1995:

• The Band started life as FEEL THIS, the very first line up being (left to right) Simon Woolley on Bass, Steve French Vocals and Lead Guitar, Andy Ryder on Rhythm Guitar and Francis Lamb on Drums. The band almost called themselves Ryder French Woolley Lamb but with little deliberation that idea was soon chopped.

1997:

• Francis and Simon left to explore alternative musical pathways, so the next line up included both a new bassist and drummer; John Hudson (Bass) and Sheena Savage (Drums).

1998:

• After a year or so John left the band, and in came Mike Murray (left) to fill the vacant bass position.

• A couple of years later, in 2000, the band recruited a new bassist, Mat Nashvili (right) formerly of the band Gypsy.

2002:

• Sadly Andy Ryder had to leave the band due to other commitments. Andy's replacement was the fantastic guitarist Paul Vickers (left) who despite some personal traumas stayed with the band for six successful gigging months. (Tragically Paul passed away in 2005, he was only in his mid-thirties. He is sadly missed but also remembered not only as a brilliant musician, songwriter and producer, but also as one of the nicest and funniest people we've worked with. We think of him often.)

• After Paul left, we decided to change the rhythm section, and in came Nick Fletcher (right) on piano, who also played for jazz band Black Coffee. Nick brought a subtler side to the band incorporating his jazz leanings to tracks such as Stevie Ray Vaughan's Cold Shot. Nick left the band to concentrate on his work as a Jazz pianist.

2003:

• Mat Nashvili left to further his education (whether it was needed or not is still open to debate). With Mat's departure came Andy Carr to take up the bass mantle. Andy, a veteran of the music scene, left big money club bands in order to work with a band with much more "spirit". Andy's style of playing allowed the band to play more freely; changing song formats and grooves every gig!

• Some time towards the end of 2003, Sheena and Andy were tired of the band's name not been taken seriously and it was they who suggested The Steve French Band.

2004:

• The band continued to develop, and following Andy Carr's departure came Joe Glossop (left) on Hammond organ and piano, and Neil Hudson (right) on Bass. The band worked well and this line up played the now legendary headlining sell out gig at the City Hall in Sheffield in March 2006 (photos of which can be seen here).

2006:

• The final change of personnel came in September 2006 following Neil and Joe's departure, when in came Paul Mallatratt on bass. The band has been gigging extensively with this 3-piece line up ever since.

The band has performed an estimated 600+ gigs since it's conception in the nineties and all the members past and present have been brilliant to work with but more importantly have remained good friends.
 

Roll of Honour: -

• Francis Lamb (Drums)

• Simon Woolley (Bass)

• John Hudson (Bass)

• Mike Murray (Bass)

• Mat Nashvilli (Bass)

• Andy Ryder (Rhythm Guitar)

• Paul Vickers R.I.P. (Rhythm Guitar)

• Nick Fletcher (Piano)

• Andy Carr (Bass)

• Neil Hudson (Bass)

• Joe Glossop (Keyboards)