Gary "Spud" Brien - The Early Years

Before he joined us to bash the skins, Spud had been involved with music all his life. He started by playing the cymbals in the 29th West Kent Boys Brigade band in which I played bass drum, you could say we have been a rhythm section since 1978 ! Drums have remained his one true passion, he has been heavily influenced by Ian Mosely of Marillion but listen closely and you can pick up the styles of Gene Krupa, John Bonham and Warren Caan, in fact it was Spud who played the drums for the Duracell advert featuring the marching teddy bears. He has, however, found the time to master other instruments, notably the bongos and the penny whistle on which he composed the now classic "Caves of Kirkaldy", a modern interpretation of highland music noted for the fact that the melody changes with each rendition. Spud is pictured here during his time with Village People tribute act "The Six Villages People" for which he took the character of the "Gay Biker", partly because he already owned most of the clothing required.