the story so far
Late in 1996, guitarist's Malcolm Kew & Peter Kerr, were sitting at home in different parts
of Middlesex, wondering how they were going to get playing again after a layoff of several years.
Although totally unknown to each other, both had enjoyed successful band careers.
Malcolm as lead guitarist/song writer in the highly successful new wave band "The Attendants"
whilst Peter had been the mad axeman in the thrash metal outfit "Nail Your Granny to the Wall"
A mutual friend put them in touch and a chance meeting between Malcolm and a former band colleague
meant they now had a drummer in the shape of Russell Chaney ex Attendants/GBH.
They were in turn introduced to Irish singer John and his mate, bass player Mario.
(a strange name for a Dutch florist whose frequent business trips to Holland for flowers
led him to indulge in certain habits, which although meant he was a calming influence,
also had the side effect of not being able to play the same tune at the same time as
the other band members...................Allegedly)
He was.............................relieved of his duties................and his mate John, left in sympathy.
Former bass player with the Attendants, Ken Redding, had already dusted of the old Precision
and depped for 1 gig while Mario was away on a "business trip", so he was asked to fill the vacancy.
To complete the line up they just needed a singer.
An ad was placed in Loot and had no response for weeks.
At last, late in November-97, Pete got a call from Martin Cornish who agreed to attend an audition.
Although at that point he had little idea of how to sing, he did have,
long hair
shiny leather-look trousers
enough money saved to buy a PA
AND
the band had been offered a gig supporting a major local act the following week end.
Martin got the job!
A year and a half later, having been offered the opportunity of "fame & fortune" beyond
his wildest dreams, Russ left and joined blues outfit "Texas Thunder".
Time for another ad in Loot.
Alfie answered the ad and after attending an audition, the rest of the band realized that not only
could he play the drums remarkably well, but he also knew most of the songs in the set.
Alfie got the job!
The line up was finally complete.
In August 2005, after over 7 years with the "TOADS" rhythm section, Alfie decided that he would move to Ireland
with his family, and as this would make rehearsals and gigs a bit difficult, it was decided a new drummer was needed.
Word soon got round and many local drummers suddenly stopped answering their phones
and suddenly became "very busy indeed".
However, one man didn't quite run quick enough and even made the mistake of showing a little interest.
We nabbed him, so Dave Bateman is now a "TOAD".
Eighteen months or so later saw Dave moving on & the TOADS looking for yet another drummer.
Coincidentally, the recent break up of "Granite", a rock combo that Ken was also involved with, meant that Bruce Howell
was available............and his defences were down.
Bruce was introduced to the other Toads and agreed to "give it a go".
the "CANE TOADS"
have gone from strength to strength and are
now
a tight energetic unit
with a strong local following.
Reacting to audience feedback
(or lack of it......in some cases)
the band developed from playing mostly
blues based covers to the current range of
classic & contemporary pop/rock
resulting in a far wider appeal.
(and a few more gigs)
The set now includes music by:
Red Hot Chilli Peppers , Blink 182, Alex Harvey
The Kaiser Chiefs, Pink Floyd, U2
Thin Lizzy, Steve Harley, Blur
Madness, Rolling Stones, Nirvana,
Buzzcocks, ZZ Top, Billy Idol
Dandy Warhols, Foo Fighters
& many, many more!
To find out more
about the "CANE TOADS"
just click