Tim - Vocals

What kit do you use? -

I sometimes use a tambourine which although stays in tune, seems to go out of sync occasionally. I think I need to take it to the repair shop to get it re-synced.

I also use my voice which took many years to train to the high standard it is now, ho ho ho. It has been said in many circles that I have the voice of a lark…………PILLARK.

Tell us about your musical past -

I have been singing all my life, from the age of 10’ish when I first publicly performed at the Neeld hall in Chippenhan in front of 500 people supported by a choir to singing at my local public house, The Five Alls, Chippenham, most weekends. In those days my friends and I would all congregate in the poolroom, 20-30 people including partners and as the night wore on they would always call for me to sing. I remember we would always sing Beach Boys numbers and Wham ones were always a favourite; well it was the 80’s.

Who are your musical influences? -

You could say my musical influences were 80’s artists/songs, Wet Wet Wet, you know, the ones you could sing to. I also love Motown stuff, love Smokey Robinson.

Who inspires you most in music? -

The audiences inspire me a lot, when I see them dancing, singing along to the music and having a great time, that’s what I’m in it for.

Another is our lead guitarist, Neil. When he’s doing his thing, I see the faces he pulls (could win the world gurning championship), which shows the passion, and  enjoy enjoyment  he’s getting from performing.                             

We all get a high out of performing; I suppose we like to show off a bit.

What was your most memorable moment with Turtle Shed? -

The first gig, terror, excitement and the total enjoyment was overwhelming. The feeling of pride was amazing and there is always a certain camaraderie with the other band members that is just great. At the end of the gig we were all on such a high. It keeps getting better and better as confidence grows, brilliant!

My biggest clanger, oh, there are so many. I suppose it was at the pub at Shrewton, it was one of our early gigs. We were doing a number and for some reason I decided to cut the verse short. The band played on but I just could not find my way back into the song and stood there becoming more and more embarrassed. So rather than standing there like a fool I started singing another part of the song, which forced the band to join in with me. We pulled it off but only by the skin of our teeth. Sorry fellow band members!

So when the band are given a huge wedge of money and asked to devote their entire lives to entertaining people with brilliant music what will be your reaction? -

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christian@turtleshed.co.uk