Nigel – Vocals
In musical terms, Nigel Owens has been something of a late developer. In fact he waited eight years from first singing with Purple Zeppelin to being confirmed as their vocalist.
Nigel has enjoyed stints in musical theatre, and with wife Sam was very involved with the stage scene in his Hampshire home town. He was introduced to Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple in the early seventies by his late older brother Dave, who was playing bass and singing in bands including The Technicolour Dream and S.H.O.P. across Germany and Britain at the time.
Nigel was frontman of Funkee Clawed – Purple aficionados will recognise the name – who included bestselling author and rock journalist Michael Heatley in the line-up and entertained the Surrey and Hampshire scene for a decade, playing a mix of hard rock and blues. Highlights with Clawed included supporting Welsh legends “MAN” on a couple of tours. This was followed by a stint with Eddie’s Bus Company who mainly played to well-known Motorcycle Clubs.
The introduction to Purple Zeppelin came at a festival in 2011 when he depped on vocals with an hour’s notice, having already played a set with Clawed. His first full dep appearance was at a sold out Apex Theatre, Bury St Edmunds and, after several more dep appearances, Nigel is delighted to have joined the band on a more permanent basis
Mark – Guitar & Musical Director
Joined pre-punk band “Scum of the Earth”, whilst at school, and supported Michael Des Barres (husband of Pamela, and singer with Silverhead) at the Roundhouse. The band split and reformed as Streamliner, with John Osborn (aka Billy Karloff); gigs on the London pub circuit with Iron Maiden, Heavy Metal Kids (Gary Holton) etc. Narrowly escaped being mauled by resident lion on the roof of The Island Hotel, Leysdown, which soon after mysteriously burnt down.
Worked at Macari’s guitar shop in Charing Cross Road for 3 years, selling goodies to Thin Lizzy, Jack Bruce, Hank Marvin, Eric Idle, Tony McFee, Andy Fraser etc. Attended many Led Zeppelin rehearsals at ELPs Manticore studios, on pretext of selling them equipment – actually just to watch in awe!
Attended ELP’s Christmas party, but it wasn’t the evening of sex, drugs and rock and roll my teenage self had been hoping for, as the roadies forgot to order enough beer (amongst other things). Auditioned for The Damned, but didn’t get the gig.
Opened Golddust Studios in my front room, which expanded to 24 track and is still operating today; recorded and worked with many artists in the studio, including mixing “Motorhead 1983” and “Streetwalkers” live albums.
Formed NWOBHM band Legend, playing gigs on the same circuit as Dervish guitarist and chum, Brian Matthews. We were later joined by Brian’s brother Gavin Matthews on bass, playing The Marquee several times before splitting.
Toured South Korea with the Abbagirls Band, the first show being broadcast live on TV to 6 million viewers, with later gigs at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul.
Asked to form 1940’s “Swing” band for local academy, and backing bands for award winning Elvis Tribute Artists Danny Fisher (for gigs at the Albert Hall) and Pete Storm.
Mike – Bass Guitar & Mandolin
First introduced to Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, amongst lots of other Classic Rock Bands of the seventies, at the age of 9 or 10 by my older brother – thanks Rob. The obsession with this music then began and remains to this day.
Started playing music while at school, with a bit of guitar and various brass instruments, until I settled on the Eb Bass (Tuba). Played in lots of brass concerts and recorded an album, with the brass band while at school, but quickly claimed the school music department’s new purchase of a bass guitar (a Columbus Jazz Bass) when it arrived.
Joined my first gigging band on leaving school, followed by several others in the 1980’s, including “‘Loose Ends”, “Life Line”, “Free Fall”, “In Like Thieves” amongst others
Had a long spell of more years than I should have not playing music at all and becoming “Corporate Mike”, travelling up and down the country, working and staying away from home. I eventually dusted off the Rickenbacker when I auditioned for the Deep Purple Tribute Band “Purple”. We have been playing the Deep Purple music we love ever since, but the lure of playing some Led Zeppelin was too great and, eventually, we had to incorporate a Zeppelin set into the show!
Tom – Drums & Percussion
Tom is a UK based drummer and educator, playing the drums since 1998 and teaching for over 10 years. He has worked with a variety of artists, including Mikee Goodman (SikTh), The Megadudes, Spirits Of The Twelve and performed in Ben’s Brother’s video for ‘Stalemate’ featuring Anastacia.
He was the live drummer for Billboard Dance Chart number 1 artist H-Boogie and has toured Japan with rock band Heel. Tom has also worked with various record companies and producers, including Island, Universal, Robin Baynton (Coldplay, Tom Jones, Nightwish), Alan Bleay (KT Tunstall, The Kooks, Cerys Matthews, Kasabian, The Magic Numbers), Justin Hill (SikTh) and John Hannon (Hundred Reasons).
Heavily influenced by John Bonham, Tom started playing in a rock band at the age of 16, where the first song on the set list was Smoke On The Water. Both Deep Purple & Led Zeppelin have been an influence on Tom from the start and Paice & Bonham’s playing styles continue to be incorporated into Tom’s drumming to this day.
Tom started his professional teaching career with Kent Music School in 2003, going into schools around the county to tutor pupils during school hours. Meanwhile, the number of private students kept growing, so Tom decided it was time to step up the content of the lessons by writing a unique syllabus (and coming up with a name for it). DrumWise.co.uk has been going strong ever since, – with 4 teachers, over 60 students a week and a 100% exam pass rate.
Tom proudly endorses: Ludwig Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks, Protection Racket Cases, Porter And Davies Thrones & Roland Electronics.