Biography
Unless you’re names Ben Pridmore, (look it up) It’s usually very difficult to remember names, places, dates and times, however I’ll do my best.
Someonsons are Garry McLaren Vocals/Guitar.Ross Whitten Lead Guitar.James Burnett Bass Guitar.Jamie Duncanson Drums.
In 1998 five young lads ageing from around 12 to 14 formed a band and decided on the name Ocean Ridge. Two years later they entered and won the Dumbarton Festival, Battle of the Bands competition, beating off local favourites The Strand. It was very difficult to organise gigs in those early years, as they obviously weren’t of age to play in licensed premises.Round about the same time the band (and with the assistance of generous parents) recorded a few CD’s which included covers of Oasis, Live Forever and Stereophonics Pick a Part That’s New.
Like most bands, minor and major fallouts occur and Ocean Ridge were no different. Guitarist Garry Campbell decide to leave and Ross Whitten was brought in as a replacement.A few years after the band were formed and with Ross now playing lead guitar, they changed their name to Freeway. More CD’s followed and promises of the big time came and went. The band felt let down by a number of people and disagreements and arguments ensued. I cannot comment on what exactly happened within the band during their time as Freeway, except to say that they were not always happy and eventually guitarist Simon Thomas made the decision to leave.
At this point the four existing band members agreed that a break was necessary with some major decisions having to be made on their future.After some months the band were back with a new name and with Garry McLaren now taking his place as vocalist/guitarist. It has to be said that this was quite extraordinary as Garry basically had to learn how to play electric guitar and also learn all the original music.
Point of interest In September 2007, the band was invited to play a gig in war torn Kosovo, former province of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This invitation came about after the manager of a local bar (Xponto) in Mitrovica heard a copy of a CD recorded by the band. The band headlined the gig, supported by local favourites, Hosenfefer and Chicken Farm. This gig was the first to see an indie rock band from the UK perform in Northern Mitrovica and for the record, they went down a storm
To view videos's of the band,click the links below the song titles.Both videos were produced and directed by the talented Stephen Duncanson (Jamies Brother) a 20 year old film and media student.Don't hold me down was filmed during a gig at the legendary Cavern Club Liverpoool,England.
Throwing Eggs was filmed in and around Clydebank Scotland.
Dont hold me down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN7EFiwRigk
Throwing eggs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqw64HUsh4s&feature=related
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