The Banned Members

Arrabanned

We Play, You Party !!

Facebook

p

	JOHN ‘HOPPY’ HOPKINS, Rhythm Guitar, John is 52 years old, lives in Salford Priors, and is a sales rep in the motorcycle industry. John only started learning to play guitar at the tender age of 40 some 12 years ago. After many years rugby playing and motorcycle trials riding, was forced to give up after operations to both damaged knees. Learning to play guitar was something he always wanted to do but never got around to it, now he could. He brought a second hand Strat copy and a Laney amp and started to make noise. Then he signed up for lessons with J. J. Weaver in Alcester to whom many thanks are owed. Things were not going very well until a chance meeting with Mick Marshall (lead guitar) in that old rocker Dave Busby’s (Cats Eyes) music shop in Stratford upon Avon. Getting together and both going to J. J. Weaver noise started to sound something like music. John, after trying different amp’s and guitars (Peavey, Marshall, Gibson, Fender, Mes Boogie etc) now uses a standard USA Fender Strat guitar and s Fender Super Sonic amp head and 2x12 cab. John by his own admission is useless at playing lead riffs, strictly rhythm. That’s where Mick comes in. Many thanks to wife Christine for her support over the years.
	Space
	PAUL ‘ANIMAL’ COOKE, Drums/Lead Vocals, Paul is 47 years old, lives in Salford Priors and is a printer (so you know where to come for all your printing needs). Paul is the most experienced musician in the band having played in many a line up in past years, releasing an album in Japan and Germany with a band called Van Damme and coming very close to getting a record contract whilst playing with ‘Tantrum’( who released a record in America called “JULIE’S GOT TO WAIT” which was used in the film “THIS CHILD IS MINE” starring Lindsey Wagner) only to be piped to the post by a little known band called, AH-HA with their first hit record called “TAKE ON ME”. He also reached the finals of the NME battle of the bands in 1980 with a band called Sinner. Paul had not been playing for 10 years when he met ARRABANNED at a ‘museo’ night in the local pub, The Bell Salford and was swiftly talked into joining the band. Paul’s experience and superb sense of timing not only keeps the band ‘tight’ whilst gigging but comes in very handy when learning new songs. Paul also takes over the lead vocals when the band goes out as a four piece. Paul uses Pearl Export Drums and Zildjian/Paste cymbals. Many thanks to partner Bev for her support over the years.
	Space
	‘MAD’ MICK MARSHALL, Lead Guitar (no relation to Jim), Mick is 57 years old, lives in Littleton Nr Evesham and is a roofer. He too only started to learn guitar some 12 years ago. A long career as a fisherman of note was coming to an end; (His storeys of the one that got away are legendary). Also having always wanted to play guitar, but not having the time, now was his chance. After meeting John and going for lessons to J. J. Weaver they learnt together. Mick will also tell you that he is not very good with chords, and that’s where the unique ARRABANNED sound comes from. Mick can pick out a melody line from a given song quite quickly (as well as authentic lead breaks) and together with John’s chords you don’t get the traditional lead guitar/rhythm guitar sound. It has been said that one good guitarist could do what Mick and John do by his/her self. This is not strictly true because you can not continue playing the melody line at the same time as playing the chords. Mick has also tried many amps and guitars although most of the amps were Marshall’s of different kinds he has now settled on his USA deluxe strat (ltd edition) and a standard USA Fender Strat for back up, a Fender Supersonic combo amp Many thanks to wife Pat for her support over the years.
	Space
	CHRIS ‘BAZ’ BAYLISS, Bass Guitar, Chris is 43 years old, lives in Evesham and is a painter/decorator. Chris was also a former member FLASH BACK from it’s formation in 1998 to its demise in 2001. Chris started playing in bands in the 1980’s, not as a bass player but as a drummer. Two bands spring to mind SPOILS OF WAR and CHOIR BOYS who were popular back then. Chris only started to learn bass in 1997 not long before FLASH BACK was formed; in fact Chris tried out with ARRABANNED around that time, but with a full diary it was felt there was not enough time for Chris to get up to speed. Now 7 years later it did not take him long to learn the set. Thanks go to wife Mel for her support over the years.

Space

The Banned