Martin cutmore

INFLUENCES

Rick Butler, Phil Lynott, Adam Clayton, Macca, John B Sparks.

Favourite player of all time though is an upright player - Danny Thompson.

Started out on guitar and still enjoy playing my old mid-70s strat.

People say they're rubbish, but I've had it for nearly 30 years and it suits me. Still gig occasionally on it but really I'm a bassist these days.

Began playing in bands at school, TRB covers that sort of thing. Think we gigged once or twice at most ! Formed an originals band with some good friends, I was lead guitarist in those days. Still occasionally gig with the drummer - he makes me play guitar.

Originals band went the way of many others, i.e. fizzled out a bit but we all parted on excellent terms. Didn't do much else for while until I joined Customs and Excise where Eddie from local band The Refugees was putting together a band for a christmas party. I volunteered as guitarist and Eddie in his unique way, suggested that even without hearing me play I wasn't going to be as good as him. True but slightly dispiriting. Do you play bass he says, yes I lie as i frantically think who can I scrounge some gear from. The rest is history.

Done lots since including giving a Beatles tribute a go . I was George despite the fact that I look nothing like him and didn't have a Gretsch guitar . Had fun in both function bands and pub bands of varying degrees of rockiness and volume, but have now settled with Steal. First time I've ever played in a band without a keyboard player, but with 2 excellent lead guitarists and their various toys haven't noticed a hole in the sound.

Gear

Fender Precision - the first and still the best. Laney head and 2 Ashdown 2x 10 cabs.