|
HeartBeat was formed in the summer of 2004 by three
experienced musicians fascinated by the early era of rock'n'roll and more
especially the films "The Buddy Holly Story" and "La Bamba". For many years,
Phil had sung and played Buddy Holly songs on stage with various covers bands,
always to audience acclaim. Now, with an invitation to play at Old Leigh
Regatta in September, it was time for all three to put their skills and
experience to good use.
Phil Ball - guitar and
vocals
|
| Phil's Dad was brought up on rock'n'roll and taught him to
play Buddy's songs from a very early age. As well as playing in covers bands from his teens, Phil
went on to develop his song writing talents and lead his own 'originals band'
including Southend based 'Job Done' and latterly 'Rope' in the
midlands. |
 |
Stew Mills - bass and backing
vocals
|
|
|
Most
successful band 'Hackensack' in the 1970's but fond memories of 'Soft Parade'
(New Faces 1974), 'Tequila Sunrise', 'Rockerbox'
|
| and
more recently, Southend party band 'The Rock Solid Experience'. |
 |
Nick Warry - drums and
backing vocals
|
"Nick plays an original 1956 Premier Drum
Kit in blue oyster with Paiste cymbals. His rather special snare drum is a 12"
Mapex Black Panther with 22 carat gold plated fittings."
|
 |
Equipment
For the Buddy Holly tribute, Phil uses a Fender American
Deluxe 50th Anniversary Stratocaster® or a 1950's reissue Strat,
both
in two-tone (Buddy Holly) sunburst. He has a selection of other guitars, mostly
Fenders, that he uses on stage and for recording. A Peavey Stereo Chorus 212
amplifier and Boss effects pedals complete his set-up.
 |
Stew has owned his Gibson EB3 bass since 1969 which he
alternates with a 1973 Fender '62 Precision Bass for the Buddy Holly
spot.A Trace Elliot bass rig
completes his stage set-up. |
|
| "People often ask why I'm not using a 'stand-up' bass?"
says Stew "Well, not a lot of people know this but, whilst Buddy always
insisted on a double bass for recording, it wasn't practical for concerts as
the microphones and PA equipment of the day couldn't handle bass! Both Joe B
Mauldin and Waylon Jennings used Fender Precision basses on stage, so I do
too". |
 |
|
|
