My love of Rock n Roll started at an early age with my parents playing it in the car or listening on the Radio. My mum liked Cliff Richard, and my dad The Shadows... well what a combo!
So whilst in secondary school I started classical guitar lessons but I had my heart set on a red strat and to play like Hank Marvin... I got my first Fiesta Red HM signature series and the rest is history!
I’ve been playing since about 1995/96 and influences over the years have been Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Gilmore, Clapton and not forgetting Buddy Holly but none are a touch on that magical sound Hank achieves!
I’ve worked with bands in different capacities from roadie and sound engineer to dep guitarist... In 2017 I answered the calls of a good friend of mine Roger Cook who wanted to start a Shadows band. It came together nicely and we stumbled across the name Not The Shadows purely by accident! As time went by I found myself the only remaining original member. Building a new lineup was hard work and took about 8 months but we are now stronger than ever... it’s been a great journey and I’m looking forward to the band being top of the game.. on or with those like The Undercover Shadows.
Dennis is new to the band following the retirement of one of our founding members of 8 years. Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the band but is well versed in Rock 'n' Roll. Having played with bands including "Off The Cuff" and most recently in a "Double D's" Duo Dennis has taken on a new challenge of learning and performing the intricate work of Bruce Welch.
I worked with the Reg Haynes Outfit for 25 years which was a Country Band. Following the conclusion of this I went on to work the following 25 years with an outfit called "5 Wheel Drive", a clubland band who did the rounds on the Working Men’s Clubs and Social Club circuits.
While doing this I was lucky enough to be recruited to support Duane Eddy's band, the "Twang Gang" for around 16 years.
The last 14 years I’ve had no real influences and just helped out bands as and when until I lost the majority of my sight. I thought that would be the end of my playing career!
That was until Ian asked on social media for a bass player for a band “The Echoes” which was to be a generic 60’s Rock and Roll band... Living locally Ian agreed to pick me up and bring me to rehearsals etc. This fused into Not The Shadows of which Ian was one of the founding members. Following a shake up of the band members and Ian taking the helm, I’ve become the full time bass player and I’m loving the opportunity to learn the music of The Shadows, something I’ve always wanted to do. You will see me with the various replica basses of Jet Harris, John Rostill, Alan Jones and Mark Griffiths.
Richard joined the band late in 2025 following the ill health retirement of our previous drummer Malcolm. Richard has a background in Rock drumming, having been in many groups over the years, but he fancied a change and has settled in well. By his own admission, he thought drumming to Shadows numbers would be straight forward and simple, but quickly found that Brian Bennett was a wizzard behind the kit and kept things interesting with alternating patterns and changing fills. That aside, Richard is really getting to grips with things and along with years of experience, and a family link to the band (His dad played with our bass player in the 60's!) he also brings two manufacturers endorsements, firstly Collision Drum Sticks and second Code Drum Heads (who also endorse Cliff Richards drummer!)
Paul joined us in 2025 following the departure of our previous singer. Paul has been performing Rock'n'Roll as a solo singer for several years and has now taken the challenge to sing with a live band! He brings with him a wealth of experience in original Rock n Roll classics, helping us remain true to our roots and making sure we still keep to the agenda!