MELBAND

hifield writes"DRUMS/P'CUSSIN' - Liam Webb’s musical career started early playing drums with some of his school mates and formed a ska-pop band called The Aurelians. From there he progressed to blues & soul covers in “The Line”. In the tradition of “Bourbon Street”, Liam formed the blues / jazz band, “Moselle Street” in 1999. Liam was one of the founding members of what eventually became Longyard in early 2001. Liam’s percussive creativity was further developed in the original concept band "Pender" with singer/songwriter Victor Pender. In addition, Liam actively supported the principles of the ABC / Billy Hyde’s “Weekend Warriors” project and subsequently was a founding member of 'Top 40' cover-band “Stix ‘n’ Stonz”. Liam concurrently plays with “Mondo Rose”, the sequel to “Stix". Longyard eventually morphed a new style with four new members & a grittier musical direction. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BASSES - "Fretless" Eric Newman's salvation by the bass has been through a wide range of music via pop, rock, jazz, fusion, blues and finding a natural home in roots based music. Previously UK-based, Eric has been the foundation for many bands and recordings in and around London but it is as a long time fan of the Melbourne music scene (most notably Joe Camilleri) that has led to a move to the city and settling in providing the infectious bottom end with Longyard. Mostly spotted playing Electric Upright Bass these days. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GUITARS - Pete MacDonald: Pete fell in love with the sound of the electric guitar after hearing J.J. Cale's "Crazy Mama" when he was but a wee lad. Started playing tunes with some friends when he was 13 years old; and hasn't looked back. From garage bands to the pub scene, then, after a long break, back to the pubs as a solo performer, then a duo with a drummer mate. Never far from the blues, his musical tastes have ranged far and wide; but he's settled in and feels right at home with Longyard. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GUITARS - Electric/Acoustic/Slide: Steve McKinnon has always been interested in music! Especially the Blues .. from T- Bone Walker to Jimi Hendrix, Blues and Rock n’ Roll have always been his passion. After playing guitar or bass and writing and recording in various independent Melbourne based bands over the last fifteen-odd years, Steve has finally begun pursuing his true musical passion in The Longyard Band. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HARMONICAS - Soaking in the blues for 25 years, but only recently stepping up to the mic with his cherished blues-harp, Chris Franklin plays from his soul. Chris remembers the first time he heard the blues and instantly connected. It might be the same 12 bars repeated but he still can't get enough of it."