Andrew James Cairns (born September 22 1965) is a founding member, singer, guitarist and songwriter for Therapy?, a hard rock band from Northern Ireland. A well-respected song-writer and musician, his uncompromising but often light-hearted approach to music has won him many admirers. Born in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland and attended Ballyclare High School in the town. After playing in local heavy metal and punk rock bands, Cairns started the band Therapy? in 1989 with drummer Fyfe Ewing. The band went on to widespread success, perhaps in particular with the much-lauded Troublegum album in 1994. Cairns was working as a quality control inspector in a Michelin tyre factory when Therapy? started. He became a full time artist in 1992, when the band signed to London based independent label Wiiija. He has a reputation amongst music fans for being a pleasant natured and approachable artist, happy to sign autographs or converse with fans. This "easy going" persona has marked him out as being quite different from fellow rock musicians, and has bolstered his enduring relationship with the music press. Cairns' earliest work with Therapy? was characterised by an interest in psychiatry, psychosis and human isolation. Later Therapy? albums saw his lyrics become concerned with recurring themes such as doomed romance, loneliness and loss. Despite a decrease in widespread popularity and changing personnel, Andy Cairns remains as active as ever as Therapy? frontman, with passionate support from fans at home and abroad. Cairns is a famous supporter of Chelsea Football Club, and lives in Cambridge with wife and child.
