There were a set of drums in the 90’s. I enjoyed my lessons, as my teacher was the venerable Dave Tolan!

As coincidence has it, I have recently been in touch again with Dave, via email. Apparently in the last 25 years he has established a music studio in Manchester, drummed for Jonny Marr and started to lecture at Salford University! When I knew him he lived in Sale with a basement studio, which is where I ‘worked’ on work experience at 16.

I used to help him at his gigs. I remember one at Jabez Clegg in Hulme and at Rockworld on Oxford Road. I also remember having a slight brush with my famous heroes – The Charlatans shared our rehearsal space once and Dave’s girlfriend was Denise Johnson of Primal Scream. Sadly, Denise died just before the pandemic. RIP Denise.

My kit was a vintage Sonor Lite kit although the garage soon became a post pub party room, rather than a serious studio space. I did get a band together and sometimes practice in there and although we were collectively talented, things didn’t work out for us. Big up Nick Wilson, JT, Gary and Brian McClure.

In ‘97 I started University in Bristol and although the kit came with me (and filled my attic bedroom) it was the beginning of the end for my career as a drummer.

In ‘98 after dismally failing the first year after putting in minimal hours (sorry mum and dad) I landed back in Manchester plotting my next move. It was an HND in Performance Technology at City College Manchester. This time I was keen and graduated having worked in studios and around live sound desks.

I’m now a DJ but I’ve been interested in writing and performing music for many years.