THE ALBANY CLUB

**MisterBridger** · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 7:32 pm Post subject: Introduce Yourself!

So tell us who you are and what brought you here. Tell people as much or as little about yourself as you like. I've started one so you'll get the idea.

About me:
I was lead vocalist in Leeds bands "Roxana" (covers & originals) and "Hooker" (originals) from the age of 17 until I "retired" in 1982. I briefly dabbled with a normal life (uni/career/marriage/career/divorce/career). In 1989 I moved to Coventry for work and reluctantly began singing at the free & easy nights at my local pub, "The Earlsdon Cottage" which pleased my girlfriend at the time. In '92 I got the bug again, bought a bass guitar and amplifier and joined the free & easy band! Out of that group of muso's a band emerged, "Mister Bridger" who flourished and became a very busy 3-piece covers combo, playing weddings, parties and corporate events in pubs, clubs, hotels and universities. The remaining 2 members of that band now play for Coventry's "The Swains". Along the way to the present I was also the original bass player in "The Subterraneans" who are now Hazel O' Connor's backing band, "Retro" a 60's music tribute act and "Out of the Shadows" a Cliff & the Shadows tribute. Lately I have taken on bass duties for Coventry 5-piece Rhythm & Blues outfit "The Suspects" who occasionally support Wilko Johnson & Norman Watt-Roy. This band really has got something and we hope for great things soon. I've also been doing a free & easy at my local club on Sunday afternoons - what goes around comes around as they say.

Music:
My main influences were always of the vocalist variety, notably Paul Rodgers and Freddie Mercury, but since playing bass although they and their bands are still favourites, I venture towards Rush, Boston, Bowie, Roxy and Zeppelin. I saw Japan play in 1982 and decided on the spot that one day I would play bass. In recent times I've sort of gone back to traditional R&B, and I'm increasingly getting sidetracked by Steely Dan. I can truly say that I like almost everything musically and bass-wise but I DON'T SLAP!

Who I'd like to meet:
Blokes: Brian May, Mick Karn, Johnny Depp, Gary Oldman, Jean Reno, Geddy Lee, Bill Nelson, Eddie Izzard, Roy Wood and the bloke who nicked my bike.
Girls: Traci Lords, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench and all the ones I've ever loved and lost - just one more time...

Heroes:
My all-time bass hero is Mick Karn who played for "Japan". Freddie Mercury, Paul Rodgers, Clint Eastwood, Burt Lancaster, Eddie Merczx, Ray Reardon
_________________