Stuart - LEAD SINGER
Stu is everything a band could want from a lead singer. Great vocal range, a real performer, and a personality that shines out in every song he sings.
Has the ability to sing a wide range of styles, but his number one influence is definitely Rod Stewart.
Quite often leaves the stage to pick a “volunteer” and get a “helping hand” from his audience. Used to work at Silverstone Circuit, which is where he first met “The Cogs” band leader and founder, Mike.
Has the ability to sing a wide range of styles, but his number one influence is definitely Rod Stewart.
Quite often leaves the stage to pick a “volunteer” and get a “helping hand” from his audience. Used to work at Silverstone Circuit, which is where he first met “The Cogs” band leader and founder, Mike.
Mike - RHYTHM GUITAR/VOCALS
Born in the city of “The Beatles”, and brought up on Lennon/McCartney.
Definitely a compulsive guitar addict, with a collection he won’t easily admit to, but favours his Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul Standard. A wide range of influences, but prefers “whatever rocks the audience - as long as it’s Rock and Roll !” Favourite guitar heroes – Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and of course Jimi Hendrix. Part of the band’s “Silverstone” connection, where he is a race instructor and also, multiple sports-prototype race winner in U.K. and Europe.
Doug - BASS GUITAR
Plays bass guitar with the agility and flair you would normally see in a six string guitar player.
Most definitely a “Sting” and “Police” fan, and in fact plays his “Sting Signature” bass guitar on most “Cogs” numbers. Bass players are often the hidden member of the band but without Doug’s talent , the “Cogs” would lose that special “drive” that only the really special bass players can give to a band and really makes them rock. Doug continues the Silverstone thread as a racing instructor and former National Saloon Car Champion Driver.
Plays bass guitar with the agility and flair you would normally see in a six string guitar player.
Most definitely a “Sting” and “Police” fan, and in fact plays his “Sting Signature” bass guitar on most “Cogs” numbers. Bass players are often the hidden member of the band but without Doug’s talent , the “Cogs” would lose that special “drive” that only the really special bass players can give to a band and really makes them rock. Doug continues the Silverstone thread as a racing instructor and former National Saloon Car Champion Driver.
Leigh - LEAD GUITAR/VOCALS
Most recent “Cog” to join the band, and picked for his quite obvious talent with six strings. Not just an accomplished soloist, but a great band musician and vocalist. Born with a guitar in his hand and a great stage performer too. A Fender fan with his choice of guitars, but Leigh’s Telecaster and Stratocasters are built to his own particular specifications. Guitar heroes Pete Townsend, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton and John Frusciante tell you what you need to know about the Lead Guitarist of “The Cogs” !
Also instructs at Silverstone and is a race winner in the U.K. in Formula Ford Single Seater racing cars.
Also instructs at Silverstone and is a race winner in the U.K. in Formula Ford Single Seater racing cars.
Jim - DRUMS/PERCUSSION
With all this talk of racing cars, we finally get round to the “engine room” and the real driving force of The Cogs! The “one hidden at the back” provides the heartbeat of the band, and with 25 years experience (he started young) and influences varying through rock, pop, blues, indie and punk, he’s got all musical styles more than well covered.
Jim’s main influences and “heroes of the skins” are Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Neil Peart of Rush, and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, and while he may not be a racer, you can usually find him at weekends giving it “max” on his Yamaha – drum kit - not motorbike !
With all this talk of racing cars, we finally get round to the “engine room” and the real driving force of The Cogs! The “one hidden at the back” provides the heartbeat of the band, and with 25 years experience (he started young) and influences varying through rock, pop, blues, indie and punk, he’s got all musical styles more than well covered.
Jim’s main influences and “heroes of the skins” are Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Neil Peart of Rush, and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, and while he may not be a racer, you can usually find him at weekends giving it “max” on his Yamaha – drum kit - not motorbike !
Al – KEYBOARDS/VOCALS/GUITAR
Talent runs deep in this Band with singer/songwriter Al on ‘keys’ and vocals.
With 15 years playing experience and a degree in music systems engineering, Al has also written and recorded a number of rock, pop, and acoustic demos.
Also plays guitar on occasion, and this range of playing and singing talent produces that ‘big’ sound that makes The Cogs such a dynamic live Band. Musical inspiration comes from the likes of Matt Bellamy (Muse), Jools Holland, Elton John and Nick Rhodes; and Al favours his Yamaha S90ES keyboard.
