandra Palace, and later co-headlined a UK tour with With The Punches in December 2012.

During this period they shared previews and studio updates, including a short introduction video and a live-studio recording of a new song titled “Heisenberg.” They also mentioned a guest vocalist on the album, without naming the person publicly.

I’m Completely Fine And The Final Stretch

In early 2013, the band toured the US East Coast, then returned to UK dates including all three Slam Dunk Festival shows in May 2013, plus support slots for Polar Bear Club on a UK run.

On April 25, 2014, the band announced their second album, I’m Completely Fine, and released the single “Marks of a Slave” alongside the announcement. A second single, “Things We Know,” followed on June 2, 2014.

In February 2015, Me Vs Hero announced they were splitting up. They later returned for a reunion tour connected to Slam Dunk Festival UK in late May 2018.

Sound And Reference Points

Me Vs Hero were typically placed under the pop punk umbrella, with clear hardcore punk and heavy metal ideas worked into their songs. The band leaned into upbeat energy and straightforward hooks, while also making room for heavier sections. Their first album also included an acoustic track tied to the death of Alex McCulloch.

In interviews, Thompson pointed to records like Dookie, Blink-182, and Take This to Your Grave as key personal reference points. Critics and listeners also compared Me Vs Hero to bands like Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Four Year Strong, New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, and A Day to Remember.

Members

Final lineup

• Sam Thompson, lead vocals (2007 to 2015)
• Michael Booth, bass guitar (2007 to 2015)
• Bobby Pook, guitar and backing vocals (2008 to 2015)
• Grant Berry, guitar (2012 to 2015)
• Simon Smith, drums (2012 to 2015)

Former members

• Alex McCulloch, guitar (2007 to 2008, deceased)
• Ross Malpass, guitar (2008 to 2012)
• Oliver Bradley, drums (2007 to 2011)
• Stephen Jones, drums (2011 to 2012)

Discography

• Me Vs Hero, EP (2009)
• This One’s for Our Friend, EP (2009)
• Days That Shape Our Lives, studio album (2010)
• I’m Completely Fine, studio album (2014)