Biography
- Professional bassist, guitarist & vocalist
- Guitar Grade 8 Qualification
- Guitarist of Absolva (2015 - present)
- Session guitarist of Blaze Bayley (2008 - present)
- Acoustic solo project (2017 - present)
- Guitar & bass tutor at Bristol Rock Centre (2020 - 2022)
- Former bassist of Iced Earth (2012 - 2021)
- Former bassist of Fury UK (2008 – 2012)
Born 5th June 1994, Luke grew up in Manchester, UK. He discovered his passion and love for music when he was 11 years old and was taught the ways of the bass guitar by his brother and father. This is when Luke's passion for music started. This is also led to Luke's love of the heavy metal genre.
Luke formed his first band, Breakdown, when he was 13, with a couple of friends from school. Breakdown performed various shows mainly in the Manchester area and released two CDs, 'Just Three Words' & 'Lonely Road'.
Whilst Luke was in Iced Earth, Luke also joined his brother's new band Absolva in 2015. Absolva is a British heavy metal band hailing from Manchester, UK. Having released several albums and also supporting bands such as Y&T, Iced Earth, Michael Schenker, Queensryche and more, Absolva frequently tour relentlessly in the UK and Europe, as well as a debut tour of Brazil in 2020.
Meanwhile, Luke has also built up an acoustic solo career in his own name, from 2018 onwards. He has recorded and released two CDs 'How Does It Feel To Be Alive?' in 2018 and 'Snake Eyes' in 2019. Luke continues to work on new material as well as performing shows including live stream events during the covid-19 pandemic.
Luke's acoustic project has since evolved into a full on electric 3 piece band featuring Rishi Mehta on guitars & Adam Harris on drums. The band tours under the name 'Luke Appleton Power Trio'. Luke's latest solo release is 'Forever Viking' to be released on 14th April.
In the summer of 2008, Luke joined his brother’s band Fury UK. With a strong bond between Luke and his brother Chris, Fury UK would go on to perform at festivals such as Bloodstock Open Air, Hammerfest, Prog Power Metal (Belgium) and then support bands such as Y&T, Blaze Bayley (ex-Iron Maiden), Michael Schenker Group, Saxon and Iced Earth.
After supporting Iced Earth on a European tour in 2011, Luke was offered the job as permanent bassist for Iced Earth starting in April 2012. In Luke's time with Iced Earth he recorded and performed on the 'Live In Ancient Kourion' DVD, 'Plagues of Babylon' and 'Incorruptible' albums.
During the 9 years Luke was with Iced Earth, the band played several headline world tours as well as opening for Volbeat on their 'Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies' stadium tour of the US and Europe. The band also performed at prestigious festivals such as Graspop, Hellfest, Rock Fest Barcelona, Sweden Rock Festival, Download Festival, Metal Days and many more.
Endorsements /
Artist Deals:
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN - BASSIST - GUITARIST - SINGER - SONGWRITER - TUTOR
