Lineup

	Simon Simon started his career at 18 singing alongside some of the biggest names in the music world; the likes of Liberty X, 911, S Club and So Solid Crew have seen him perform all over the country. He comes with a whole chapter of experience from singing solo in country pubs to appearing on the very well known TV series of 'Popstars'. Simon's major influences are Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton and various soul singers from the 70s and 80s. Now at the age of 28, The Beavers to Simon is a very exciting venture, giving him the chance to front an extremely well established band and taking it to a new level. Simon brings a different approach and upholds The Beavers reputation of being the ultimate show band.

	Ian
	Having joined The Beavers in 1996 initially as a temporary guitarist, Ian is still here eleven years later and is now one of the most enthusiastic and innovative members of the band. Ian started playing guitar in 1985 having been inspired by Jimi Hendrix and American blues music. In 1992 he had the opportunity to live his dream when an industry friend invited him to spend the summer in Chicago hanging out with many legendary blues names including Johnny Winter, and the late Albert Collins. “I was privileged to spend an amazing amount of time in the studio with Texan blues guitarist Johnny Winter watching and learning which was just incredible”. The biggest moment of his stay was jamming with the man Eric Clapton sites as the best blues guitarist alive - Buddy Guy. 2006 saw another great achievement when Ian was invited to join old friends John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers live on stage as special guest during their marathon UK tour.

	Neil Neil experienced the Sixties first hand. The Beatles were and remain his biggest musical influence and like many teenagers of the era Neil joined a succession of pop and rock 'groups' and grew his hair. It was Boxing Day 1967, the release of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, that Neil formed his first group. Those heady days of The Kinks, The Small Faces, The Rolling Stones and the many other inspirational artists of that time. During 1969 Neil was knocked out by the raw energy of Free's live performances and tries to generate the same energy within The Beavers. In the late 70's he joined Brandy a well known and very successful function band of the time. Then came the excellent classic rock band Dark Horse. It was whilst playing for Dark Horse that Neil formed The Beavers. Neil is responsible for the day to day running of the band.

	Mark Born 30th March 1965 in Takely, Essex. "I first set eyes on a double bass on 'Pebble Mill At One' - there was a jazz band playing 'The Big Noise'. It hit me right between the eyes, I was hooked and (much to my Mum's disapproval) went out and bought my first double bass.'' Mark joined his first band in 1981 and in 1982 formed a trio called The Semitones, they travelled the world playing on Cruise ships for about 11 years reforming in1996 to play with the Rolling Stones at Blenheim Palace and even joining them for a jamming session afterwards. Soon after that they won a contract to tour Japan. Mark has also appeared in the West End stage production 'The Buddy Holly Story' as understudy for bass player Joe Maulden. I've got a lot of fantastic memories and have played with some great musicians; Lonnie Donnegan, Chas McDevit, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Andy Fairweather-Lowe, Simon Le Bon etc. Mark is the proud owner of an immaculate 1959 Ford Consul which is available for hire info on: www.pristine-classic-car.com He also teaches electric bass/double bass - info on: www.mjbstudybass.com

	Lee Born in 1978, Lee is the latest addition to the line-up and brings great sounds, tone and enthusiasm to the spectacular live show of The Beavers.. Having started playing at the tender age of 10, he progressed over several years from the classic Lowrey organ to the much bigger challenge of the piano. Lee’s classical training came to abrupt and dramatic end when one evening (in his words) he was quite simply ‘ambushed by the Boogie Woogie man’ whilst watching Gerry Lee Lewis. From that moment on classical music with its straight playing posture was out and Boogie Woogie, whisky and rye was in!! He has worked with various function and rock covers bands over the years, one of the most recent being the Abba tribute, Supertrooper. He shudders as he remembers ‘The kit we had to wear to get that Abba look was kind of like slipping in to the skin of a frankfurter!’ His varied influences stem from Phil Collins, Elton John, Billy Joel, Harry Stoneham to name but a few.