History

Chris Collins comments on the history of the band:

“Blues Etc… was born in 1996, when I started to front the rhythm section of The Bob Pearce Band. We started off playing gigs around the local area, but this soon led to us playing further a field. The original line up featured Steve Stares on bass and Elrad Matthews on drums.

Due to work commitments, Steve left the band in 2005 and his seat was filled by Darren Stevens. Three years later Elrad became the regular drummer of local band Chicago Nine, and we were lucky enough to get Steve Faithful on board.

Personal circumstances forced Darren to leave the band in 2010 and having known Henk Leerink for many years, he was the ideal replacement. This now concludes the final line up. In order to complete the four piece band, we call upon a number of the best musicians in the South”.

Despite the personnel changes, Blues Etc… has remained true to its origins, performing authentic Chicago and West Coast Blues. A large number of the songs in the set are originals, written by Chris.

1. Sonny Rhodes gig at The 100 Club, London .  2. Billy Boy Arnold gig at The 100 Club, London.  3. Magic Slim and Chris at B.L.U.E.S. In Chicago.  4. Larry Garner and Chris at The Brook, Southampton.  5. Steve Stares, John Primer and Chris at The Brook, Southampton.  6. Falkland gig with Elrad Matthews and Steve Stares.  7.  I ain’t no guitar slinger.

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