1998

Steve Szymanski and Tom Bonard meet at a Summer Camp in the New Forest, England. They collaborate on a song called ‘Stay With Me’ - lyrics by Tom, music by Steve. (A song now lost in the mists of time. Perhaps it’s for the best).

Inspired by a mutual love of Jesus, the emergence of the rock-orientated, guitar driven worship music from the likes of Delirious? and Third Day, and the tasteful authenticity of the praise and worship of the Emmaus community, the idea of a Catholic rock worship band is formed.

The rest of the year is spent rehearsing for potential gigs in their local area - under the name ‘Icthus’ - with a group of like-minded friends. The first ever gig takes place in Portsmouth, England in November - with a set heavily dependent on the bands mentioned above…

1999

Tom starts learning guitar and begins writing songs, resulting in a limited-run demo cassette called ‘I Sing This Song of Love’. This release captures the early songwriting collaborations between Tom and Steve, and features songs that will not appear anywhere else: ‘Pure Love’, ‘Broken’ and ‘When I’m With You’.

Concerts continue with an ever rotating rostrum of musicians.

Cath Szymanski joins on keyboards and vocals…

2000

More songs written; recording begins in Steve’s bedroom studio for what will (eventually) become the first album.

Gigs continue in the Hampshire/Dorset area testing out the first fruits of songwriting...

2001

After a short discussion and a cup of tea, the band becomes ‘Crossbeam’, and the ride begins!

Pete Reeves joins on bass. A year of guest drummers nearing ‘Spinal Tap’ proportions commences (no bizarre gardening accidents occur, though. Fortunately).

The first gig under the name ‘Crossbeam’ takes place at Romsey Baptist Church, Hampshire, in October.

Writing and recording continues…

2002

Crossbeam are invited to lead worship at a young people’s retreat on the Isle of Wight.

The first album ‘Love to Live’ is released on Easter Sunday at the Celebrate Conference in Ilfracombe, Devon, England. Songs of praise and adoration (‘You Are My God’, ‘Worthy’, ‘Everything to Me’) sit alongside songs of personal reflection and growing faith (‘Tender Smile’, ‘Change Me’, ‘Thirst’, ‘King of My Heart’).

Gigs continue around the South Coast, with Dan Ruddy briefly joining on rhythm guitar and Salv Lomanto guesting on drums. These gigs include the first live appearances of songs from ‘Love to Live’, particularly future fan favourites ‘You Are My God’ and ‘Tender Smile’.

Towards the end of the year, work begins on the follow-up album...

2003

Throughout the year, writing and recording continues...

Meanwhile, during the summer, Tom meets Liam Lynch while they are both youth workers in St Albans, North London. A mutual love of Jesus and pseudo-70s glam rock provide the impetus for Liam to join the band in September.

Liam suggests the absurdly talented Dan ‘Dougal’ McDougall to assume the vacant drum stool, ushering in a new era and a new sound.

The first Crossbeam (version 2) gig takes place supporting Superhero at the Xplosion03 festival in St Albans in November, with Ben Nichols guesting on keyboards. This event introduces new songs ‘I Have Come Here to Worship’ and ‘Love Endures’ as a taste of the forthcoming second album (the latter of which soon lays genuine claim to being the band’s greatest ‘hit’)...

2004

Crossbeam’s second album ‘All I Believe Is You’ is released on Easter Sunday, again at the Celebrate Conference. The album is a collection of original material and specially requested worship songs featured in the band’s live set. Crossbeam arrangements of Third Day’s ‘Your Love, Oh Lord’ and Vineyard Music’s ‘Holy and Anointed One’ particularly play a significant role in the band’s concerts in the coming years. 

The band play the main stage at the conference to promote the album’s arrival; the first of four appearances over subsequent years.

This year also marks several other ‘firsts’ for the band:

• First of several appearances at the Bright Lights Festival, St Albans;

• First of several appearances at the Spirit in the City Festival, Soho Square, London;

• First use of Christmas lights as stage decoration.

During the summer, Pete moves on to pastures new and Stu Taylor joins on bass.

This year, eagle-eyed fans could also get their hands on a copy of the limited edition, now heavily sought-after Crossbeam Chord & Songbook. It is rumoured to change hands for a matter of… pounds amongst hardcore collectors.

