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OK
… let’s meet the band…
One of the reasons for Wheelz’s great sound
is the varied musical history that we each have - folk, rock, pop, blues,
choral, recording, songwriting, musical theatre, performing in many different
groups and bands, in pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, even marching bands -
they’re all there in the mix somewhere!
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It means that, now, in our <ahem!>
maturity, we have the experience and confidence to deliver quality
performances again and again that will have your guests wearing out the dance
floor…
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Alan
lead vocals, percussion, sax
Alan started his musical career as a member of
his festival winning school choir and then as a chorister in the Church
Choir. He learnt to play the violin (badly) but it was his carol singing that
would charm the streets around his native Carlisle,
with return gigs every Christmas. From street singing he went on to feature
in a Butlins talent contest and, more recently with John (below), where he
did an Everley Brother’s tribute at a local Essex
theatre. Alan was lead vocalist in a previous 60/70’s cover band before
joining Wheelz.
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Barry
lead guitar
Barry first picked up a guitar when Donnegan,
Haley, Presley, Holly and Richard entered everyone’s lives. He turned
professional in the early sixties and managed (along with the rest of the band),
to starve in all the best places in England,
Ireland,
Scotland,
Wales,
France
and Germany. Worked: U.S. Bases, Tours, Seasons, record
releases from Decca/HMV, Top of the Pops, backing touring artists, radio inc
‘Saturday Morning Club’ and worked the Cavern, Flamingo, Marquee and Leyton
Baths etc, etc and circuit work until a receiver shut the ‘Soho Square
Management’ down! Wonderful experience but he would do it all again !!? Hung up his guitar in ‘67 whilst he
developed his vintage car business and literally picked it up again in
October 2002 in a family band, then with Wheelz from the beginning. Early
influences: Reinhardt, the Blues and the need to eat!
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Colin
keyboard, guitar, vocals
Colin first picked up a guitar when he was 15 and
within a few years (once he’d turned it round the right way) he was
performing as a duo with Tony (below) around the Essex
folk circuit, pubs, bars and (noisy) restaurants. Some recording/ publishing
work followed which, although it never panned into a musical career, inspired
his passion for performing/ recording which still ‘pushes his buttons’ today.
He also spent 15 years as musical director/performer for a comedy revue
theatre group and still makes all his own dresses (Ed: this
is not true - I make all his dresses).
Occasionally he plays the keyboard too (sometimes with both hands)…
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John
lead vocals, percussion, harmonica
Universally recognised for his moving renditions
of old rock standards in the shower, John was persuaded to “put his mouth
where the showerhead wasn’t” and so, for the first time, stuck himself in
front of a microphone with the back line of a live band pulsing behind him.
The phrase “duck to water” comes to mind…
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Paul
bass guitar
Musically built in the late 60's, Paul initially
studied the guitar (6 string version) for 4 years and then played semi-pro
with a number of 'cover' bands in and around the London
area. After a fundamental re-bore and conversion in the 90's, he changed from
a 6 string lead to a 4 string bass (well things happen as you get older!!!)
and played in a country band around Essex.
This led to an offer to team up with some of the original 60's musicians, Old
Spice, playing music of that era which went on for 4 years. Rebuilt in 2005,
still playing bass but with a new set of 'Wheelz'. Now considered a
'Classic'.
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Dave
drums
Dave was inspired as a very young man to play the drums having watched the
Glenn Miller story. Starting at age 10 in the Boys Brigade, Dave bought his
first full kit at 15 and spent a couple of years pushing it to rehearsals
round Collier Row in a pram, being too young to drive! Played in his school
dance orchestra then formed a band writing and recording their own material,
playing at Knebworth House, with Cliff Richard headlining. Dave has played
functions and cabarets at many prestigious venues and is a also a qualified
music facilitator spreading joy to many elderly and disabled folks throughout
the southern counties. Dave finds it a pleasure to keep the ‘Wheelz’ turning…
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John
Rhythm/Synth/Slide Guitar
John started playing in bands at school with
bassman Paul and played in several covers bands in the 60's and 70's. After a
period of not playing in bands when his five sons were young, returned to
music playing with London
based 'Rock Recluses', 'Six Pack' and along with his brother and Paul (
bassman) formed the popular Old Spice. During this time he also found time to
gig with Foxy Music a Bryan Ferry tribute band. John likes to listen to many
types of music Jazz, Country, Classical, Rock and is a great fan of the
Blues. He says he is inspired by many musical styles and would love to play
them all (but not all at the same time!)
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Tony
rhythm/acoustic guitar, vocals
Born of a professional concert/jazz pianist &
a mum who could play a decent piano as could many mums then. Can play
acoustic, electric & bass guitars, banjo, mandolin, bouzouki,
bally-like-her, szitara, piano, keyboard, accordion, concertina, recorder,
harmonica, kazoo, fagpaper & comb, bodhran & stylophone but sadly
none of them very well, proving that sheer musical talent does indeed miss a
generation. Has enjoyed a musical partnership with Colin for 36+ years (see
his bio for details). Aims include seeing Wheelz become the best 60s - 80s
band around & world peace.
Sadly Tony died in the summer of
2007. We still miss him in many ways - as one of our oldest friends and as a
fine musician. Rest now, mate…
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