Biography
Born Liverpool, England, 25th of July 1950. Started playing in local bands at 14. in 1966 formed The Locomotive and became quite well known in the local area. The Locomotive then became St. James Infirmary and became even more well known.
In 1970 Clem Clempson (Humble Pie, Colosseum) my friend, told me that Colosseum where looking for a new bass player, and after trying out every name bass player (at that time) they tried me out, and I became the bass player.
In 1972 Colosseum folded and within just two days I had been asked to join Uriah Heep.
After recording and also writing (I co-writ ‘The Wizard’) and some of the hardest touring I’ve ever done in just one year we parted company. Although I have worked with Ken Hensley on many of his solo projects thouout the years.Uriah Heep still follows me every place I go.
In 1972 Colosseum folded and within just two days I had been asked to join Uriah Heep.
After recording and also writing (I co-writ ‘The Wizard’) and some of the hardest touring I’ve ever done in just one year we parted company. Although I have worked with Ken Hensley on many of his solo projects thouout the years.Uriah Heep still follows me every place I go.
Mark Clarke and Barbara Thompson on stage with Colosseum
After Heep there were many, many projects:
Dick Heckstall-Smith (John Mayall, Colosseum)
Tempest (Jon Hiseman, Alan Holdsworth)
Manfred Mann
Natural Gas (Joey Molland from Badfinger, Jerry Shirley from Humble Pie)
Rainbow (Ritchie Blackmore, Cozy Powell)
Billy Squier (from ‘Don’t Say Know’ to almost Billy’s ever recorded. He’s still a great writer and also a great friend.
Mountain (Leslie West, Corky Laing) recorded and toured with them on and off since Felix Pappalardi was murdered by Gail his wife. The last CD was 96’s ‘Man’s World’ but lots of others.
Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople). Toured, recorded, co-produced and co-wrote with Ian and Mick Ronson (ex- David Bowie).
The Monkees (reunion tours 86-88). As well as bass vocals co-pruduced double live LP of that tour. Went on to co-produce Davy Jones on his solo projects. Fun tours, but long.
Michael Bolton (‘Fools Game’ CD, his first hit) and gigs.
And also sessions with many, many artists like Cher, Phoebe Snow, Mink Deville,
Meatloaf and even Raquel Welch.