Mark McClelland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark McClelland
Mark McClelland in Arizona, 2004, during the Final Straw Tour
Background information
Birth name	Mark Peter McClelland
Born	(1976-03-30) 30 March 1976 (age 49) Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Genres	Indie rock alternative rock power pop
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Bass guitar
Years active	1994–2016
Associated acts	Shrug Snow Patrol The Reindeer Section Little Doses

Mark Peter McClelland was born on March 30, 1976. He is a musician from Northern Ireland. He is best known as the former bass guitarist for the band Snow Patrol. Mark also won an Ivor Novello Award for his work on the album Final Straw. Today, he plays bass for the band Little Doses.

Mark McClelland's Music Journey

Mark McClelland in 1994

Mark McClelland went to Sullivan Upper School when he was younger. In 1994, he started studying Financial economics at the University of Dundee. During his first year, he helped start a band called Shrug. He formed it with Michael Morrison and Gary Lightbody.

From Shrug to Snow Patrol

Michael Morrison left the band in 1995. Then, a new drummer named Jonny Quinn joined. The band changed its name to Polar Bear. Later, they became known as Snow Patrol. On July 9, 1998, Mark graduated from university with top honors. He was one of only three students to graduate from his course that year.

A few weeks after he graduated, Snow Patrol released their first album. It was called Songs for Polarbears. This name was a nod to their old band name, Polar Bear. They released it with Jeepster. In 2001, the band released their second album, When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up.

Other Music Projects

While with Snow Patrol, Mark was also part of The Reindeer Section. This was a Scottish music group started by his bandmate, Gary Lightbody. Mark also played on albums for other artists. He was on Iain Archer's album Flood The Tanks. He also played on Cut La Roc's first album. He played the song "Post Punk Progression" with Snow Patrol on that album.

Leaving Snow Patrol

Mark McClelland left Snow Patrol in 2005. This was after their 2003 album Final Straw became very popular. It was said that he left because of different ideas about music. Mark later said that Gary Lightbody wanted more control over the band. He felt that Snow Patrol would become more of a solo project.

There were also reports that the disagreement was about who wrote the songs on Final Straw. Mark felt his work was not fully recognized. However, he is officially credited for the music on all 12 songs on the album.

Little Doses

After leaving Snow Patrol, Mark started a new band called Little Doses. He formed it with his girlfriend, Kirsten Ross, who is now his wife and the singer. Michael Branagh, from the band Degrassi, joined as the drummer. The band has not signed with a record label. They have not been very active since 2016.

Mark McClelland's Music Albums

Here are some of the albums Mark McClelland has worked on:

• Starfighter Pilot (1997)
• Songs for Polarbears (1998)
• When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up (2001)
• Final Straw (2003)
• Flood the Tanks
• Sessions@AOL (2004)
• La Roc Rocs (2000)