Big River

ALAN: 
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica & Mandolin

AYNSLEY: 
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars

KENNY: 
Vocals, Bass Guitar 

MAL: 
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars 

NEIL:
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 Heartbreakers, The Georgia Satellites, The Allman Brothers, Poco, America, The Doobie Bothers  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.  

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 has been around for a number of years. Originally a Roadie for popular clubland band French Curves, then playing bass with the Screaming DT's and many other bands and recording artistes across the north east. 

Mal joined Big River around Feb 2017 and brings a wealth of experience in vocals/backing vocals and rhythm 
guitar, throwing in the odd lead break.  He has played in several bands over the years and toured the UK heading up his own very successful Bob Dylan tribute band Dillon. 

Neil is Big River's drummer. Hailing from Gateshead, Neil has been playing drums for a  number of years.

In his own words: "my main influence was my Uncle, Keneth McKie. An exceptional rock drummer. My first band: Shere Khan, from the age of 16-18. Singing lead vocals and playing drums. As well as playing in the band, from 16-18 years old I  doing session work at Dessert Sounds in Felling.
Throughout the 80’s-90’s, I spent the time playing in various club bands. Never really out of work. Then 2000’s saw me taking a break from playing drums, doing a bit Running PA for local bands including a lot of work with Davy Ditchburn, a local legend.
With more indepth work,  I formed a three piece rock band called Clancy ,which only lasted a handful of gigs as I persued more regulard work.
I had a number of years running successful open mic nights at 2 very popular venues in Gateshead and Newcastle.
For the last 10 years, I have done lots of depping, as that suited the time I had available. It also opened up several playing styles for me to diversify my drumming. I aslo played full time with Soul Street: top function and wedding band for three years.
The NE Street Band (a successful Springsteen tribute band) saw me being in the drumming seat for 3 years. I was also a founding member and we toured local and national small theatres.
The Dambusters: local rock band. I sang lead vocals also playing drums. The last Last full time band I played in was The Howard Baker Band (a very popular local clubland band) from 2022 - 2025."
Neil has the skills and ability to turn his hand to any genre of music and can also sing. A techical wizz kid behind sound and tone, he also brings a wealth of knowledge to modern day digital mixing.

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