About Big River

ALAN:
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica & Mandolin

AYNSLEY:
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars

KENNY:
Vocals, Bass Guitar, Sound & Lighting

MAL:
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars

STEVE:
Drums & Percussion

Big River cover songs by: The Eagles, Neil Young, Steve Earle, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Blackberry Smoke, CSNY, Pure Prairie League, Tom Petty, The Georgia Satellites, The Allman Brothers, Poco, America, The Steve Miller Band plus many more West Coast Rock, Southern Rock and Country Rock bands and some older Brit Rock (which helped to shape some of the older Southern Rock) for good measure.

Alan formed Big River midway through 2008 with long term friend Billy. He used to be with a band called Country Crazy before forming Big River with Billy.

Aynsley was recruited to give the band another strong vocal and additional Harmony Lead Guitar sound. Aynsley ( a.k.a 'Young Neil Young') plays with Tramp Juice every so often but is a solid and valuable member of Big River.

Kenny (Bass Guitar/Vocals/Sound & Lighting) has been around for a number of years playing bass with the Screaming DT's and many other bands and recording artistes across the north east. Not only does he play tight and cracking bass lines but he also looks after the BR sound and lights.

In mid 2016 unfortunately Billy suffered from serious health problems so sadly and very reluctantly had to give up playing in the band but he agreed that having built up a great following, the mighty river should continue to flow.

Mal joined Big River around Feb 2017 and brings a wealth of experience in both vocals and rhythm guitar, throwing in the odd lead break. Mal has played in several bands over the years and toured the UK heading up his own very successful Bob Dylan tribute band. Mal also has the role of handling all of Big Rivers on-line presence as well as designing posters and other promotional material.

Mal B (Drums) has unfortunately decided to retire and take things easy. Originally knocked for six during the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, the time has come for him to retire gracefully. His newly replaced knees (from about 10 years ago) are fine but countless years and weekend after weekend drumming have now taken their toll on this other bits. This consummate professional and forever evolving drummer is going to relax and "Take it Easy". He will be sorely missed...

We welcome Steve, Mal B's replacement into the BR fold.

Steve started playing the drums when he was 11 years old at school in the school band “Paganini’s Patch”. He then spent 3 years learning to play the piano and keyboard and 2 years learning the guitar but realised that was too tribal and went back to the drums.

Many years later, a stint of playing professionally in Holland was followed by a ten year stint in a north eastern soft rock band and great set of lads which, sadly faded.

Some of Steve's former bands:
Two Blue Band....Original blues band
Ritchie Bee Band....Various rock
The Sharks....Soft Rock
Citizen Kane....Blues funk
Nobodies Hero’s...Original-punk
Sean Webster.. Original blues
The Innovators... Function band in Holland.
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All of the Big River band members have gained extensive musical experience playing a variety of styles of music in bands throughout the UK in both live and recording environments.

The agreed ethos for Big River was to create a vocally strong band with exceptional harmonies, playing songs that are not usually covered by local bands and after almost 13 years as an outfit, have a growing number of enthusiastic followers and are growing their fan base rapidly. The band look forward to increasing their appeal during 2020 and beyond.

Big River gig with a 2.5k PA and full light show. All of our equipment is PAT Tested.

Playing live with 3 and 4 piece harmonies makes for 2 great sets of pure entertainment.

Big River are available for gigs and festivals throughout the North East of England and the Scottish Borders.

For bookings, please click contacts page for information...