Music was all around me when I was growing up, in my home, in my blood!! My Dad was a drummer and a mean washboard player, and my elder brother was a DJ, consequently there was never a moment there wasn’t music in our house.

Even though my dad was a drummer, the guitar was the first instrument I took up. An old mate of mine, Danny Knight, and I, grew up learning to play together. The usual story, loads of books, lots of passion and lots and lots of dedicated hours of practice!! Once we felt we were good enough we decided to form a band and set about looking for other like minded musicians. We met, and were then joined by, ace drummer Damian Lydon, he’s sadly passed away now. (Still thinking of you mate). Unable to find the right bassist I decided to take up the bass myself, immediately knowing I’d found my niche; this was the instrument for me, I have never looked back!! Must have inherited the ‘back line rhythm’ from the ‘old man’!!

We called the band The Core and worked hard playing the London pub/club circuit for a few years before musical differences meant we went our separate ways. It was however a great apprenticeship and we parted without malice.

I then joined a successful indie pop band, Fidget, again playing the pub/club scene in London but also touring around England. It was sometimes hard going, mostly great fun, but it ran its course and the singer decided to leave.

So to pay the bills I took on studio and session work alongside ‘depin’ with various blues and cover bands, including the Mike Khan Band, Wilko Johnson (Ian Drury & the Blockeads/Dr Feelgood) and Denise Stratton (Iron Maiden). One band in particular, Dr Sleeze, with Jimmy Riddle, (ex Jimmy Riddle and the Piss Pots/ Sam Apple Pie) was a riot! Jimmy was a local hero in East London and had a very loyal following, every gig was a ‘hoot’!! But, as well as it pays the bills, session work’s session work and ‘depin’s’ ‘depin’, I wanted to be a part of a band again, I’d served my apprenticeship!!

I’d come across Chris Ames many times over the years, in and around the London music scene so when he approach me about forming his band Strangers Know More it seemed just what I was looking for. I was right. We’ve changed members as well as musical direction a few times but that’s been all the more to it’s credit.

Six years ago when Chris decided to move to France I had two choices, either give up playing with Strangers Know More or ‘commute’. Well, I say two choices, there was only ever 1 choice, I didn’t want to give up all we’d worked towards over the years, I ‘commuted’!! But, I fell in love with France, it got harder and harder to go back to the UK, so in the end I didn’t!

Now we have Sam, our ‘rocking’ French drummer, on board, we’re a unit and as tight as the ‘proverbial’.

I’m where I want to be!!