The Band

Mike Peacock - Vocals

Started singing in bands when I was 10 years old, did school xmas parties etc. Auditioned for opportunity knocks at Tyne Tees Television studios when I was 14 in a band called The Pawns. Been around the block a number of times in several pub/club bands, originally (in the early 70s) in a band called Beano from Whitley Bay, where we were support act for some well known bands eg Mungo Jerry and Lindisfarne (spin off band - Jack the Lad). Other bands include Gan Canny, Amberstag and Stark Raven. Most unusual gig was on a 'light ship' in the North Sea.

Equipment: Sure SM58 Beta wireless microphone , 2.4K RCF active PA system, wharfdale monitors, icolour4 pro lighting rig, LD MEI 100 in ear monitoring system.

Influences: Genesis, Family, Free, Beatles.

Favourite vocalist: Peter Gabriel.

Mike Garlick - Lead Guitar

Played guitar since I was 19 (about 10 years now ho, ho, ho). Played rock, funk, reggae and pop, covers and original material in various bands eg. Horizon and Plain English - pubs and workingmens clubs circuit

Equipment: modified Stratocasters, JJ Jewel with P90's, modified valve amps - pdf document (Fenderish front end with Marshall type EL34 power section for those who wish to know). See diagram for full set up - pdf document.

Effects: Modified Vox wah wah - among other things I replaced the transistors with lower gain BC109's Replaced modified Guvnor' overdrive with home built fuzz faces. One in clean channel and another to overdrive the valve distortion pre-amp Custom real valve distortion pre-amp - pdf document Korg chorus/phase/echo now replaced by Boss CE2 chorus bought in junk shop for £9.50 Digitech delay replaced by Akai Headrush (I haven't dared use the loop function live yet!) I sometimes get out my chrome 'glissando' guitar rod a technique nicked from Steve Hillage and Gong Home built mouth tube a la Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh shortly to make it's debut.

Influences: Joni Mitchell, ELP, early Yes & Genesis, Camel, The Who and Ronson era Bowie.

Favourite guitarists - Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Bill Nelson, Andy Latimer, Steve Hillage, Santana. Current favourite - Eric Johnson. So good he inspired me to build a bonfire in the garden with my musical equipment (almost).

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Andy Pointon - Bass Guitar

I've been playing since I was about 14 – started off copying Sex Pistols songs!!! – about 1979. Other bands include Cry Innocence, Skulduggery, Headfull of Cartoons, The Motive, Stikler.

Equipment: Music Man Stingray (Antique White), Fender Jazz Fretless (3 tone Sunburst), Ibanex BTB405 5 string (Electric Blue), Hartke HA3500 head, Gallien-Krueger neodymium cabs (2x12 and 1x15), MXR Bass Compressor, Korg Pitchblack pedal tuner, Zoom b2.1u multi-effect, Shure SM58 vocal mic.

Favourite bassists: Pino Palladino, Flea, Stanley Clarke, Peter Hook.

Influences: Pink Floyd, Sting, Stanley Clarke, Kiss, Chilli Peppers.

Dave Knox - Drums

History
One night when I was a kid me and me dad were watchin a b/w telly and it was the Buddy Rich and his Band "Just watch this feller play drums" me dad said...and the rest, as they say is history! I actually learned to play bass before i turned  to my main passion..DRUMS! I've played all sorts of styles in all array of bands, mostly blues and rock.
Some recent bands being:- Duck Soup, Storm, The Switch and Uncle Gilbert.

Listened and studied...
Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Focus, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return To Forever, Jeff Beck, Living Colour, Sting....

Fave rhythmatists...
Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cobham, Lenny White, Will Calhoun, Steward Copeland

Bits and Pieces
DW & Tama drums,various snares including vintage Ludwig.
Ziildjian and Sabian cymbals
Pearl Pedals, 5A sticks

Quotes I quote...
"you have to practice, practice and yet practice more!"....(my mate Peter best drummer I know)
"Learning all ze time" Mr Chow Mein - Benny Hill character