Wayne Rivers, an outstanding lead vocalist and dynamic performer, possesses the ability to interpret every kind of song. In 2000 Wayne recorded his first solo album to significant media attention, and undertook a punishing UK tour schedule of country festivals and theatres. He proceeded to win numerous male vocalist of the year awards around the Midlands, and has worked clubs, festivals and theatres across the UK and abroad. Despite these accolades, Wayne joined us in mid-2014 and has now thoroughly enjoyed two years with us.
Martyboy has been a singer and guitarist with many bands, often with life-long friend Arizona Storm drummer Ben Smith, who he cites as a key influence. Marty has great audience rapport reflecting his enthusiasm for the contemporary sound of great Country tunes. Mart projects an infectious, high-energy stage presence leavened with zany humour including an astonishing ability to impro-rap between numbers. Marty feels he is living the dream in providing electric/acoustic guitar and both lead and backing vocals for a great band “with a world class singer and musicians".
Every band needs a rock to hold on to and in Arizona Storm that man is drummer Ben Smith. Vastly experienced, he provides a reliable and precise platform for any setting from strict tempo, pop, rock, reggae to soul (reflecting a wide range of drumming influences from Charlie Watts to Mitch Marine). His love of country is extensive, with a special liking for Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Joe Shaver and Brad Paisley. Ben’s welcoming character brought the band together and he continues to act as a cohesive force, driving the band on musically, enthusiastically and organisationally.
Mick South travelled the USA to see and learn from a multitude of country and bluegrass greats. As a Varmint, Mick supported such luminaries as James Burton’s TCB band, Bob Wootton Family (Johnny Cash’s guitarist for 30 years), Eve Selis Band (featuring later ex-Johnny Cash guitarist Jim Soldi), Paul Young & Los Pacaminos, Hacienda Brothers, Hayseed Dixie, Country Joe Band and, on many occasions, Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes. Two CDs with Highway Dave and the Varmints and a solo CD “Playing Games” showcase his writing and instrumental versatility. Mick's distinctive, Telecaster b-bender country sound is a key feature of the band's sound.
Bob Boucher’s electric and acoustic bass has been deployed across a host of musical settings. Bob has held the note for many country music and western swing bands including Ricky Cool, and the Texas Turkeys. His versatility extends across rock, blues, boogie-woogie, jazz rock, big band swing, jump jive and acoustic folk (phew!). He was a member of live TV house bands for such as Central Weekend Live and Pebble Mill at One. He also featured in a live TV broadcast across Russia from the Arctic Circle b-b-b-Blues festival. Underneath a veneer of cool Brummie urbanity lies a snortingly wicked sense of humour. Bob says he felt privileged when asked to join Arizona Storm, but we are the privileged ones – what a star!