I went on holiday with my mum and dad in July to Torquay, and one lovely morning, sat on the beach with my new little radio jammed to my ear, and my dad saying “Not too loud my son”, I heard for the first time the drum introduction to “Apache”.  Things would never be the same again - I was hooked. 

I bought “Apache” and every other guitar instrumental I could get my hands on, but “The Shadows” reigned supreme.  When “Wonderful Land” was released, I thought I must try and learn the guitar, and I’m still trying.  

I never knew anyone who played the guitar, so I became a “bedroom player”.  (In my case, more of a “front room player.”)

It was not until my son James started to play the guitar, when he was nearly eight years old, that I played the guitar with another guitarist.  As James played lead guitar, I switched to rhythm.  (My “Hank Marvin” days were over, and I now became “The New Bruce Welch.”)  I now became more aware of just how good Bruce is.

I really enjoy playing with the group, we have a great time together.  

And the highlight of every year for me is the groups’ “Shadows Day” every autumn, when we have guitarists from all over the country that come to Bristol to play with the group or to backing tracks.

Amp used is the AC30 Trebble, Roland 501 Space Echo.

www.midnightshadows.co.uk