Rococo (Edinburgh)
Rococo formed in 1986 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The core members were Ross McVie (rhythm guitar and lead vocals), Roddy Wilde (lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards and b-vox), Iain Summers (bass, drums and b-vox) and Colin Dawson (lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards and b-vox). During this period, we used at least five different drummers (including Iain). Iain played drums on many of our studio recordings, but would play bass when we performed live. It seemed that every time we got a new drummer sufficiently well rehearsed to start gigging with us, he would leave shortly after and the recruitment / rehearsal process would start again. It was a shame as we were getting some really positive reviews.
The first drummer was Dougie Barton and he was superb - he had a Phil Collins style to his drumming. He left when his job moved him down south. Next was Dave [??] - he was a Simon Philips style drummer - solid as a rock and seriously loud. I think he left to try to make his living as a drummer. Next we borrowed Craig Hannah part time from another band and finally Alan Henderson took on the role.
Rococo composed and recorded a lot of original material over a relatively short time period; almost enough for two albums. Some was done using a four track porta-studio, and some was recorded in David Gray's studio in Penicuik.
As is often the case with bands, there were musical differences and the band split up in '88.
Despite this, we have remained friends over the years and in 2003 we did a re-union gig as part of a charity fund-raising event for Edinburgh Sick Children’s Hospital and Radio Lollipop organised by one of our many former drummers, Alan Henderson. Another re-union gig took place in 2011.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We played live quite regularly in Edinburgh and Midlothian during 1987/88.
Your musical influences
Musical influences included Big Country, Simple Minds, The Cult, Queen, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, Slade and many others.
What equipment do you use?
Yamaha DX27, Fender USA Strat (Antigua), Tokai Strat, Ovation Preacher, Guild S100S, Rickenbacker 4001 Bass, Ibanez digital delay, various Boss and Ibanez FX pedals.