The band make a return visit to Romsey Baptist Church, the venue of their first gig, which also heralds the limited edition release of ‘I Have An Idea: Vol. 1’ – Liam and Tom making their way through acoustic renditions of Crossbeam songs. Vol. 2 has yet to appear... 

2005

With the advantage of a full band, Crossbeam re-record and re-release the songs from the first album ‘Love to Live’, under the imaginative title: ‘Love to Live: Again’.

Liam starts to contribute songs, many of which will form the majority of the next two Crossbeam albums. These newly written songs are given their first airing during gigs this year, including future live favourites ‘Everything’ and ‘Key To My Heart’.

Work begins on an album of new material.

A hectic touring schedule during the summer includes the band’s first visits to the North (Halifax) and the East (Norfolk), and an appearance at the Firm Foundation Festival in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, supporting Onehundredhours, on a bill with Delirious?, among others.

This year also sees the band playing further afield – outside of Christian festivals and events – and venturing into the pub circuit around London…

2006

For the first time all together, the band spend time in the studio recording the promotional album ‘Home’, which is released on a limited run during the summer. It is the first album of all new material since ‘Love to Live’ – introducing concert goers to the songs that will play a huge part in the band’s story over the coming two years, including songs that remain exclusive to this release: ‘You Show Me’, ‘Back to Life’ and ‘It’s Your Love’.

The band are invited to play two sets at the prestigious CampFest in Slovakia in August.

Tom and Steve also play a number of acoustic spots around the South Coast, including a support slot for Cathy Burton.

This year sees Stu’s final gig with the band, at the Xplosion06 Festival in Hertfordshire…

2007

2007 becomes the year of the regional bass players.

In January, rehearsals begin for a new album, introducing Si Francis to the band on bass.

In March, a gig in Hastings supporting Superhero marks the first appearance of Gary Sankey on bass.

The album ‘A Time for Everything’ is recorded from February-April, mixed by Paul Burton, and released, once again, at the Celebrate Conference at Easter, accompanied by a concert at the conference. The album captures the band’s live energy, and songs like ‘Mystery’, ‘Have Your Way’, ‘So Many Stars’ and ‘Pass You By’ showcase the evolution of the band’s songwriting and sound.

April sees the band coming second in the ‘Ultimate Showcase’, a national television competition hosted and televised by GodTV. The band play three songs from the ‘A Time for Everything’ album: ‘Miracle Baby’, ‘Mystery’ and ‘Everything’. This TV appearance marks the debut of another key figure in the Crossbeam story - Phil Le Cheminant on keys.

Concerts continue throughout the summer, taking the new songs out on the road. This includes an appearance at the Soul Survivor Festival in Shepton Mallet.

In October, Steve, Phil, Si and Dougal are the backing band for Tim Light's 'Resounding' album, produced and mixed by Phil…

2008

The band gig steadily throughout the year, including an Easter Sunday show in Southampton, and a first performance in Bristol. Steve and Tom also play an acoustic support slot for Audio1.

In July, the band play again at the Bright Lights festival, alongside YFriday and Matt Maher.

Songs continue to be written and demoed in anticipation of another potential album…

2009

Phil appears on Godfrey Birtill's 'Hijacked Into Paradise' album, playing keys and designing the album artwork. Steve provides live sound for the event.

In June, Crossbeam make a fourth appearance at Spirit in the City, in the heart of Central London, Leicester Square, which marks the first appearance of Tom Burgess behind the drum kit.

The band take the rest of the year off to recharge, write, pray and see where they are being led next...

2010

In May, the first Crossbeam gig in 11 months takes place in Hendon, North London, with Tom Pugh guesting on drums.

3 new songs - ‘I Bow Down’, ‘Adore’ and ‘Reveal’ - are unveiled during a gig at Southampton Central Hall at the end of May.

Ben Nichols guests with the band on keys at Spirit in the City, Leicester Square in June, notable for the fact that in the audience is a dog wearing sunglasses.

Liam plays his final UK Crossbeam gig in Balham, London on September 25th. The occasion is marked by the unexpected almost-destruction of a specially crafted Fender Strat copy. New track ‘Awake’ is played for the first time and will become a live staple.

