About the Band

Chris - Guitar

A self taught guitarist who’s musical journey began when he was in his early teens by playing with various local bands. After giving up playing for a few years (what was he thinking?!) Chris returned to the music scene to join Steve in the band “Something For The Weekend.” Originally a hard rock and heavy metal fan (check out his purple BC Rich backup guitar at their next gig!) Chris' influences include Zakk Wylde, Slash and Jimi Hendrix. Never far away from his beloved tubescreamer pedal (although this may soon be retired to make way for a new Line 6 Floor POD Plus) Chris is well known for his love of all things rock.

What’s on his iPOD…? Zakk Wylde, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver, Editors, Bloc Party, Public Enemy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix

Darren - Bass

Darren's main reason for choosing the bass is so he could stand at the back of the stage out of the spotlight! Making his live debut at 17, at the Railway Pub in Ipswich Darren has only spent about 2 years since then not gigging in a band and has played over 400 gigs so far. Darren has played in several local rock covers bands also Blues, R&B and a for one long year a 60's function band (until the thrill of playing Cliff Richard songs at 60th birthday parties just got too much to take!) Darren uses Fender Jazz, Fender Precision and Warwick basses with Boss/Tech21 effects through a MarkBass/Aguilar Rig

What’s on his iPOD…? Mostly classic 80's & 90's rock such as AC/DC, G'n'R, Iron Maiden and modern rock artists such as Foo Fighters, RHCP, the great Paul Weller and of course his favourite rock babe - Sheryl Crow!

Dave (Shorts) - Vocals

It seems strange to think that it took this man 35 years to get around to singing in a band. What can’t you say about him? Shy, quiet, reserved or thin! Given that he's had just three years on the gig circuit, he's rapidly become an accomplished front man and performer, born of hairbrush and mirror frustration. After 'launching' with Cyprus Manoeuvre in 2002, he joined the ABO after surgery in May 2005. His fledgling career was formed in school choirs and a lead role in the 1984 School Production of Pirates of Penzance! (Ex - St Alban’s pupils get backstage discounts!) Energy in abundance, comedy outfits galore, shouts of “Stand Up Yoda!” from the crowd will always raise a smile. With his wireless Shure mic, don't be surprised if he does a little impromptu crowd surfing for some sing-along chorus assistance!

What’s on his iPOD…? RHCP, Coldplay, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, Elliot Smith, Joan Wasser, The Shins etc…

Frazer - Drums

OK, so Frazer plays in his in socks and is deaf in one ear (and often puts a plug in the good one!?) but don't hold that against him - he knows how to rock! This quiet bloke is happy enough just to sit at the back and keep good rhythm but you definitely know he's there - just listen for the great timing, fills, rolls, crashes and endings!

This man is a drumming genius and you will be spellbound at his talent (and also deaf!) Frazer can set up or pack away his kit in record time and we are thinking of contacting the Guinness Book Of Records to set up a challenge!?

What's on his iPOD...? QOTSA, Foo Fighters, AC/DC, Cocteau Twins and Classic Rock etc...

Neil - Keyboard & backings

This quiet man is 8’ 6” tall (the stage lighting burns his head!) with an exceptional talent for his keys despite being a self-confessed dance-head! (Sort yourself out lad!)

Without him and his trusty ‘Technics’, the ABO sound would be very different. Able to turn his fingers to anything from a full string section, to a honky-tonk piano, to a helicopter (yes, honestly!) he is an essential part of the band. Worryingly, after getting very techie, he’s threatening to take up the accordion, but these rumours have yet to be substantiated. His questionable taste in music can be seen below…

What’s on his iPOD…? Ministry Of Sound, R+B, Jazz, Faithless, Barefoot (you'll be surprised), Soul II Soul and (thankfully) Stereophonics and Kaiser Chiefs!