My Grandfather taught me to play the piano from the age of 7 until I was 10, when he sadly passed away. I discovered I had a good ear, and in the late 60’s, at the age of 17, started playing piano in pubs around London.
Having bought a rather primitive electric piano in 1970, I joined a covers band, playing various gigs around London. One of note was backing Long John Baldry at a nightclub in Muswell Hill.
In 1976 I left for Germany to play in a funk band on the American bases, ending up as a DJ on the same circuit with a topless go-go show. One of the highlights of my career!!
On my return to England, I resumed my career as a piano player singer, with numerous interludes along the way. In 1979, I joined a punk rock band, playing gigs with P.J. Proby of ‘split trousers’ fame. Between 1977 and 1981 I formed a four-piece band, playing piano, organ and bass pedals on the North Sea Ferry between Harwich and Bremerhaven in Germany. This was followed by a residency on the Dana Anglia ship, travelling between Harwich and Esjberg in Denmark. It was at this time that I met my wife, Amanda. We celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary next year.
In 1982, I joined a rock group, The Tyla Gang, with Sean Tyla from Ducks Delux. He had just had a top ten hit in Germany and had a record deal with a German record company. We released an album, which included four of my original compositions, one of which was released as a single.
At about this time, Friends of The Earth invited me to sing one of my songs, ‘The Whale Song’ at a rally in Hyde Park. I duly found myself standing on a stage, following Spike Milligan, with an acoustic guitar singing and playing my song to over 30,000 people. It was eventually released as a single.
In the mid 80’s I toured with the cast of The Comic Strip, backing them on the piano, with the soon to be famous, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Adrian Edmonson, Alexi Sayle, and the late Rik Mayall.
I spent about 5 years playing in a piano bar in the Canary Isles, and usually managed a week with my wife when I perform there, which was nice!!!
Over the years, I have done a fair amount of session work, playing both piano and Hammond organ with some well-known bands. This includes playing on the Levellers top 10 hit ‘What a Beautiful Day’. I also played piano with the Levellers at Sheffield Arena in the year 2000.
For the last few years, apart from sessions and band gigs, I have been working as a piano player singer, with a completely self contained set up comprising electric piano, drum machine and keyboard module with drum machine and P.A. system. I also carry with me on my digital recorder a large selection of popular tunes from the 50’s to the 80’s, including easy listening and disco tracks so I have something for everyone. I do a lot of work in retirement complexes, as well as private parties, clubs and functions.
I also play Hammond organ with Lee Thompson of Madness fame, in the ska and reggae band, The Silencerz. We have a Facebook page if visitors to this site are interested.
Up to now I reckon I have about 2,500 gigs under my belt and touch wood, hope to do many more.