I worked with Paul Daniels and his family for a few years from the time I was offered the gig in Southport. I worked on a few It’s Magic Tours as well as several pantomimes featuring Paul, Debbie, and Martin over those years.

Again the music was consistent and required more and more skill from the drummer. Of course, I spent a lot of time practicing over the years so was growing as the gigs grew around me.

Paul and his family were all really nice folks, and they offered me the following year with Paul’s brother Trever on keyboards. Trevor had done a lot of work with one of my all-time favorite drummers Ronnie Verrell (Jack Parnell  as well as Lots of T.V. work). I first listened to Ronnie on a Jack Panel Album many years ago – He was completely awesome. In particular, this rendition of Skin Deep. I used to practice and play this four hour on end in the 80s.

Contrary to what you would think, pantomimes were really demanding theatre gigs. You would normally spend a couple of weeks rehearsing and then begin playing two shows per day for four weeks. The reading was usually quite intense at times and to be honest, they were always a joy to work on.

Of course, the drummer had sound effects to do as well so it could become really intense at times.

It was on this gig that I was offered the Paul Daniels gig.

From that point, the keyboard player and girl singer/sax player decided to stay and so we sent to the UK for sequencers and began learning a new song list. We chose the songs, I wrote all the words out and gave each member a copy with all the backing vocals highlighted and we began practicing.

It pains me to say that at this time I had to sing myself. Let me just say, it wasn’t pretty. But we got by and ended the season on a high. Drumming sometimes requires you to adapt to new situations.

Consequently, I used to tell every other drummer I met about the store and the great deals and over the years put many thousands of pounds/dollars in sales their way.

But as I said, I got some great deals there myself. Paul put a few gigs my way but one stands out. It stands out because the band did 6 months around the midlands and then we went to Abu Dhabi in the Middle East (UAE) for six months.

Over the last few years, in between residencies, I had been playing one-nighters with Susan Maughan (Bobbies Girl) and other 60s/70s personalities.

And up to this point I had played on several pantomimes, again with UK celebs. These times had been fantastic from a musical point of view as it was constantly changing and evolving.

This trend of one-nighters ended for a while when I took on a residency on the east coast of the UK.  Scarborough.

Also, up to this point, my music listening was somewhat limited but at this time I met the drummer who used to play for Roy Wood’s Wizard.  He kindly gifted me several cassette tapes by The Rippingtons, The Yellowjackets, and Steps Ahead… as well as other great contemporary artists from the United States. From that point, my listening began to widen and my playing began to grow too.  

I must admit, these past few years were spent enjoying myself in the daytime, spending time on the beach, swimming, and visiting the beautiful vistas of the Channel Islands.

He introduced me to his bass player/band leader and after spending most of the previous summer with them, it was decided that I was to take over at the

In  On The Park where they had spent the summer. This was my first step into working with top-shelf artists from the UK. People like Les Dennis and Bobby Davro among many more celebrities. The reading was also very challenging which was great.

Many of the artists included here can be found on the Drumming Foundation website.

After which I went on an audition for a gig in the Channel Islands – Jersey to be specific.

It was a hotel residency which again had a variety of artists throughout the week along with the resident artist. The reading wasn’t challenging but again, the experience was exceptional. Great people, great food, and great music. What else is there? 

Here’s an example of some of the original material. Oh Did You Know – Not Supposed To Know – Feel This Way – A Long Time Ago – Tomorrows Gonna Be Alright – You Know How It Feels – Have You Heard The News

Of course, I jumped at the chance. We began practicing in a local practice studio and began gigging a couple of weeks later.

I played with them for 2 years until internal problems split us up. We had just returned home from a 6-month European Tour and I was looking forward to the next one. But it never happened.

Here is a recording of a couple of songs we did. It was recorded back in the 80s but it’s not too bad. Madonna – Dress You Up and Phyllis Nelson – Move Closer

Despite my experience as a drummer whilst still at school, there was absolutely no drumming work available. So I had no choice but to get a regular job.