Paul "MS-Dude" Gillies Blues Harmonica & Wheelchair
Refusing to let his progressive MS rule his life PAUL began teaching himself blues harmonica back in 1993. Chronic Fatigue, poor coordination and the loss of the use of his left side forced Paul into a wheelchair in 2001. However on a good day you may still see him limping from his wheelchair to the pub loo on his walking stick!
A few years ago he progression of his MS meant that Paul had to give up playing the harp, being unable to hold onto his heavy "green bullet" harp mic. However early in 2007 BIG TIM AVES (Paul’s harp mentor and good friend) frontman of the now sadly disbanded RnB bands AUTOMATIC SLIM and THE ROCKIN' ARMADILLOS came to the rescue by giving Paul a small, lightweight “Shaker” Harp mic (see blog) that fits snugly into Paul’s left fist and so Paul began teaching himself an adapted style of harp playing. Paul's lack of coordination often gives some unorthodox phrasing to his harp-lines but as Paul says “if I make a mistake I’ll play it twice and everyone will think I’m playing Jazz!”.
Tony "T-Mobile" May Lead-Guitar & Vocals
Tony first picked up a guitar in 1981 learning chords from a Beatles song book. In 1982 Tony joined his first band covering Dire Straits and Chris Rea but never actually gigged because what was being played actually sounded less like Chris Rea and more like diarrhoea (and as Tony admits, it was shit!)
Tony’s big break came in 1987 when he joined Jon Hanlon’s Longjons as rhythm guitarist. Wearing long johns on stage Tony slotted straight into the line-up acting the fool and grinning like an idiot. Covering music from the 50’s to the 80’s the Longjons started playing in pubs and clubs then weddings, Masonic functions, got onto the holiday park circuit and for 12 years the Longjons went from strength to strength. The best gig Tony says they played was at Arsenal football ground (Highbury) in the North Bank in front of thousands of fans, Tony still boasts that he bravely wore his West Ham underpants under his Longjons!
After an 8 year break (occasionally jamming with Paul) and 2 grown up kids later Tony readily agreed to jump in as lead guitarist with Wheelchair Willy and the Whiprounds.
Alan "Slide" Poulter Slide-Guitar
Alan started his first band “Completely Out Of Control” in his early twenties with work colleague and long term agitator Mr Mark “Mini” Austin (founder of "The Belverdons”).
Various bands followed including: The Anvil Band, Dog Rough, Wilson, Inyaface and his current band Toad.
He has played many different styles over the years but his heart remains deeply rooted in blues & blues based rock.
Alan plays slide guitar and teams up with Tony for some killer leads & riffs.
Influences are: Jimi Page, Dave Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Alvin Lee, Carlos Santana, Johnny Winter, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, BB King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy and many many more.
Jason "Jase da Bass" Silverback Lead-Vocals & Bass-Guitar JASON
started playing guitar and writing songs in his early twenties, joining or starting numerous bands, playing lead and rhythm guitar and lead vocals on self penned songs across the south east until joining The Cherry Bombs a rock n roll blues cover band as lead guitarist. Following line up changes The Cherry Bombs became J-T-S. Frustrated at being stuck in the rehearsal studios Jason joined Wheelchair Willy and the Whiprounds as lead vocalist and bass guitarist.
Influences are, Rory Gallagher, Ace Frehley, Billy Gibbons, Angus and Malcolm Young, Pete Townsend, Randy Rhoades, Jimi Hendrix, Jimi Page, John Fruscantie, Hille Slovak, Dave Navarro, Wilko Johnson, Neil Young, Steve Marriot, Zak Wylde.
Stevie "Brushes" Bee Brushes & Sticks
Stevie Bee has played in numerous bands and extensively toured up and down the country. He is a vital part of Wheelchair Willy and the Whiprounds as he is the engine-room and driving force that keeps the other band members together as they each get to grips with their new instruments.
Blessed from day one with a phenomonal sense of natural rhythm Stevie immediately started playing drums on the midwife’s forceps as she pulled him from his mother’s womb. Stevie’s party-piece is to be able to pat the top of his head with one hand whilst rubbing his tummy in a circular motion with the other hand and at the same time drinking a gallon of Stella from a welly boot!
Scooby Doo May Band Mascot
Influences
Tim Aves and the boys from Automatic Slim
Nine Below Zero
Muddy Waters
Elmore James
Original Dr Feelgood
Canned Heat
Jimmy Rogers
Our story begins in January 2008 when a group of musicans got together in the backroom of their local pub "The Swan" in Witham, Essex for a few beers and a jam, resulting in the formation of .....
