Bio, influences and gear

I have been playing drums since I was about 14. My reason for playing is John Bonham (the true Lord). My first band was originally a school band called The Whistling Army with my old schoolmates Richard and Steve. We did a load of original work and a few covers for many many years. We gigged, we recorded and although we didn't make it some of our songs were and still are real crackers. Later on the band took on new members one of which stayed for some time, that was Dazz who was in the final lineup.

More recently Richard and I started a project called Blue Hound which is basically home recordings with me doing the keyboard stuff and drum programming, Richard on Guitars and both of us on vocals. Again there's some really good stuff there... although we were always pressed for time.

The current band was originally formed as Jelyd Pig in 2001 with myself, Dazz, Gav and Paul in the lineup. 2003 saw the formation of Boyld Pig. Playing together with Dazz and Gav (two of my three Brothers) for so long gives the Pigs an underlying solidness which allows Mark and Andy to give their all as the great big showoffs they are.

Amongst my favourite music is ... Led Zeppelin, Robin Trower, Black Sabbath, AC/DC although I like most things from Classical to Pop, good music basically. I do agree with Daz however that Dolly Parton had a lot to offer and we need more of that, but I cannot believe Mark likes Joe Pasquale or indeed that he plays Jazz?

Let us also not forget the master... Jake Thackray... for one moment, RRRESSPECK

See how that USA stuff influenced me without me knowing!

My gear consists of....

Acoustic Kit

As above but with bits added....

Pearl Export ELX Ruby Fade Kit (8",10",12",14"16" and 22"), Black Panther (Mapex) 14" Brass Snare (with Coated Ambassador batter, Diplomat Clear resonant, both well wound up!), Sabian Cymbals...14" AAX XCelerator hats, 10" ProSonix splash, 14" ProSonix Crash, 18" HHX Evolution Crash , 19" AAX Plosion crash, 22" David Garibaldi Signature Jam Master Ride and my old favourite 16" Paiste 404 Crash.

Electronic Kit

Roland TD-6K for practice

I have added another cymbal and tom to this setup to simulate my usual acoustic kit configuration. This is agreat little kit and for any aspiring drummer a fantastic way to get started at home playing along to and iPod or other device available from all good retailers.