Liars Academy

History

Liars Academy was formed by ex-Cross My Heart guitarist/songwriter Ryan Shelkett and Strike Anywhere guitarist Matt Smith. The duo recruited drum veteran Evan Tanner (Cross My Heart Pee-Tanks, Hidden Hand) to play drums and began playing shows in 2001. Due to Smith's prior commitments to Strike Anywhere, and Liars Academy's busy tour schedule, Matt was unable to be a full-time member of the band. At this point Chris Camden (Former Cross My Heart bassist) was recruited to play bass on tour. Things came together on that tour and Camden became a full-time member of Liars Academy at this point. Matt Smith, in turn, moved to Lead Guitar and the four-piece line-up took shape for Liars Academy leading to the next phase in their development as a band. The band made two excellent records as this line-up, 2002's "Trading My Life" EP and 2004's "Demons" LP. Unfortunately, after time, Matt Smith wasn't able to juggle duties between Liars Academy and Strike Anywhere due to the rise in popularity of Strike Anywhere. At this point, Matt was forced to take a less active role in Liars Academy only participating in the writing and recording process within the band. Fred Fritz was brought in as Matt Smith's replacement at this point as Matt was no longer able to tour with the band. The next few years were quite tough for the band including a robbery and van accident. In addition, Liars Academy and Evan Tanner went their separate ways in the fall of 2004. Eric Fauver was brought in to replace Evan Tanner on drums. After a year of playing as this line-up, Liars Academy took their first hiatus.

A slightly modified version of Liars Academy continued to perform under the name Midnight Revival. The group consisted of Ryan Shelkett, Fred Fritz, Eric Fauver and Nick Barkley (ex-Fairweather, ex-Olympia) on bass. Chris Camden spent time playing bass in Firebird Band during this time.

In late 2006 Liars Academy made a brief resurgence, and appeared as a five-piece with the addition of Bryan Elliott as an additional guitarist.

Liars Academy has been on indefinite hiatus since May 11, 2007

December 14, 2012; Liars Academy reunited for one show with Strike Anywhere at Ottobar Baltimore for former roadie Tony Pence's 40th Birthday Celebration.

June 2, 2015; Drummer Eric Fauver passed away from undisclosed circumstances.

Post Liars Academy Projects

Evan Tanner is currently the drummer of War on Women

Eric Fauver was the drummer of Beasts Of No Nation, and Final Conflict, as well as the bassist of Iron Cross before his death in 2015.

Ryan Shelkett formed Desert Boys following the hiatus of Liars Academy. He is currently performing as a solo artist.

Matt Smith is currently the guitarist of Senses Fail and Strike Anywhere

Members

Former Members

EPs

LPs