Chris started on the musical roundabout as guitarist and vocalist during the last century, when music had a start, beginning and end and had things like verses and middle eight’s. As is usual, he formed a group from like minded school friends, which practised in a Cellar beneath where he lived, much to the annoyance of the neighbours and local constabulary. The group was called ‘Unknown Quantity’, as it was never known how many were going to turn up! However 10 bob didn’t go too far, so the fewer the better suited everyone!
After a few years, Chris joined a function band run by his bother as vocalist and for the first time enjoyed the thrill of the ‘big time’. This band had a van and travelled East Anglia and even did summer seasons down on the coast.
Having a keen interest in drumming and had many hours watching the function band drummer doing his stuff, Chris decided to get a bit of the action and stood in for a few numbers, getting a good grounding on the many rhythms required in ‘function band land’: Quick step, Fox trot, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Old Tyme and the like, in addition to the obligatory Rock and Beat.
Chris stayed with this band for many years, who wouldn’t, the money was good, working 4-5 nights a week and a large wedge every New Years Eve.
Alas, all good things must come to an end and the band folded in 1999.
Having moved to Bedford in 1991, Chris was at a loss as to where the Bedford music scene was following the demise of the Cambridge area based function band and he scoured the Situations Vacant and Music ads in the local papers to try to find out. It was from here that becoming a member of the aptly named Vintage Stuff came about.
Chris answered an advertisement for a drummer, attended a rehearsal, where he met Ron, Martin and Fred and the line-up was suddenly complete – apart from later addition of our vocalist Rick, who has made Vintage Stuff come alive.
As far as Chris is concerned, the Quick Step, Fox Trot, Waltz etc. may now be on the back burner – but ‘THE BEAT GOES ON’ Although now, somewhat louder than he remembers!!!