Skidders was born in Smethwick, in the Black Country near the centre of England. As well as a solo artist and singer/songwriter, he plays guitar with Sammi Houston in the critically acclaimed acoustic duo, Bukechi. He is also a session musician, playing electric, acoustic & bass guitar for various artists such as Anatasha, Malc Evans, Nathan Bennett, Lloyd McGrath and Coventry band, Beneva. He plays blues harp, keyboard and percussion on recordings, which he produces. Skidders has also played alongside Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ Kevin Rowland.

Co-writing songs with Sammi for Bukechi, he also writes songs for solo projects, such as Baggies Battle Cry and the forthcoming dual companion albums Friends & Family (acoustic) and Skidderslectric (electric Rock & Blues), due for release early 2012.

Remembering the Beatles’ era (yes Skidders is old, but not looking too bad), his first musical memories were of “Diamonds” and “Scarlet O’Hara” by Jet Harris and Tony Meehan - and of course, songs by the Shadows. Skidders still owns both those singles by Jet & Tony, not to mention a few Shadows 45’s - “Wonderful Land” being his favourite.

“I’ve been to many concerts in my time - Santana, Pink Floyd, TYA, Rory Gallagher - you name them”, Skidders explained.

“But the one that stood out overall of them, was Hank Marvin at the Royal Spa theatre in Leamington. It was so emotional and showed me exactly where my musical roots are”.

Skidders’ taste and influence, as can be heard in his music, is far more diverse and includes:-

  60’s, 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s music (he’s lived through them all and now the 00’s!);

  Creedence Clearwater Revival;

  Ten Years After;

  Led Zeppelin;

  Black Sabbath;

  Eric Clapton;

  Santana;

  Robben Ford;

  KT Tunstall and more ...

Skidders has released several singles and appeared on albums, such as Anatasha’s self-titled and critically acclaimed EP and Malc Evans Wake up my Soul EP. There are always several projects on the go - the latest is a “dual companion” solo album, which will feature an eclectic mix of songs, including a Bhangra Rock fusion and Dance Mix, in addition to mainstream rock & blues. Claptout & Acoustic is also a new project, featuring all the songs of Eric Clapton’s MTV “unplugged” performance.

Bukechi will be performing later in 2010 after Sammi has had a break after giving birth to her second daughter, Maddy.