How'd you get started in music?
- MANY years ago – lol – back in the early ‘80s, me and 4 ex school friends formed a band. Originally I was to be rhythm guitarist, but when we kicked out the guy who was bass player I took that over. We got through a few drummers as well, lol, but Steve joined us and we wrote our own stuff, and played a few gigs. So it was Steve on drums, me - Pete – on bass, Mark on lead guitar and Mike on vocals. After a few years we kinda split up as people started families etc. Fast forward to 2012 – we got back together to play at a charity fundraiser in aid of a cancer hospice (a good friend had died of cancer and had been nursed there in his final days). Another guy, John, joined us for a few songs playing rhythm guitar. John fitted in with us just fine so now we are a 5 piece, playing classic rock covers.
Who are you're biggest influences & inspirations?
- We all have different influences, especially Steve who is heavily into punk! His favourite song is I Fought The Law by The Clash. He also, surprisingly, likes Muse! The other 4 of us like classic and more modern rock – but even then we like different genres. John and I like Southern Rock – especially the likes of Blackberry Smoke, Blackstone Cherry and Cadillac 3. Mark and Mike hate Southern Rock lol. Inspirations for me would be Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Glenn Hughes and Roger Glover, real classic bass players. John’s biggest inspiration is the late, great Malcolm Young. Mark is inspired by Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Moore and others; not sure about Mike – I’ll have to ask him!
How would you say music has impacted your life?
- Music is an absolute bedrock of life for me! The day I discovered classic rock music it was like a new light shining! Music has given me so much, not only the joy and great feelings from listening to my favourite stuff, but also the social aspect of meeting like minded people, going to gigs, and playing in the band! Music has helped me through some tough periods in my life.
Any advice for any aspiring performers?
- Plenty of practice and rehearsal – that really hones the talent. But also don’t be afraid to step back from it a little if it feels like it’s getting a bit much. We all need to take a breather sometimes! Try hard to get gigs and to play live. It can be tough getting the breaks, but if you get a chance to play a gig, take it! It’s invaluable experience!
Any new gigs or albums?
- We’ve not really considered doing any recording (though we did some back in the 80s – they’re probably better left buried lol). We have got a few original songs but nothing good enough to record. As far as gigs are concerned, the last few years we’ve played around 20-22 a year; this summer has been a bit quiet but we ‘re heading towards a busier spell – we have about 10 lined up during the rest of the year. We also need to organise a few rehearsals to get some new songs on board, as some of the set is getting a little tired! We usually cover bands like Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Deep Purple, Sabbath, ZZ Top, Foo Fighters plus a bit of glam – Bowie, Sweet, Slade! But it’d be nice to have a go at some Van Halen, maybe some Judas Priest and Motley Crue.
I wish them nothing but success & special thanks for the interview. So until then be righteous & I'll catch you on the flipside!
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