Dan ‘Dougal’ McDougall and Liam play their final gig with Crossbeam in Soest, Germany, on October 2nd. A new song, ‘Catch the Flame’ is debuted. The gig is also notable for an 18 minute rendition of ‘Coming Home’ including a Gospel-breakdown to mark the end of an era... Fittingly, the last song played during the final encore is 'You Are My God' - the first song Liam and Dougal ever played live with the band in 2003.

Tom Burgess officially takes over the drum stool.

In the second half of the year, the band turn their attention to a new album. Rehearsals and recording begins in mid-August – the first album of all new material for five years.

Crossbeam lead worship at the Southampton Celebrate Weekend conference. During the same month, three and a half years after its release, ‘A Time for Everything’ receives a 9/10 Crossrhythms review.

This year, Godfrey Birtill's 'Ring Out Wild Bells' is released, featuring Phil on keys and Steve on lead guitar…

2011

Work continues on the new album, now titled ‘Wake Up Call’. (The name of the album is agreed in a car on the autobahn on the way to a gig in Germany).

In February, the band play a gig prematurely entitled ‘Go For Launch’ at Southampton Central Hall, premiering more songs from the forthcoming album: ‘Take Me As I Am’ and future fan favourite ‘Go’.

In May, Gary and Tom play three acoustic dates in London, Essex and the Isle of Wight as part of the ‘Heart Gives Unto Heart’ Roadshow. The bill includes Charley Pinfold, Fr Stan Fortuna and Ooberfuse.

In July, the band are invited back to the Bright Lights festival, taking place at the Friars in Kent. Gary and Tom also premiere ‘There is Another Way’ from the forthcoming album at an acoustic gig in St Albans later in the month…

2012

‘Wake Up Call’ – Crossbeam’s first album for five years, and the first to feature Gary Sankey and Tom Burgess – is unleashed on the world on Easter Sunday at the Celebrate Conference, Devon. Mixed again by Paul Burton and produced by the band, the album features backing vocals from Ronan and Joanne Johnston of Emmaus on ‘There is Another Way’, alongside a bespoke ‘Christmas choir’ recorded in December 2010 on a number of tracks.

Response to the album is extremely positive, including a 4/5 review on louderthanthemusic.com.

The band plays two concerts to highlight the new release – first, a return to Southampton Central Hall in April, where some of the songs from the new album are played for the very first time; the second, a return to Jugendkirche, Soest, Germany at the beginning of May.

The Germany gig is notable for the band’s number being depleted somewhat by passport issues and illness; but, the show goes on as a four-piece with Ricky Whelan guesting on bass.

While Steve and Phil take a well-earned holiday, the one-off band ‘Verticalbeam’ forms for a unique appearance at the ‘Spirit in the City’ Festival, which takes place at the newly refurbished Leicester Square in June. The line-up for the day features Ben Nichols on keys and Eden Shadow’s Ryan Elliott on guitar. The gig features a unique setlist, including renditions of Bon Jovi’s ‘Keep the Faith’ and ‘The Storm’ by prog-rockers Flying Colors.

Crossbeam’s last gig of 2012 takes place in Plymouth at the end of June, and the band continue writing new material over the summer and for the rest of the year.

Towards the end of the year, Tim Light's 'Even Greater Things' album is released, featuring ‘Step Out’, co-written with Tom Bonard, and ‘Seasons', co-written with Tom Bonard and Ben Ord. Tom also provides backing and co-lead vocals on a number of tracks.

The end of the year marks the departure of Gary Sankey from the band…

2013

At the beginning of the year, Crossbeam rehearse new songs and welcome Gary Blackman, who plays bass for the first few gigs of the year.

On March 23rd, Crossbeam play for the third time at the newly relocated Catholic Underground London in Soho Square, introducing new songs ‘Seasons’ and ‘Still Running’. 

On April 3rd, Crossbeam make a return appearance at the Celebrate Conference, Ilfracombe, playing a set in the bar. The gig marks a ‘one-night-only’ reunion with Liam who shows off his rap skills during ‘Coming Home’. Anna McDougall and Eliz Cooke contribute backing vocals and Will Wells has his trombone up his sleeve to add to the praise party atmosphere.

In August Steve, Phil and Tom Bonard play an acoustic worship evening in Christchurch, Dorset. The evening sees the band play acoustic arrangements of songs from the Crossbeam archive, alongside hymns old and new, and the public debut of two new songs, 'Arise' and 'Jesus, You Are There', both of which were written with worship songwriter Tim Light the previous weekend. The band are joined by special guest Jacob Knight on percussion.

