Duncan Byers began playing cornet with Flimby Saxhorn Band at the age of 11 and went on to become a member of the National Youth Brass Band, Besses O' th' Barn, and, in 1994, assistant Principal Cornet with Grimethorpe Colliery Band, with whom he starred in the film Brassed Off.

In 2000 Duncan moved to Brighouse and Rastrick Band, where he achieved many contest successes. He continues to work as a Peripatetic Teacher of Brass at Oldham Music Centre, and was appointed Musical Director of The Mossley Band in April 2006.