The original Sherwood band was formed in the spring of 2001, a project started by Singer/Guitarist Ryan Sharpe, Guitarist Rob Carr, Bassist Matt Campbell and Drummer Dave Carr. Having been friends for a number of years and performing together in past bands, the goal was also the same, to write and perform simple yet skilled songs with a laid back attitude however with a lot of humour which shows on stage that provides energetic performances.
At the spring of 2002, Sherwood did a number of performances held by the MiX organisation in Xanten, Duisberg, Germany and received some very good reviews within the local music scene. This proved a good learning curve and experience, headlining one venue and performing at a number of others with European and bands including Rock on the Rhein festival. This was an important stage in launching the band's career and direction. The first single, 'Welcome to my World/Say Goodbye' was released under NCN Studios, Nottingham, whilst in Germany and on return to the UK receiving positive responses. Both songs were centred around the heavy rock sound with twin guitar parts with poetic vocal lines.
In 2003 Sherwood blitzed their home county, finally appearing on local radio stations with the single gaining airplay. After concentrating on touring the band took time out to record their self titled EP, which also gained radio play and was well received with fans. First song 'The Traveller' is Sherwood's heaviest song to date with heavy riffs and twin guitar harmonies, with 'Moving On' a more melodic hard rock tune. After it's release the band started a run of short tours to promote the EP, which also included performances in Kensington, London and made the semi-finals Emergenza nationwide battle of the bands.
Sherwood gigs have included many beer festivals in England and Germany and have supported large bands they have met over time including Smokescreen and Superfox, as well as headlining many events such as Sinnister Sounds band nights during 2005/06.
A new chapter began at the beginning of 2006. Rob Carr left the band for personal reasons and Chris Tideswell rejoined on guitar and the band wrote 8 new songs during that summer. The first 2 new songs 'Afterlife' and 'This is my Life' moved away from the more metal twin guitar orientated style of 'Say Goodbye' and 'The Traveller' and took a more simpler hard rock feel. This was followed by 'Saturday Night' and 'Play' which were longer and more epic than previous Sherwood songs, followed by the gutsy 'Damn You' which was the first song to some humerous references.