John

John started to learn piano at the age of 12 but after listening to the Beatles, wanted only to play the guitar.  Saving all his pocket money he bought a cheap acoustic, had a bolt on pickup for Xmas and presented himself to his mate's band "Distant Vision".  Sadly for him, the only vacancy was on bass so he had to pluck the bottom "E" tuned down until the following Xmas when Dad found "Bass Kits" for sale and bought him one.  Well despite cutting his hands to ribbons (home made frets were a bit sharp) Distant Vision became a Beatles cover band until the advent of Deep Purple, Yes and 70's rock whereupon a return to keyboards was inevitable.

In 1974 he "sold out" joining the "Ken Jay Band" on guitar/ bass guitar playing quicksteps, waltzes, the cha cha cha and a modicum of naff pop songs by such as Gary Glitter and Alvin Stardust.  In ''78 he went "pro" joining the "New York Jets" playing lead guitar touring Germany and the North East UK Club circuit. That band was fronted by Dave Dean later to become the famous "Andy Williams" in "Stars in their Eyes". 

The life of booze and groupies took its toll (not to mention the lack of money) and he returned to the UK and a life of Accountancy. 

In 1987 John met Kev Skuse and they formed "Just 4 Kix" with Bob Starling on lead guitar playing modern songs in a "rock" style. Just 4 Kix lasted a fair few years, Kev left to form his own band but the two have been friends ever since and played the odd "unplugged" gig as "Santiago Jetstormer".   

In late 2008 I was invited to a rehearsal with the Psychos and "jammed along" with us one night. 

Can't get rid of the bugger now!