Wayne Gardner - History  

History

I started playing the guitar at the age of 10 and did my first live performance when I was 11. I sang "Sleepy Joe" by Herman's Hermits in Enfield park, Middlesex.

The following year I performed in the park again, this time singing "The Green Green Grass Of Home" and accompanied on guitar by the girl next door.
 
During my 7 years in the Army I played in Clubs and Messes in Germany, Cyprus and Northern Ireland, often with well known acts. During my time in Germany I was one half of a very popular folk duo.
Pete Doonan and myself called ourselves "Nefarious" and covered, amongst others, Simon & Garfunkel. We became know for our tight harmonies and original arrangements. We still sing together every now and then.
     

After leaving the Army in 1979 I started on the semi-pro circuit in the Salisbury area before moving to Stoke-on-Trent, in 1982, where I was half of another very popular duo with Terry Gray. We had a number of names before settling on "The Night Before".
   
1986 saw my return to the Salisbury circuit were I not only played solo, but was also the lead singer and rhythm guitarist with a four piece Rock 'n' roll band.
 In 1991 I left the band and turned full-time professional traveling to places as far apart as Sheffield, Portsmouth, Wales (North & South), Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Southampton.
   
2003 I got together for a short while with Wendy Fitzgerald. Wendy played saxaphone, precussion and sang backing vocals. We were known as "DoubleYou" and we did a few gigs around the South West before I decided to take a break from performing.
   

These days I spend my time writing and I'm about to get into recording in my new home studio. I'm also the Musical Director for two singing groups, one children’s (Loud & Proud) and one adult (Raise the Roof).

Not doing much performing, however, if the venue looks good and the money’s right I still do some 'cause I kind of miss it a bit. Contact me in you are interested in booking me, just don't expect me to be a jukebox!
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