The American Classic Rock Show was formed in 2021 by Nigel Minchin as an outlet for his love of performing the music of American bands from the 1960s to the present day. The opportunity to perform songs from the huge catalogue of American classic rock and blues was too tempting to leave any longer. Similarly-minded musicians were found and rehearsals started in the late summer of 2021. Please check the shows page for details of upcoming performances.
Nigel began his musical career in the choir at primary school. After taking up the electric guitar in his teenage years, he played in numerous bands during the 1980s, mainly blues, psychedelic and goth rock as a guitarist and lead or backing singer. After several years hiatus during the 1990s, he was persuaded to join a Neil Young tribute band, Broken Arrow and played the great man in various venues over a 4-year period. Nigel has also sang in the chorus of a local opera production, Alban. He first heard American rock music on the Old Grey Whistle Test in the mid to late 1970s – Lynyrd Skynyrd playing Freebird, Neil Young playing Like a Hurricane and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers playing American Girl. He was also forever changed when he saw The Last Waltz on BBC2 around this time. Currently Nigel also performs at Tom Petty in the Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers tribute band Petty Criminals. Visit his music website for more details – Nigel Minchin Music. Favourite American bands – The Doors, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and Neil Young.
Our very own ‘pocket rocket’ from Australia. Now settled in London and providing amazing lead and harmony vocals for a huge range of American classic rock songs. Versatility and energy are her strengths, as well as a soaring, powerful voice that enables her to do justice to the amazing vocal powers of female singers such as Ann Wilson, Linda Ronstadt, Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry, Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks and many more. Add in the precise and powerful harmonies and you have the full package.
Marcus provides most of the lead guitar work for the ACRS, as well as both lead and backing vocals – The American guitar players that he most admires include early blues legends BB King and Muddy waters, through to rock virtuosos such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. Marcus brings a lot of energy to the stage as well as a great sense of humour. His favourite American artists include John Mayer, Eagles, Journey and the Foo Fighters.
Ant has been gigging since age 16 and enjoys a range of different musical styles. This versatile approach has taken him to stages all over the UK and Europe. When it comes to American classic rock, his favourites are the swampy blues rock of ZZ Top and Little Feat. A lover of all things bass from the jazz funk slap of Marcus Miller to the thunder of John Entwistle and all points in-between.
Kirk is an experienced keys player whom has toured nationally and internationally with shows including; Fastlove, Thank you for the Music, Think Floyd and Logicaltramp as well as performing at private functions and festivals with others. Being a classically trained musician and qualified music-educator, Kirk delivers lessons in schools to the next generation of up-and-coming performers when he is not on stage. Kirk is a big fan of american classic rock, especially ones with big hair and lots of eyeliner!
Originally from the Falkland Islands, Sam moved to the UK to study drums at Chichester College and the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. Since graduating, he has built a diverse career as a session drummer, performing alongside artists such as Natalie Imbruglia, Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers/The Specials), and Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s). Sam also has extensive experience in musical theatre, having played for productions including Les Misérables, Rent, and the first revival of War of the Worlds since the original tour. He also spent time working as a musician on P&O cruise ships. A big fan of many american classic rock bands, his favourites are Blondie and The Eagles.
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