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We formed two bands, a PA & Lighting hire company, a Photography & Artwork company , and of course the Acoustic Duo. The two bands are Bier Fahrt and The Electric Circus. The Electric Circus is a function band that perform for clubs, functions, weddings, parties etc, and Bier Fahrt was designed for festivals and pubs where we could have fun and ultimately a break from the stricter function band.

As for the photography and artwork company (Dodgy1), this stems from Ian’s graphic art training and a great interest in graphic-photography. All of the artwork and photography included on this site have been produced by Ian (with the exception of the fans photos). You can visit Dodgy1 Photography by clicking the following link:

Dodgy1 Photography

For the majority, the gigs performed will be as The Electric Circus, although you will see in the gig listings that there are also gigs to be performed by Bier Fahrt, and the Acoustic Duo – Simon & Ian (original name I know!)

More about the Electric Circus…

The idea for this band was conceived on a murky summer’s evening in a beer garden. We wanted to create not just a band, but a show that included some of the North East’s top musicians within an extra-ordinarily sized bubble of talent. First and foremost we wanted to create a show that incorporated the best of yesteryear and modern material, yet play music that not many bands would attempt without the aid of tracks.

So after going through a substantial amount of alcoholic beverages and bickering, we knew who we wanted to play, what we wanted to play, and who we waned to play it to!

On our far and wide travels we went, namely to the phone box, in the hope of completing the multi-million pound signings of our band members. We decided on the name due to the multitude of experiences we’ve had as individuals, and we couldn’t think of anything better at the time!

So to the band…

Simon Stephenson… the vocalist in the band and player of all strings six. He started his playing career at the tender age of 4 playing the tennis racket in front of his mam’s mirror, when suddenly heard the subtle tones of Clapton. From this point on his mission in life was to be the greatest guitarist in his bedroom. He plucked and plucked until he couldn’t pluck any more, then suddenly he got it…and the rest is history. In his vast playing experience in both original bands and touring, he has toured with, among others, Reef, Shed 7, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, the Zutons etc. Whilst in local rock band Carma, and has played on demo tracks for artists such as Ronan Keating.

Ian Winter (aka Dodgy)… the other vocalist in the band and Bontempi master. Ian started his playing career like Simon, the difference being Ian was more interested in the light trails of the keyboards! Coming from a background of Jean Michel Jarre and most things electronic, Ian has played the keyboards for around 27 years starting at the youthful age of two, and has played in bands from the tender age of 11. Playing musical styles from Pop to Rock, and Punk to Blues throughout his musical travels. As well as playing for some of the North East’s top acts including Deek the Juice, Alexander’s Palace, Dee Dowling Band etc... he has toured Europe, the Middle-East and his back garden with various high profile artists.

Kevin Scott… the time piece at the back. Kevin started tapping on his mum’s pots and pans at an early stage in his life… I do have it on his mum’s word that he still does this when he goes around to visit although this is strongly denied by Kev! Kev is well known amongst musicians country and worldwide for his ability to perform in any situation to the highest level. Kev was a founder member of local band Smalltown Heroes who as well as performing their own tours, toured with the likes of the Stranglers. Kevin has kept time for the best, keeping time for the Toy Dolls amongst others. Kev has played in every type of venue from back garden, to arena, and everything in between whilst touring and playing for bands.

Kenny (Jobba) Jobson… the third vocalist and bassist. Kenny is another local lad. Kenny is the type of bass player that you can always rely upon to give his best, and on the big gigs, a full 80%! Kenny has worked with a multitude of artists and local bands though out the UK and Europe. When Kenny was a kid, back in the day when Bass guitars had four strings, and a complicated bass line meant bum-bum…bum on root and fifth, Kenny was always looking to bring new meaning to the world of the bass. He can now play root, fifth, third and when required 7ths! Kenny is a genius on the bass and is also a very talented singer… just how does he hit those high notes???

So that’s us in a nutshell…