'Arise' is later recorded live at the Celebrate Southampton conference in September and made available as a free download.

Worship collective One Hope Project record and release ‘Live with Friends and Angels’ during this year. Steve is instrumental (pun intended) in the writing, recording and guitar playing, and the event also features Tom Burgess on drums…

2014

In May, Steve, Phil and Tom Bonard continue their acoustic worship evening sessions, returning to Catholic Underground London. They are joined by special guest Ben Nichols on percussion.

At the beginning of the year, the band are invited to Festival Jota in Portugal which takes place in late July. An annual event for young Catholics, the band plays a very well received set and are later invited back to the Festival for 2015. In the words of the organisers, the band 'do not leave anyone indifferent'. The band take this as a compliment. The gig is notable for several reasons:

• It marks the debut appearance of Simon Burnett on bass;

• It is the first time Crossbeam have played in Portugal;

• Phil, Tom and Tom are interviewed for a Portuguese Catholic TV channel which surprisingly, goes quite well;

• A stuffed sheep contributes backing vocals;

• The band almost don't make it to Portugal at all, after leaving for the airport too late. Once the band arrive at the airport (30 mins after the flight is due to leave), they find that the plane hasn't left yet and they can sneak past the queuing passengers because they remember they have 'speedy' boarding. Miracles do happen, folks...

Towards the end of the year, thoughts begin to turn to a new album project…

2015

In July, the band returns to Portugal to play again at Festival Jota. This year it takes place in sunny Faro. It is another well received set which includes a cover of Israel Houghton's 'You Are Good'. The band are joined by guest drummer Joe Connell and Tom Bonard guests with Portuguese band Xpression Cross. And the singing sheep makes a reappearance.

Once back in England, the band continue preparations for their new album, which is subsequently recorded live at a packed out Freedom Centre in Jersey on Friday August 21st. 

The set is described by the band as ’a definitive collection of… 20 songs new and old from across the Crossbeam catalogue, interspersed with other worship songs that have played an important part in the Crossbeam story… captured where they are most alive - amidst a congregation of worshippers’. Lincoln Brewster’s ‘Everybody Praise the Lord’ is featured, which has become a mainstay of the Crossbeam set since 2001 (so much so that one reviewer of the album erroneously attributes the song to Crossbeam). ‘Holy and Anointed One’ - originally recorded in 2004 for the ‘All I Believe is You’ album - also makes an appearance in the set for the first time since 2005…

2016

‘Crossbeam: Live in Jersey’ is released as a CD/DVD set in June. The album features five previously unreleased songs: ‘Still Running’, ‘Jesus, You Are There’, ‘Arise’, ‘Seasons’ and ‘Comfortable Silence’, a song written by Liam originally earmarked for the ‘A Time for Everything’ album, that has featured in the Crossbeam set prominently since 2005. (In December, Tim Light releases ‘Up Every Hill’, featuring his recording of ‘Jesus, You Are There’).

Aside from a return visit to Germany for a one-off concert at Forum 16 to promote the live album, 2016 marks the beginning of a hiatus for the band…

THE HIATUS YEARS

2017

In April, Tom Bonard releases his first solo album, ‘Open Door’, recorded in Liverpool during October 2016. The album features the song ‘Wonderful’, originally demoed by Crossbeam in 2013.

Steve again features prominently on the One Hope Project release ‘Let It Sound’.

Three-fifths of Crossbeam participate in Celebrate South West in Torquay in October. Tom and Tom in the band and Steve at the sound desk.

2020

In November, Tom Bonard releases his second solo album, ‘Horizons’, recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown. The album features co-writes and collaborations with Aidan Pepper and Tim Light. Plus, Gary Sankey, Stu Taylor, Simon Burnett, Phil and Steve all contribute to several tracks.

2024

In March, Crossbeam reunite for the first time in over seven years to play two extremely well received worship sets at ‘Inspire’ - a conference for the young people of the Catholic Diocese of Plymouth, hosted at Buckfast Abbey, Devon. Tom Pugh, of One Hope Project, guests on drums. 

What happens next…?

“You know the plans you have for me…”
Jeremiah 29:11.