Gowan and Cross

Mark and Merv met way back in 1979, which, as you’ve probably worked out already, means that they’re both a couple of old gits, well, both in there 40’s anyway!!They initially disliked one another somewhat and had very different guitar styles but none the less formed a band called “Zenith” whose members included Greg, Marks bro” on drums, Bonzo, bass guitar and Nicky Murphy playing keyboards.All was very hunky dory for the band for a few years. They became pretty successful in the North West and North Wales coast playing venues both small and large and building up a good fan base with an original set comprising songs penned by the two songwriters, who had both eventually realised that they had become good friends! It’s great the way music brings people together ain’t it!Many a night was spent in the Semaphore pub in Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay with the pair getting ratted on Merrydown cider discussing songs and contemplating a fruitful and rosy career as musicians and demi god axe heroes!!Zenith came to an end in the mid 80’s but Mark and Merv still kept in contact and started writing together again in the early 90’s and although not in a band together started to record material purely for the fun of it as both guys had young families and the usual commitments that that entails! Basically, no time and constantly skint!It was difficult as Mark lives in Cornwall and Merv in North Wales. Playing an idea down the phone and recording on audio cassette was a load b*ll*cks!Then one day, when all was quiet and village slept peacefully up popped a truly magical machine. Full of wonder and amazement our intrepid songsters discovered the PC!! Its mysterious trickery was indeed a God send! Both musicians fell on their knees with thanks to the almighty Microsoft and cracked on with the task in hand. The 400 miles between them was now insignificant and the music flowed like wine again!Now old and wizen the pair continue to annoy the f***k out of their families with rambling guitar solos, incessant chat about Les Pauls and most importantly, who can come up with a middle 8 for their new creation!Above all both Mark and Merv do this because it's in their blood to write music and apart from anything else do it because they love it regardless of trying to please anyone. If you enjoy their songs then so be it, if you don't then you don't.......Peace and happiness either way..........CheersMay it shine when it shines!