Based in the Thames Valley corridor, Run For Cover has, over several years, consistently performed music that pushes the boundaries of what cover bands deliver to their audience. A full-on "stadium version" of Queen's One Vision as an opener - why not? Something a little lighter - how about an edgy version of Nina Simone's Feeling Good? Fancy a waltz - why not try a touch of some Sensational Alex Harvey Band?
“Nice bloke, likes a pint and a bag of peanuts”
Originally from Reading, I’ve been singing & playing guitar from the age of 11. Played & sang with my last band for over 30 years, until decided to some solo stuff a few years back. The previous band have gone on to form a blues outfit, and are enjoying great success on the British Blues scene.
I’ve always been a bit more Rock orientated, but ironically, it was their Vocalist, Bassist & Song Writer - my old mucker from the very early music years - who convinced me to get back onto the band scene over a beer in a Pangbourne pub in 2014.
After a couple of auditions, I was hired, for the price of a cold pint and a bag of nuts. (I even had to share the nuts)
Despite being the strong, quiet, studious figure of the band, Paul is occasionally allowed to let rip on his keyboard where his fingers will move like lightning - when they will play all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. When asked why he closes his eyes while playing he said “it’s so I can’t see the anguish of the rest of the band”.
Paul started playing piano in the nineteen-sixties - so he must be nearly finished by now. His experience in a wide range of musical styles has secured his place in the band, either that or the band need his keyboard to rest their beers upon. He is living proof in the medicinal power of Badgers Best Bitter and is looking forward to you buying the next round. Cheers!
"I would like to highlight the merits of being DISCIPLINED.
Over the past 18 months I have taken lots of exercise; I have been Pole Walking, Swimming, and taken the odd Spin and Pilates class. Not having given myself any of my usual demanding but achievable goals such as the Hook 10km run, Race for Life (5km run), and the Fleet cycle ride (10, 20, 40 miles), it has been easy to get unfit without even realising it!
My advice to you is choose your discipline and diarise it into your week - eg Pole Walking on Tuesday pm, Friday am and Sunday am.
Don't make excuses because of family, weather, tiredness, or you just don't feel like it. If you miss a session then MAKE IT UP. Fit in another class on one of the other days in the week.
Remember - it is always easier to exercise in company. It is social and our sub-conscience makes us compete with others. This is a natural response and makes us work harder therefore achieving greater results. I offer a variety of options that you might like to consider; Pole Walking, Buggy Workout, individual and group Personal Training. You can find further infomation on this web-site."
"With a lot of my friends and clients using the iPhone and posting their training sessions on Facebook, it is a great motivator to know that there are a lot of people out there that can see your times and distances! It is also a great way to keep track of your training and over the years see your progress. When I moved last year I threw away a training diary from when I was 23. It was really interesting - I more or less trained myself into the ground! I do look at your training sessions. If you have the time to post it, I have the time to read it.
My conclusion is this; in each given activity you all seek to get as many miles under your belts as possible. Of course you need miles but is this always the most effective way of training?
I asked a dedicated marathon runner once what training I should be doing to keep my fitness levels as high as possible but allowing for the fact that I am not 23 and family, work, keeping a house etc take priority. His advice to me was 1 long distance run, 1 hill training and 1 speed session per week. This can be utilised in all disciplines. Don't let distance outweigh speed. Don't extend the distance beyond (e.g.) 3 miles run, 40 lengths swim or 20 miles on your bike before you have challenged your times. The dreaded hills are a must (not in swimming unless it's a life challenge!)"
Phil was one of the founding members of Run For Cover and the bands original drummer. He was also the one who came up with the name following a long and tiring process spanning several different curry houses and a many drinks to fuel the creative process.
Over the years we played almost 100 gigs together until one day in 2012, out of the blue, he was taken seriously ill. He returned to play one more gig but his condition quickly worsened and he was unable to play.
Phil learned he had an extremely rare condition called Amyloidosis which causes protein fibers to attach to organs wthin the body. The build up can increase and ultimately lead to failure of the organ.
At his request the band continued to play using a dep drummer who very kindly kept the stool warm until Phil was well enough to return.
Sadly he never did and Phil passed away in 2014. In doing so he left a huge hole in our lives and in our hearts. He was a thunderous drummer and one of the warmest and funniest people you'd ever hope to meet and we miss him very much.
Phil could never be replaced in Run For Cover but we continue to play the music he loved in his honour and we will continue to do so.
For more information on Amyloidosis please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/amyloidosis