The Riojas

John P

This is John. John plays rhythm and lead guitar and is our lead vocalist. A very experienced player on the Lancashire music scene. He also handles our live sound and sorts any audio recordings that we use to promote the band. Up front and centre, he keeps us all rocking and always has a great connection with the audience. Always just one chord away from a joke or amusing anecdote. He uses Yamaha and Brian Eastwood guitars and Boss amplification. Off stage he's a driving instructor and lives in Accrington. He likes any wine.

Chris

This is Chris, he's been playing in bands since the lute came on the scene. He plays both rhythm and lead guitar and adds those extra trills and fills that make us all look like we know what we are doing. He's even been known to do a bit of backing vocals. He handles most of the admin, social media, bookings, and band promotion. A lover of high quality gear, he uses PRS guitars, Boss amp heads and Hughes and Kettner cabs. Our behind the scenes most valuable leader and the only band member who wears a hat at gigs. He worked for many years for a world leading IT company and now retired, he lives in the village of Hoddlesden and away from gigs, he's a big family man, DIY expert and electrical wizard, and motor home enthusiast. He likes red wine.

Paul

This is Paul, he plays bass and does most of the bands backing vocals. He's played either drums or bass ( but not together) with some great East Lancs bands for decades in local pubs to castles, social clubs to barns. He holds down that low end connection between the guitar boys and the drums. He uses Ibanez basses and TC Electronic amps and cabs, Sennheisser mics, Jim Dunlop plectrums, his fingers, Boss effects pedals, Tesco underwear, Lynx deodorant and is pretty much always the man in black because it makes him look a little slimmer. He lives in Huncoat. He'll drink anything but is also partial to red wine.

Tony

This Is Tony. He's our drummer. He's played in bands ranging from rock trios to 11 piece soul bands as well as many years as a drumming tutor. He keeps us all locked in together with his super grooves and beats. Never a man to play straight 4/4 all the time. Syncopation, fast drums fills, theatrical song ending solos are the name of the game with Tony. He uses Tama drums and Zildjian cymbals. The heartbeat of the band. When he's not drumming, he works for Salford Borough Council, very hush hush, not sure exactly what he does. He lives in Padiham and also likes red wine.