Bios of the Band

Current Line up

Photo courtesy of Ian Fletcher ISF Photos

Previous Line up (with Tony) @whitleyphotouk

Members:

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Chris – Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals

Chris has been playing guitar for over 20 years and was 10 years old when he first picked up the guitar his dad bought him. He went on to study at the acclaimed Leeds College of Music where he achieved a National Diploma in Popular Music. The last 15 years has seen him play lead guitar in multiple pub, function and party bands around the North West.

He has an eclectic taste in music and is influenced by guitarists such as Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore and Richie Sambora and adores the songwriting and stage performances of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Martyn – Bass , Backing Vocals & Admin

Martyn was one of the Scout band recruits to Tony’s original Rock band, and they began gigging together at 15 years old. He later met his wife while playing at The Muni, Colne in 1973. Had a short spell with another local band before taking a break to pursue other things. Picked up a guitar again when his son wanted to learn, (Son is now a competent Blues player) Has an interest in Blues Roots music, and builds Cigar Box Guitars.

Martyn is also a Trustee for Pendle Lesiure Trust, who ran Colne’s Rhythm & Blues Festival for over 20 years. He joined Tony & Barrie with The Backbeats, when Nick Mackey decided to step down as bass player.

Kevin – Lead Vocals

Our “front man” is Kevin who spent his youth on stage in Musicals, and still likes to play an annual Panto.

His musical influences have always been “Big” voices – legendary performers such as Tom Jones or Shirley Bassey or Eva Cassidy.

Roy – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Sound & DJ

Has been involved in music from his early teen’s, playing many different instruments, and for the last 15 years focused on rhythm guitar. Has played in a wide variety of live bands and also enjoyed studio time, recording 3 albums.

Roy also acts as our Soundman and DJ when required

Carl – Percussion & Backing Vocals

From the age of 17 playing drums around the country, mainly working men’s clubs went on to doing summer seasons in holiday clubs. Played at the BBC in Manchester, when it was still there! As a warm up band worked with lots of named artistes (a life time of experience) and still learning. At points of my drumming career I have been a full time professional. .

Tony – Lead Guitar & Vocals

Tony was the Backbeats Musical Director and Lead Guitarist/Vocalist for 20 years. As a youngster he won awards as a solo bugler in his local Scout band. His real love though was for guitar, and he formed his 1^st rock band in his early teens. They cut their teeth in school and community halls before graduating to the Clubs. (The Northern Club circuit was thriving at that time). At 18 years old the band split as the members left for college or to pursue their careers. Tony moved around with work for a while, and in 1992 having moved back to the area, he took over from Nick Mackey as lead guitarist with The Backbeats. People came and went (including Nick’s return for several more years, this time on Bass), but over the last 25 years Tony and Barrie have been the driving force that kept the band performing year in year out.

Tony and his wife Joanne also perform as the Karuna Mandala Band. The music is in the traditional Indian form of Bhajans, performed as Kirtan. Karuna Mandala Band website

Barrie – Rhythm & Vocals

The last of the founder members Barrie “officially” retired in 2017, after 28 years with the band. But you just may see him on stage, as he stands in to cover holidays etc when required….

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