Wheelchair Willy and the Whiprounds
We thought it would be fun to have a bit of a jam and help Paul in his battle against Progressive Multiple Sclerosis by raising some money towards the £10,000 needed to replace his worn-out wheelchair.
In April 2008 we travelled down to Saint FM Recording Studios at St Peter's school in Burnham-on-Crouch. We were met by top Sound Engineer
PETE CRISP
who patiently guided us through the process of recording four songs. Pete is a diamond geezer and has, with his able assistant Esta made five ordinary guys sound half-decent, .....THANK YOU PETE.
Pete was highly recommended to us from several different sources and we can confirm he is one talented dude. Any Essex bands needing a quality place to record need look no further.
Then early one sunday morning in August 2008 we hit the streets of Witham with our good friend Hen to film a music video of Wheelchair Willy Mojo, viewable further down this page. Rumours quickly spread of strange, satanic rituals after someone spotted Tony's uncoordinated bodily spasms as he performed "The Willy" - Tony's trademark dance!
On the 8th November 2008 we performed our 1st gig at Blues at the Farm Billericay supporting Automatic Slim raising over £770 towards Paul's new chair. A big thank you to the guys at the Farm who made us really welcome and to Automatic Slim who not only gave us 40 minutes of their set but also their fee for the gig!.
You can see a few photos from the gig here BLUES AT THE FARM PHOTOS
On 29th November 2008 we played a sell out gig in Witham raising over £1700. On the 6th December we played in our local pub The Swan in Witham raising over £250. Thanks to all who came along to the shows. We had a ball!
You can see a few photos from the Witham gigs here WITHAM GIGS
Paul relaxes at The Swan with one of his groupies
We are proud to announce that donations and publicity from this website plus our gigs and a last minute contribution from the NHS Wheelchair Service has raised an incredible £10,000 and brought this fundraise to an end.
Paul is now zooming around the streets of Witham in his new machine ..... Watch out for Wheelchair Willy!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all that have supported us over the course of our 2008 fundraise.
Please Read This
The relentless progression of Paul’s MS dictates that Wheelchair Willy and the Whiprounds can now only play a few select gigs, so if you get the chance then please come and have a beer with us (Tony’s buying!).
The band is still available to play free of charge at local charity functions supporting any individuals that may be in need of a helping hand.
Contact band for availability either here on myspace or at wheelchairwillyandthewhiprounds@hotmail.co.uk
Alan, Jason, Steve and Tony are at present putting the final touches to forming their new group The Mad Dogs Blues Band and will be out gigging soon.
A big Whiprounds thank-you goes out to the "Hen the Pen" and his lovely wife "Nanny Jo" who are responsible for the creation of our "Wheelchair Willy Mojo" video and photography in the slideshow below. Please cancel the music player at the top of the page before playing the video to avoid any sound problems.
HEN'S WEBPAGE
Below is a slideshow of our videoshoot ..... enjoy!
Check out some of Hen and Paul's MS-Cartoons. MS CARTOONS
Dave King of “Cross Harp Chronicles” the online Blues magazine recently interviewed Paul about his journey with MS. Dave has had this interview published on the "All about Jazz" website. You can gain an insight into Paul’s MS and how the band has helped him through the last year or so by clicking here
READ PAUL'S INTERVIEW
Thanks for for coming along Paul! We had a ball...thanks to the fantastic audience! The van episode certainly added to the occasion! sold to the man in the wheelchair for £20!! all the best
Hi Paul i have put some photos from sat night on my web page check them out gotta sort out the others but got a busy week so not sure when the rest will go on
Hi Guys, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's gig at the Farm, which I'm sure is going to be packed. It should be a great afternoon, particularly with the shy Mr Aves performing with Automatic Slim. All the best, John (UK)
Hi.Thanks for req:-) And thanks for great comment on my tune!!! I like youre tunes a lot and please say Hello to Wheelchair Willy for me,he is a awesome harmonicaplayer. I hope Our paths cross oneday! Love and Happiness Lise;-)
Paul is a really talented harp player! His riffs are right on the money every time and his tone is absolutely delicious!!! AND You can really tell the musical connection between the band members because they're all seriously playing TOGETHER - instead of just standing there and being a part of the band. It makes it not only funky, but personal ! Great sound guys !!!!!
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