Ollie - LEAD VOCALS/GUITAR
The most recent member to join The Cogs, Ollie has over 16 years of performing experience and has enjoyed some amazing experiences along the way. Ollie has performed with Kenny Jones and “The Jones Gang” at the famous Ronnie Scotts venue, and played gigs for the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Alan Lamb and Jim Marshall of Marshall Amplification. Ollie’s greatest achievement was the release of his previous band’s album in 2006 which was available at HMV, Tesco, Amazon, ASDA and ITUNES. With a dynamic vocal range and passion for the more rocky numbers, Ollie also delivers a mean guitar solo or two and enhances the band on various songs with his acoustic guitar. Ollie works for the instrument manufacturer Yamaha, so he’ll more than likely be playing a Yamaha guitar on stage. Musical influences come from the likes of The Beatles, Metallica, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix.
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.
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.
