Peter Chapman

I played bass in a band at Walbottle school, the T-set, with Dave Robinson from Throckley, Bri Swanson, Lemington, and Ken Wright, also Throckley, and started writing songs at this stage. I continued for a while in Dobbin with Bri and Ian Shield, also of Lemington, doing vocals and bits and pieces under Bri's direction - and did more writing. We also did a couple of them together. I then spent a few years concentrating on work and family, with some more writing in fairly recent times, until the lure of performing again (since 2005) became too much to resist! The songwriting had to go on hold for a while as I continued to work full-time until Oct 2010 whenever possible but I have written a few new songs over the last couple of years such as 'Butterflies'. See more details below and check for regular updates.

In my new life I have played bass with Bernie Lamb, Mark and Mal and Meg and Steve. And sung with Mark, Mal and Andy Morton. I have also played some lead guitar parts and Harriet Jackson, Phil Morton and Meg have also sung with Andy & I. At the end of 2006 I did some karaoke with Meg Mc, which was a blast, especially 'Teardrops', a genuine duet.

See also 'Do you play live?' above.

I have given the old song 'Hey! Paula' a new lease of life and written my first Country song, 'Every Waking Moment' in recent years, also recorded by Mary Clare from New York.

I played fairly regularly for around 3 years in pubs in the Gateshead area. This has included my first experience of playing guitar other than bass in public and singing one of my own songs ('When a Boy Becomes a Man' accompanied by Mark Iverson on guitar). I have also accompanied Mal Barnes and Mark on bass and played with them in a 6-piece, the Boro Boys. We have also recorded a cd of covers for our own personal use. I've sung many covers with Andy Morton such as Oasis, Coldplay, Snow Patrol and Paul Weller songs. And I am still working on recording some more original material. As I had not been on stage for 35 years, every moment has been special! I have played SOLO twice in Aug 06 at the Rising Sun (8th)and the sadly defunct Green Mandolin (16th) doing 'Waiting' and 'When a Boy Becomes a Man', both now recorded. I have also given 'Forbidden Fruit' its debut, having finally produced some chords for it and recorded it.

Both gigs at the Ravensworth in 2006/7 were special occasions as was playing with Meg and Steve at the Boro.

Playing with Steve at the Boathouse in 2009 was great especially 'I hear you knocking' as was 'Jumping Jack Flash' and 'Use Somebody' with the resident band and some karaoke nights on Sundays. Next there was some busking in 2010 mainly at Sunniside. Then in 2011 there were 3 great nights at the NicenSleazy in Glasgow with Harry Edgar. But, hopefully, there is another still to come!

Everyone that I've ever heard - that's not to say I like them all and I don't try to copy anybody. (But on 'Big Man Cry' think Beatles tribute).

MANY MORE SONGS now complete - 'Waiting' is now available in pop general after starting in folk-rock (tough decision). I have chosen Soundclick for it's 'debut'. This is my first ever studio solo vocal so it's a big deal for me! Others have followed and hopefully this will continue.

I have a Cort bass guitar and a Tanglewood electro-acoustic. I have recently been given a 12-string by Dave.