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.
I'd wanted to play guitar ever since I saw Tommy Steele on the 6.5 Special on TV.
I had a ukulele but it didn't make the sounds I was hearing on records.
I got a guitar around 1961 and when The Shadows released Wonderful Land in 1962 I managed to have a few lessons, learnt that great tune and the taught myself, after a fashion, all the other singles, 'B' sides and significant album tracks by my guitar heroes!
When instrumental music became a bit less cool I played in a few blues bands in the '60s, discovered jazz but took a break from playing live though still continued to play and study the instrument, occasionally playing in some 'big bands' (well, lots of musicians with trombones and things!).
I rediscovered the Shads in the early 2000s and played in a couple of tribute bands. I actually started the outfit that would become Not! The Shadows. Ian continued the work, but I left for a while only to rejoin after a few dep gigs. It's quite good fun! I also enjoy trying to play jazz, especially the styles of Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery when I get the chance.
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.
Like a lot of young people, Malcolm started off with a school friend to form a band entertaining family & friends, Inspired by groups such as The Shadows and later The Beatles.
His drumming career has covered a variety of styles including big band, concert band, jazz, rock & roll and this has taken him to many places on the continent & UK.
He played for several years with Quiff & The Shades who have now disbanded and jumped at the opportunity to join us, playing the patterns of his favorite drummer, Brian Bennett.
We are currently seeking a permanent vocalist to from our very successful band. If you think you have what it takes, please get in touch...
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