The band features original members of the Kinks and musicians who have created the amazing catalogue of music which defines British rock and popular music.
Mick Avory
For most fans Mick Avory is the definitive Kinks drummer! Mick joined The Kinks (at that time still known as The Ravens) in January 1964 and remained with the band through to July 1984.
The first hit album to feature his drumming was “Kinda Kinks” although his most brilliant moments would come on the albums “Village Green Preservation Society” and “Arthur”. His last recorded performance was on “Word of Mouth”, where he was featured on three tracks.
Since leaving The Kinks Mick has been a member of Shut Up Frank (featuring Dave Clarke, Noel Redding, Jim Leverton, Richard Simmons and Dave Rowberry) - two 5-track CDs, 1 Vinyl LP and 1 live CD from the Cheltenham Racetrack came out on Mouse Records. Also tours of Sweden, Norway and New Zealand.
Mick also played with The Class of 64 (with Chip Hawkes and Eric Haydock), The 60s Allstars, Brian Knight, and has for the last fifteen years been a permanent feature of The Kast Off Kinks (with John Dalton, John Gosling and Dave Clarke until the most recent line-up with Dave, Jim Rodford and Ian Gibbons). The KOK have performed at the annual Kinks Conventions in London and Utrecht, various UK dates and in Sweden. A 5-track CD of Kinks songs, proceeds given to the Leukemia Foundation, was released in 2001. Ray Davies has occasionally joined the band for a song or two.
Jim Rodford
1950's to early 60's, local St. Albans skiffle/rock &roll band The Bluetones
1964 to 1969 jazz/soul/RnB band The Mike Cotton Sound. The band backed major artists Gene Pitney, PJ Proby and others, as well as being popular in their own right. 1 hit single.
Formed Argent with Rod in 1969 through to 1975. Released 8 albums, 3 hit singles.
1975 formed Phoenix with Bob Henrit & John Verity from Argent, through to 1978 Released 2 albums.
1978 joined The Kinks until the mid 90's when Ray Davies went solo. Played on 8 albums (4 Gold), & two hit singles. .
Late 90s joined The Animals & Friends with original members John Steel (drums), Hilton Valentine (guitar), & Dave Rowberry (keyboards) until 2004.
2000 to date touring with The Zombies with original members Colin Blunstone, & Rod Argent.
From 2005 guest bass player for The Swinging Bluejeans
In between these main projects toured and recorded extensively with Lonnie Donegan, Barbara Dickson, Mick Abrahams/Blodwyn Pig, Mike Berry & The Outlaws, & many more.
Ian Gibbons
Started on accordion at age 9, playing in the school band and solo at music festivals, competitions and charity events. Started a school rock band at 14, playing guitar and singing. Changed to organ after leaving school and played in local and resident bands until 1972 when joined Moonstone, who released 3 singles. Life followed, and released an album for Polydor, none of which, needless to say, did anything. Worked with Love Affair, The Nashville Teens and various cover bands whilst recording another album for English Assassin which was shelved.
Punk and New Wave came along so haircut, skinny jeans & ties were in. Worked with Tonight and The Records and recorded for Phoenix and other rock based and New Wave bands until an audition for The Kinks in 1979. Was asked to join, and stayed with them until 1989, whilst also working with Dr Feelgood, The Kursaal Flyers, Blues 'n Trouble, Ken Hensley, Mike Vernon, Samson, Randy California and others, mainly recording.
Worked with Roger Chapman, The Sweet, Suzi Quatro, Ian Hunter from 1989 onwards and returned to The Kinks in 1993. Has continued to record and perform with the afore mentioned Roger Chapman and Ian Hunter along with Chris Farlow, Maggie Bell, Andy Scott, The Chicago Blues Brothers and recently on Ray Davies choir and other projects.
Dave Clarke
Started playing piano at 4 and guitar at 9. First record in 1963 (at the age of 15) produced by Luigi Creatore at New York’s Roulette Records. Often confused with his DC5 namesake, his 1971 solo album “Pale Horse” saw him temporarily renamed as Dave Carlsen. The album featured Keith Moon and Noel Redding. Also auditioned for David Bowie at the Lyceum in 1971 but didn’t go on the US Ziggy Stardust Tour.
Formed The Noel Redding Band with Noel, Les Sampson and Eric Bell – after false starts with Pete Kircher, Micky Gee and Mick Taylor - two singles, two albums on RCA and four major US tours. Another album was eventually released later on Dave’s own Mouse Record label. Formed White Line with Jimmy McCulloch and his brother Jack, 2 singles and one album. Met Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnson in London in 1977 and went to California on the Beach Boys payroll. Formed a band in Los Angeles with members of Spirit, JoJo Gunne and The Undisputed Truth - all Dave’s songs, some of which were later released on his second solo album under the name The Dream Machine. Jimmy McCulloch instigated another new LA band featuring Jim, Dave, Carl Wilson and Terry Kath (Chicago). Sadly Terry died and so, prematurely, did the band. Songwriter throughout for Southern Music, ATV Music, Screen Gems and Heath-Levy.
Joined the Royal Navy in 1979 and after active service in the Falklands War and elsewhere, retired as Commander in 1992, set up Mouse Records and formed Shut Up Frank (see Mick Avory). Collaborated on and off with Tim Rose from 1974 until Tim’s death in 2002 including shows in Ireland and England and three albums. A member of the Kast Off Kinks for 15 years.
The Red Bullets http://theredbullets.com/
The Red Bullets are a band borne out of a love for songwriting and excellent musicianship. The band, featuring singer songwriter Peter Edwards, drummer Mark Edwards, guitarist Kyle Hall and bass player Mark Wheeler, have found a unique place for their songs embracing a collective love of great pop tunes but not forgetting the rock ‘n’ roll roots which flow through the band.
Lost Transmission - http://www.myspace.com/transmission4
Lost Transmission are a 4-piece rock band heralding from London and Oxford. They claim influences as diverse as Muse, Soundgarden, Depeche Mode and Tool. Their unique blend of Eastern-influenced rock combines equal amounts of intricacy and energy, a combination that works as well live as it does in the studio.
Their performances around the UK have received top reviews and lead to radio airplay. Natural front man Mark Cobb has notable presence and passion, while Brian Coulton (Bass) and Oz (Drums) have hatched a rhythm monster to underscore the powerful, innovative and dynamic guitar work of Zeek Sweiry.
"Elbow, Muse and Radiohead cannot match the sheer abandon of Lost Transmission's offering's... novel, noteworthy and abnormally good. "
Scarecrow www.scarecrowband.co.uk
Scarecrow is an Oxfordshire based band with their roots firmly in traditional music; instrumental dance tunes and folk songs, as well as jazz and blues. Some are well known and others more obscure, but all have been worked on to produce their own tight, vibrant and unusual arrangements.
The band was formed at the end of 2006, bringing together musicians with a combined experience of almost a century in a variety of musical styles and backgrounds including classical, orchestral, blues and jazz as well as traditional folk song and dance.
Relay