The Band started life, as FEEL THIS in about 1995 the very first line up was Francis Lamb on Drums, Simon Woolley on Bass, Andy Ryder on Rhythm Guitar and Steve French Vocals and lead Guitar. The Band almost started out as Ryder French Woolley Lamb but with little deliberation that idea was soon chopped.
The next gigging line up included both a new bassist and drummer Mike Murray (Bass) and Sheena Savage (Drums). By 2000 the band had a new bassist Mat Nashvili formerly of the band Gypsy. 2002 saw Andy Ryder leave due to other commitments. Andy’s replacement was the fantastic guitarist Paul Vickers who despite some personal traumas stayed with the band for six successful gigging months.Sadly Paul passed away in 2005 he was only in his mid thirties, he will be sadly missed but also remembered not only as a brilliant musician, songwriter and producer, but also as one of the nicest and funniest people we’ve worked with.After Paul came Nick Fletcher on Piano who also played for Jazz Band Black Coffee Nick brought a subtler side to the band incorporating his jazz leanings to tracks such as Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Cold Shot. Nick is at present taking time off from the band to concentrate on his work as a Jazz pianist.
By July 2003 Mat Nashvili left to further his education (Whether it was needed or not is still open to debate). With Mat’s departure came Andy Carr. Andy Carr, a veteran of the music scene left big money club bands in order to work with something with much more spirit. Andy’s style of playing allowed the band to play more freely; changing song formats and grooves every gig!
Some time towards the end of 2003 Sheena and Andy Carr were tired of the band’s name not been taken seriously and it was they who suggested "The Steve French Band" But the band soon developed further and in came Joe Glossop on Hammond and piano.
The final Change to be made was Summer ’06 and in came Paul Mallatratt on Bass. A step from his usual styles of music Paul has found but we’ve confidence he can play anything we throw at him. Top Man!
The band has done around an estimated 400 gigs since it’s conception in the nineties and all the members past and present have been brilliant to work with but more importantly all have remained good friends.
Roll of Honour: -
Andy Ryder,
Simon Woolley,
Francis Lamb,
Mike Murray,
Mat Nashvilli,
Paul Vickers,
Nick Fletcher,
Neil Hudson.
