MEET THE BAND

Adam – Lead Vocals (Elvis)

Adam says that he only answered the ad for 'Singer Wanted' because he had an old sewing machine for sale. His mother was a professional singer in the 70's and Adam is following the tradition. Adam has been, in no particular order, a stand up comedian, nightclub bouncer, undertaker and antique clock restorer, although he still cannot understand why he has never been approached to become a male model (bless). His influences include Elvis, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper, Garth Brooks, Sinatra and many others. He is a Gemini and likes donuts.

Michelle Cleave - Backing vocals.

Michelle is studying for a BA (Hons) Degree at the Academy of Contemporary Music and has been gigging semi professionally for the last 6 years with tribute/covers bands.

She was bought up listening to Elvis songs at home as her Father is a huge fan and was even born on the same day as Elvis!

Michelle plays guitar and piano, is a vegetarian, loves food and shopping and thinks that Elvis was the sexiest guy in history!

Rosie Osborne - Backing vocals.

Rosie Osborne is a charismatic singer who grew up in Zimbabwe and is the daughter of Ellie Warren, singer of such hits as 'Shattered Glass', a club hit in the late 70s. Rosie began performing at a young age and quickly became well known within the Harare music scene, particularly after her performances at Rock Down Harare and other popular events in the capital. Since moving to England, Rosie has furthered her musical education and is very excited to be involved in the Elvis Tonight project.

Tony Rapson - Keyboards

Tony took up piano lessons at the tender age of 5 and by the age of 15 had left mainstream school to join the Royal Marines Band Service, playing piano and flute. Following redundancy from the Marines in 1972 he got a 'day job' but continued playing weekly gigs with other musicians wherever he lived. These ranged from trios working small hotel dance floors right up to 15-piece dance bands playing large corporate venues with top name cabaret acts.

Success came in the late 80's with a five piece show band called Mirage International, playing gigs all over the UK with some European work in Germany at the UK forces bases. But Tony decided he'd had enough of touring and wanted to spend more time with his family and in the early 1990's he sold all of his gear and retired from gigging supposedly forever.

In February 2005 Tony came out of retirement and started to look for some semi pro work but the music scene had changed beyond all recognition, especially the technology. He tried various bands out but none had the razzmatazz or the showmanship of his Mirage International - that is until he met up with Adam who suggested an idea for a new venture.

Elvis Tonight was the outcome and Tony now adds flavour to the band with his expert ability on a mean Rock'n'Roll piano as well as adding vocal harmony backing to complement the other 8 musicians

Bob Adams - Keyboards

Bob began playing piano at just 4 years of age but gave up the classical side at 14 to concentrate on popular music of the early to mid 70's, setting up bands at school and playing gigs at weekends. He has been involved in music ever since playing semi-pro in every kind of project from duos/trios to rock bands and 6pc function band. Bob annually swaps keyboards for bass guitar to support charity panto project at work which puts on highly acclaimed professional performances at the Beck Theatre in Hayes (first week in December!)

Bob's musical influences are varied to say the least from early rockers such as Buddy Holly and Elvis to heroes of the 70's such as ELO and Supertramp, onwards to the sounds of Glenn Miller and the likes of Frank Sinatra.

The chance to join this project was just too much to pass up, the enthusiasm and professionalism within creates an atmosphere that is both fun and a joy to be a part of.

Gary Davis – Guitar.

Gary picked up the guitar as a boy after seeing Pete Townshend of The Who on Top Of The Pops. Later influences have ranged from Scotty Moore, Cliff Gallup and Ritchie Blackmore to Eddie Van Halen, Gary Moore and George Lynch. Gary has been gigging with bands for over two decades now, in both tribute acts and with original artists, including being a full-time member of The New Mud. With Elvis Tonight Gary gets the chance to kick off those tiger feet and slip into something more comfortable, in this case an Elvis-style jumpsuit. "It is a true pleasure to be able to play this timeless material". For more about Gary "Dangerous" Davis, check out his myspace site.

 

John Allen – Drums.

John says he actually remembers hearing Elvis’s first UK hit, Heartbreak Hotel as a boy and although a cliché, it really did change everything; rock and roll started there. It was this passion for music that got John into playing drums, initially with his mum’s knitting needles on a biscuit tin before building up to a full kit over the years, one drum at a time. His drumming heroes are the great Buddy Rich and the English drummers that revolutionised rock drumming: Aynsley Dunbar, Ginger Baker, John Bonham, Ian Paice and Mitch Mitchell.

Simon Brown - Bass

Simon grew up on a strict diet 60's & 70's pop - indeed announcing at the age of 4 that when he grew up he wanted to be "in the Beatles". He started playing guitar when he was just 8 and throughout his teens and early twenties enjoyed stints in a soul covers band, and various jazz and funk bands, as well as hanging out at his local recording studio. A career in I.T. beckoned but the pull of music was always too strong and having taken up bass and drums in addition to guitar he's now back where he belongs, in a band. Simon's influences are pretty broad encompassing blues, jazz, folk, country, rock'n'roll, hard rock and power pop. "One of the great things about Elvis's music is its variety. It's not just cheesy crooning or bog-standard rock'n'roll, it's the mother lode - the sound that defined western music, you can hear his influence in music right upto today. Doing what we do in Elvis Tonight is as much about respecting this important legacy as it is about really enjoying the music and having a brilliant time."

 

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