Rea-Loaded is a band of hugely experienced musicians who have thousands of live gigs behind them.
From playing with multiple bands, and many genres of music, the guys have the ability to shift easily between the different styles that Chris Rea's music has encompassed over a long career.
From the blues, to rock, reggae, country, soul, cajun, latin.....a full mix of great music that all goes into a varied show that has been enjoyed by a huge fanbase all over the world.
Neil Gordon
Ed Taylor
Dave Williams
Sylvin Marc
Neil Gordon - Vocals and Guitars
Neil is the main man in the band, performing the part of Chris Rea with a stunning attention to detail on both the vocals, and the signature 'slide' guitar sound that Chris has used all through his career.
An accomplished musician, Neil has played in many bands over the years, from original to covers bands, playing many genres of music. Originally from Ireland, he had to be persuaded to take on the task of recreating this music, and has grasped the nettle of a very difficult performer to emulate.
He seems to be doing a very good job of it all!
Ed Taylor - Drums and Backing Vocals
Ed 'Rocksteddie' Taylor has a very long list of bands that he has played with in the past, in many diverse situations, but has always remained a country blues soul rocker at heart. Always laying down a simple beat, he leaves the fancy tricks to others, but has a deep 'pocket' that many bands seem to appreciate, playing for the song and not the pyrotechnics that others like to perform. That's exactly what is required in a band like Rea-Loaded, and Ed has also taken on the role of leading the band, away from the musical aspects.
You know the old joke about drummers being the guys that hang around with 'real' musicians......Ed is the man!
Dave Willams - Keys and Hammond Organ
Dave, or 'Starch' as he is known, is a proud Welshman, a retired schoolteacher, who has a very long and varied career in many bands, adding his great feel and skill to many different genres.
He goes back to the early 80's with Rocksteddie, having playing in soul bands, rock bands, mod bands, blues bands with Ed, who very often has called Dave when keys have been needed in many situations.
Playing Nord and Hammond organ, he adds so much to the texture of the songs we play with Rea-Loaded, and is more that happy to have fun poked at him about his favorite rugby team from the Valleys! He gets his own back though, when we let him!
Sylvin Marc - Bass
We are absolutely overwhelmed that the bass player who spent 24 years at ths side of Chris Rea has agreed to join us in Rea-Loaded.
From Madagascar, Sylvin is a force of nature who played on most of the big shows alongside drummer Martin Ditcham, and he is so excited to be re-visiting the songs that he helped to create around the world with Chris Rea.
It's a real 'pinch me' moment to have this guy on board!
Pez Connor and Mick Lown
We'd like to thank Pez and Mick, who have now departed the band, for their contribution to Rea -Loaded. They have moved on to other things and we wish them all the best for the future.
