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Superb vocals from Val Cowell, fantastic guitar from Richard Hayes and the top-drawer rhythm section of the two Pete Strouds! The band will have with them their new ‘Celebration of 40 Years’ double CD with 28 original tracks. Bad Influence have definitely paid their ‘dues’ and are now considered by many to be one of the top acts in their field, delivering their sound of powerful vocals alongside classic guitar-driven rock-solid blues. A stunning band!Bad Influence The Story
We formed the band on the 1st of January 1986, even though we’d known each other for a few years. We wanted a blues orientated rock band, fusing our different tastes. Our very first line-up was with Chris Sharley (Sassafras/Nicky Moore Band) on Drums and Backing Vocals and Chris Pascalides on Bass. Within a year Ray Knott (Babe Ruth/Liquid Gold/Chicken Shack) took over on Bass. The intention was to be an original band and we started writing and working constantly. Within the first 18 months we had residencies at The Cartoon in Croydon, The Torrington in Finchley, The Southampton in Surbiton and got our first supports at The Marquee Club, Wardour Street, London with Samson and Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts, through Graham Blake and played there monthly, championed by the inimitable Jack Barrie(“If this band don’t make it, i’ll eat my hat). After 17 headlines and 11 sell-outs of The legendary Marquee, we got the attention of the industry with major management deals, including Bud Prager (Foreigner) but we finally settled on Thunders’ management, doing supports for them, Roachford and Status Quo as special guests of Rossi and Parfit.
We had major interest from EMI, Atlantic Records and Polydor and a change of personnel was forced on us, although we didn’t want to be moulded. We stuck to our guns but were constantly being pushed to not be ourselves. We just carried on through thick and thin. We have never stopped! We produced two albums on cassette, 5 albums on CD and have gigged everywhere from Cyprus to West Africa to Croydon to Kingston to Billericay. We have raised two children which is our greatest achievement. Jake and Jess (Connolly Hayes). People remember Val gigging until 8 months pregnant each time!
We have had various great musicians in our band. Our longest standing drummer and backing vocalist was Harry James (Thunder, Magnum) for 20+ years. Also on drums Andy Wells (Meatloaf/Romeo’s Daughter), Bruce Bisland (Statetrooper, The Sweet, Praying Mantis), Clive Jenner (The Proclaimers/Groove Armada), Neil Salmon, Sam Kelly and latterly Jonny Brister and Peter Stroud (William Bell/Sassafras/ChrisThompson/Foster Brothers). On Bass/BVs we have had Chris Childs (Thunder), Bob Skeat (Wishbone Ash), Chris Taylor, Chas Cronk (Strawbs, Colin Blunstone) and currently Pete Stroud (Peter Green, Steve Waller, Papa George, Monday Band, Buddy Whittington) who has been with us for 20+ years. We must also mention these keyboard players who added so much to our recordings.. Notably Steve Smith, Roger Cotton and also Chris Childs. Also David Cowell on Harmonica on Fly!
The scene has really changed for us over the 40 years, weathering dance music, drums machines, karaoke and divorce but we remain friends and endure.
Our thanks: Our children Jake and Jess..the best leveller in life-Our families-Our fans , many who have been with us since the beginning-Noel and Gary and everyone at the Cavern, Raynes Park- our longest standing residency!
Dzal Martin for the use of his 1960 Sunburst Les Paul.
Dayle Lunn for website wizardry!
Papa George for gig and recording fun!!
Lastly we’ve lost so many friends but in musical memoriam and admiration. Steve Whalley, Steve Simpson, Willy Finlayson and Rupert Black.
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Blues At Barleylands, Blues At Barleylands, Barleylands Road,Billericay, Essex, United Kingdom
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