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The Band

Geoff Newstead

Acoustic & Electric Guitars/Mandolin/Vocals.

Geoff started out in his musical career in his teens playing ragtime guitar around the folk clubs of the Midlands. During this period he was introduced to the music of legendary folk rockers Fairport Convention, a band he later went on to support, again as a solo guitarist. After moving to tyneside Geoff formed and regularly gigged with Geordie band "Hoggshead". Family circumstances forced a move back to the Midlands where he formed "The Craic" an Irish band with whom he still occasionally performs. Geoff's chosen guitars are a Line 6 Variax recommended by Fairporter Maartin Allcock and a beautiful Sigma Martin D35 donated by long time friend and amazing bluegrass guitarist Nick Wroughton. His effects pedal is a Line Pod XT live. Geoff lives in Burton on Trent with wife Rita and several small animals.

Mike Coleman

Drums

Mike was press-ganged into joining the band back in 2003 after accepting the King's shilling and copious amounts of Famous Grouse. Promises of fame, fortunes and his very own groupie meant nothing to him. Formerly a member of "Acorn", Mike names the legendary John Heissman among his main influences. Drums by Pearl and Yamaha. Mike lives in Leicestershire with his wife Judith.

Nick France

Bass/Lead Vocals

No stranger to lovers of the genre, Nick has performed at countless major festivals fronting the now defunct "Dewberry Firkin". A truly inspiring bassist and a generally superb musician, Nick names Dave Pegg ( Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull) as a major influence.

Julie Belk

Occasionally we feel the need for a female vocalist and it's on these occasions we call on Welsh songbird Julie. Living near Wrexham with her Husband Chris, we're pleased that Julie has agreed to appear on our forthcoming new studio album.

The Fox Hat's feast of fiddlers

Due to the naturally fickle nature of the beast, four of Britain's finest fiddlers count themselves as members of "The Fox Hat" At least one of these master musicians is chosen for each gig. For larger venues and festivals it's not unknown for all four to appear!

Tom Fairbairn
Hailing from Manchester, Tom has played with the band since 2004 replacing Laura Mattison when she vanished off to University. Tom was the fiddle presence in BBC Award winning dance band "Whapweasel" He also performs with "Moondance" and English dance band "Pigeon English"

Tom Kitching
Often sounding more like Dave Swarbrick than Dave Swarbrick, Tom joins us when not touring with Gren Bartley. For his Fox Hat performances Tom often downs his acoustic fiddle to play a green glitter custom electric beast!

Laura Mattison
Returning to the fold whenever possible, Laura was the band's very first fiddler. Now also gigging with her own band "Little Sister" we're always pleased when Laura makes it along.

Jen Marshall
The Fox Hat's Goth presence! Also known as The Purple Angel, it's great to see this amazing young fiddler strutting the stage complete with her custom purple electric fiddle!

 

Certainly not your average namby-pamby folk band