The Band Members Everything you probably want to know about 'the Trucks' ... in their own words too!
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 LEIGH "Hi, as the guitarist in The Midnight Pumpkin Trucks, I like to use guitar sounds that are similar to the sounds used on the original records.
For the lighter stuff, mainly use a USA Fender Telecaster, which has a Seymore Duncan Broadcaster pick-up in the lead position. For the heavy songs that need a thicker, more powerful sound I use a Gibson Les Paul standard, which is great for the rock stuff. I also have a Rickenbacker 330, which I mainly use on the beatles numbers. It's a bit limited on what you can use it on - but it looks great and does have a unique sound! I use a Vox AC30 re-issue amp, which does a good all-round job, a Boss GT3 effects pedal, plus a separate Boss OD3 overdrive pedal.
I have a wide range of musical influences, mainly sixties music, such as The Beatles, early Stones and also some American artists like The Band and Elvis. I met James Burton, Elvis’ guitarist a couple of months ago, which was great. He also played with another favourite of mine - Ricky Nelson. Our band plays many of the songs I like and I’ve also played in a Dr Feelgood tribute, which I enjoyed."
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 MASSA
My musical career has just taken a fairytale twist . . . I’ve been turned into a “Pumpkin” !
Born in Vancouver I moved to England at the age of eight .
My first band “Black Night” was formed when I was fourteen . Since then I’ve fronted several Bands including “The Fuse” . Also sang in Duos and as the Solo Artist “Massa” , playing keyboards and guitar.
Amongst my many influences are Noddy Holder , David Bowie , Marc Bolan , Robert Plant and Billy Idol .
In 1987 following a late night crash , I flagged down a van for help . The lads gave me a lift home and I never saw them again until five years ago . They were a young band called “Just Blue ” who later became “The Midnight Pumpkin Trucks” . . . Small world . . . Hey ! !
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 GEORGE "
Hi im George 55 years of age. I know I don’t look it. Been playing the bass guitar since I was 5 years and have gained my experience performing with Frankie Vaughan’s backing band. After this I worked with the Wombles band but after 5years in the suit I found it difficult to have a bath. I use a Proline bass amp which is Curry’s own brand and a Branston guitar, one of few made by the pickle factory employees. Currently single and looking for that Miss right, age immaterial, looks immaterial, few bob would help. Just to be fair though bad habits include wearing women’s underwear and fantasying about Jo Brand. Also eat a lot of beans. Got the sack from my last job for standing on a snail but it was following me around all day.
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 STEVE
I started playing bass at age 13 although drums are my first instrument. Since then I have done hundreds of gigs including many at cool venues such as Rock City, Nottingham, The Cavern, Liverpool, Barfly in Birmingham and also on a beach by the Mediterranean in the South of France.
I love playing all styles of music but my favourite bands tend to be from the classic rock era such as Zeppelin, Hendrix and The Who. Influences on bass include John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, Flea and Sting.
I use a Fender Jazz bass for recording and gigging.
Worst gigging moment is running around Liverpool looking for a music shop after breaking my bass an hour before a show. Best gigging moment is playing a sold out show at Assembly Rooms, Derby.
Currently working with Miss 600, check out the web site.
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The Crew These guys help the gigs go smoothly. Thanks guys!!
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 TERRY aka JOHNNY DIAMOND (The Legend) Second drummer, roadie and comedian all rolled into one! Terry is a seasoned musician and played drums with various bands over the years, but as "Johnny Diamond" he is developing a cult following on his road to super stardom.He is getting so popular now he is bringing out his own line of thongs for sale, just for the ladies!
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 CHRIS aka ELMO / Billy Mitchell Lighting man & Chief Humper ( of speaker cabs of course), Elmo is new to the Pumpkin scene and has yet to be fully blooded in yet, especially with the Intro's. Johnny Diamond say's he's in charge of that! also Elmo was going to be cast in Eastenders, but "well ard" the dog got the role. On a serious note it's great to have Chris on board the Pumpkin Truck, many hands make light work!
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 THE MITCHELL BROTHERS aka RIGHT SAID FRED Welcome to Matt & Dovey, the new YTS roadies, also here to look after their cousin Billy Mitchell. These two young aspiring humpers (in more ways than one) are crucial to us and are worth their weight in gold ( well beer actually), as us old farts in the band are knackered and worn out. Watch out girls they like a nice cooked breakfast!
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 BAZ STORER A big thankyou to Baz who has been standing in while Peczy has been learning the songs. Baz has been rented from another great band "DEEZAL" (always knew you were a rent boy!) and is the Pumpkins supersub (like what dave fairclough was for Liverpool in the 70's). Thanks again Baz for keeping the show on the road.
"Dear Pumpkins and Pumpkin Fans, The gig at Harvey's on Saturday was fantastic, the sound was perfect and the whole show buzzed from start to finish, Peczy was ace, the boy will go on from strength to strength. I just want to say again, thanks to the Pumpkin Trucks for the 3 months spent with the band and to all the fans that were supportive, seeing the band perform on Saturday I felt a tinge of sorrow but some pride that what I set out to achieve had been fulfilled and the Pumpkins truck on. The torch has well and truly been passed...Hope to catch up with you all soon, I will forever be the 5th Pumpkin (sorry Johnny).. thanks again, BAZ ( Rock n Roll ...babies !!! )"
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| Photographs on this page by Brian Leverington and Haydn Williams |
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