Band!

Who are The Gaslighters???

John "Mr Showbiz" Doonan - Lead Singer

John's older brothers and his late father John are well known performers in the folk world The Doonan Family Band, and brother Michael also plays in a well known Yorkshire soul band called The Solicitors. John however started his own solo career almost 20 years ago becoming a popular act around the North East club scene under the name John Leonard.

The experience John gained performing solo has lead to him being one af the most polished and charasmatic front men around and as long as he sings in the key of E, he's not a bad singer.

Doug Payne - Rythm Guitar

Doug was the original bedroom guitarist before The Gaslighters were formed. A popular turn at house parties, Doug’s repertoire consisted of about 50 half learned songs, the only song he knew in it’s entirety, was the Freakers Ball ably assisted by his wife Jean. Doug’s driving guitar playing provides the backbone of The Gaslighters sound..... when he is not snapping strings that is! Doug also supplies the band with lines of complan and often gives advice on making the perfect gravy from Compton ’s gravy salts.

Mick O'Donnell - Drums

Mick learnt to play drums whilst serving in the Armed Forces. Indeed Mick has graced the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium, playing drums at half time on Cup Final Day and can also can be heard on the closing credits of the BBCs Dads Army programme.

After leaving the forces, Mick went into money laundering until he had enough to retire about thirty years ago. He will tell you its not that long ago, but don't believe him. Mick spends all of his time now cruising around in his beloved car and carrying out repairs to John's PA System. John is eternally grateful for this and pays his handsomely. Mick sits quietly at the back of the band, providing The Gaslighters with a steady no nonense beat. You always know when the band are ready for their second spot, as Mick will seen be carrying a pint in each hand onto stage.

Brendan (Memory Man) O'Donnell - Bass Guitar and Mandolin

Bren earns the name memory man because of his amazing capacity to know, or remember, the chords, lyrics and harmonies to EVERY song ever written. He used to have the nickname "Gig and Go" but La has taken over that mantle since joining the band.

When Bren is not playing he spends his time as "Dads Taxi", giving lifts to his three daughters and generally doing good. It is virtually accepted that if Bren were not in The Gaslighters he would have been a candidate for the priesthood. The boys in the band think that Brendan should be considered for canonisation and that St Brendan or Father Brendan has a certain ring to it.

Bren has to be one of the best bass guitarists around the north east band scene and his harmonies are part of what give The Gaslighters their distinctive sound. Bren always plays with a smile on his face, which becomes broader still, when he gets out his "Little Instrument".

Laurence 'La' Nesbitt - Lead Guitar and Bass Guitar

When La joined The Gaslighters, he took over Brens nickname "Gig and Go". The reason being, is that when La is not playing, he is an everyday hero, saving lives by the dozen every day and like every Super Hero, he has not got time to hang around after a gig.

Just give him a ring and La will provide you with life saving assistance. He is always on call and ready to go. Ask him for his number at gigs.

La has performed around the north east club and pub circuit for many years which is reflected in his polished lead guitar playing. La also demonstrates his musical flexibility when Bren gets out the mandolin, by switching to bass guitar.