Guest Stabs Host was a metalcore band formed in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2004. The original lineup featured Rhydian Thomas on vocals, James Murray and Rich Burns on guitars, Simon Rodger on bass, and Jason Gascoigne on drums. Rhydian, originally from Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, brought influences from bands like Hatebreed, Converge, and Biohazard, having previously played in the band Then I Said Why. He moved to Wellington for university and joined The Deadline as a second guitarist before forming Guest Stabs Host.

The band shared practice space with The Deadline at Dan Fraser’s family home, where they recorded their 2005 Demo CD. Guest Stabs Host performed at notable events, including Punkfest 2004, Hamilton’s Smakdown 2005, and Sharkfest 2006, and toured nationally in 2006 with DIAL, a successor to The Deadline. Their song “Groundhog Day” was featured on the Hardcore Cinema compilation, released by Rhydian’s label, Action Man Records.

In 2006, the band saw lineup changes, with Mike Schibli replacing either Rich Burns or James Murray on guitar and Kalem O’Brien taking over bass duties from Simon Rodger. By late 2006, growing tired of metalcore, the members (Rhydian, Kalem, Jason, James, and Mike) shifted focus to form the post-hardcore band Strangers, recording demos by early 2007. Guest Stabs Host’s final show was likely at Punkfest 2006 in October, marking the end of their brief but impactful run in New Zealand’s hardcore scene.

Origin	Wellington
Genre	hardcore
Years Active	2004 – 2006
Associated Acts	The Deadline, Dial, Strangers
Past Members	Rhydian Thomas (vocals) James Murray (guitar) Rich Burns (guitar) Mike Schibli (guitar 2006) Simon Rodger (bass 2004-2006) Kalem O’Brien (bass 2006) Jason Gascoigne (drums)