PROFILE
Kev Smith - Drums
Kev was born and raised in the east end of Newcastle and at the age of 11 went to Heaton Comprehensive School. It was there that he realised his musical destiny, as after two years of having to endure music lessons he came to the conclusion that he was not cut out to be a musician and decided to become a drummer.
He thought the best course best course of action was to have some drum lessons. So he headed off to Ronnie's Drum Shop, where he met his teacher and mentor John Watson, a fantastic drummer who taught him a huge amount over the next four years.
Obviously it was no use learning to play drums if he wasn't going to be part of a band, so at the age of fourteen he got together with three friends and formed his first band "No Sweat" a sort of rock/punk band. They played great classical standards such as the Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK", "God save the Queen" as well as some 'easy listening' numbers by Black Sabbath and Motorhead.
He played his first ever gig with No Sweat at Brunton Park Community Centre. This was an unforgettable performance! Although very young, they displayed true professionalism by continuing to play on after the pyrotechnical display of magnesium bombs, set fire to the stage curtains. Although it was fair to say that the Vicar was a bit annoyed at first, he came out smiling with a new pair of curtains from the insurance.
As Kev matured, his musical influences changed and at fifteen, he again got together with some school friends, Jonny Wright, Ali Harrison, and Jem Caisley to form "12 Bore Blues", which was a Rhythm and Blues band, heavily influenced by "9 Below Zero" and the "Paul Jones Blues Band".
It was about a year later, whilst playing with "12 Bore Blues" at a music festival at St. Francis Church Hall, that he was approached by some older fellas who asked him to join their band. He agreed, and joined "REWIND" a band that he was to stay with for the next 25 or so years. He had a fantastic time during this period and helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
At the moment he has two "kits". A 5 piece Yamaha Custom Maple in Cherry wood, with Zildjian cymbals, and a Yamaha DT Explorer electronic kit, which is ideal for smaller venues.
He wanted to play the drums from a very early age, but when asked to put his finger on one thing that really influenced him? "It was when I heard Cozy Powell playing 'Dance with the Devil' . After that, there was only one instrument for me"