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Newly formed Rolling Thunder are five top UK based musicians paying homage to the greatest living musical legend and writer of all time. Featuring songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s, Rolling Thunder re-create the halcyon days and vintage vibe of Bob Dylan and The Band at their best. Rolling Thunder comprises: - |
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Dave Richardson - Vocals, Guitar, & Harmonica - East London born singer songwriter/musician now living in Essex has a wealth of experience. His first exposure to Dylan was the reason he bought his first guitar and attempted to sing. He cut his early professional teeth in the classic early 70s pub rock era. He has been acclaimed for his voice, sweet and low or tough and hard, with the ability to sing blues, country, rock and soul styles.
His long career has seen him steeped in Americana. He has played the UK and European rock, blues and roots club and festival circuit with Palm Beach Express, The Poorboys, The Werewolves of London, The Big Boss Band and currently blues roots band The Swamp Cats.
Dave has performed on stage, radio and TV playing alongside and sharing the bill with such diverse artistes as: - Desmond Dekker, Georgie Fame, Los Lobos, Chris Farlow, Walter Trout, Hayseed Dixie, Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites), Dr Feelgood, The Kursaal Flyers, Kokomo and far too many to mention. Dave now writes songs, records, does solo and duo gigs as well as being front man for the Swamp Cats who are playing the circuit.
Len Tuckey - Guitars & Vocals - Brought up in Romford Essex guitarist Len has really paid his dues, been there, done it got the T-shirt, worn it out and is still coming up for more!
After his first mod band The Chasers Len became pro, with early singles now being well collectible (ask Mark Lamar!). In '68 he joined The Nashville Teens touring all the major venues with all the top names. This was an experience that shaped his life. Four years of solid gigging honed his unique guitar tone and wonderful feel. In 1972 Lenny joined the Suzi Quatro Band and entered the world stage. Hit singles, world tours and a multitude of TV appearances saw him reach the pinnacle of his career. Thousands of gigs and sessions later he decided to slow down a little and play the music he always loved, the blues. He formed blues-rock band "Legend" with Bill Legend of T-Rex and started over again. Len has since left Legend and is currently doing sessions, jamming and depping as and when the mood takes him, way cool!
Ray Bartrip - Organ, Piano, Synth & Vocals - Another East London boy first took classical piano lessons in 1958, and then started his first blues band in 1964 "The Hoochie Coochie Men" (a very popular name at the time!). In 1965 the R and B, Blues scene had kicked off and Ray formed "The Worrying Kynde". They enjoyed great success once playing to the Beatles! They toured France, Germany and Poland, playing with the Kinks, The Searchers, and Alan Price. Ray remembers opening a show for a certain organist Reg Dwight (Elton John!) as well as Jon Lord then in The Artwoods. In the '70s his friendship with Jon Lord inspired Ray to the heavier "Big Daddy" After a short hiatus Ray got back into blues in a big way in the early '80s playing with a multitude of bands including Junkyard Dog, Chicago Shorthouse, Blues revue, as well as The Customtones, and Bad Town Blues with who he still plays and records. Ray is a seasoned performer who runs his own record company and recording studio, runs jams as well as being a sought after sideman extraordinaire.
Chris Barrow - Bass & Vocals - East-ender Chris went to the same school as Dave Richardson and they met again in the early '70s to play together in Palm Beach Express. Apart from a short break Chris has played bass with Dave ever since including, Palm Beach Express, The Poorboys, The Werewolves of London, The Big Boss Band and currently blues roots band The Swamp Cats. They are now deemed officially joined at the hip. Chris is well read and is also Dave's time served song-writing partner in crime. Chris has almost total recall of the haze of the thousands of gigs they have shared played in the last thirty odd years. Unlike some others we could name!
He is an avid musicologist and collector and currently supplying liberal bottom end bass duties to The Swamp Cats with Tim and Dave, as well as jamming, depping and saving all the worlds stuff!
Tim Bale (as in Timbale) - Drums, Percussion & Vocals - London raised Tim first learned piano prior to drums, which may account for his unique musical approach. His long career incorporates recording sessions and TV and video appearances as well as an incalculable number of live gigs in all forms and styles. As well as playing great kit, he is also a very talented percussionist playing many ethnic and unusual instruments.
He has collaborated with and played alongside, Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash), Colin Lloyd Tucker, Ace (How Long?), Sal Paradise, jazz guitarist Martin Taylor, John Porter ex-Roxy Music, Matt Johnson (The The), Deke Leonard (Man) and Dave Knopfler (Dire Straits) to name just a few. Now residing in deepest Essex Tim currently keeps The Swamp Cats in time, and still does sessions and deputises.
