The Jiveoholics are a six piece band, featuring trumpet, sax, keys, guitar, bass and drums

Personnel:

Tony K is one of the original members of the band, apparently by claiming squatter’s rights. Originally from North Yorkshire he moved to Wales in 1980 and has since remained incarcerated in the land of song, despite strenuous efforts by Gwent Police. He has allegedly been playing the guitar for over 50 years, which just goes to prove that you really can’t teach an old dog a new trick. He has an extensive collection of guitars and was recently advised by Eric Clapton to sell all but one of them and learn to play it properly.

Roger reminisces: "Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to hang out with musicians, but there comes a point in every lifetime when you have to let your dreams go. I am a perfectionist and hate it when I set up on a stage that isn't level, but I have to say it's great playing with these guys. No, really, I mean it, I have to say this. Playing jive music that really swings, love it! I'm still looking forward to it!"

Sean started out playing guitar but found the myriad finger/string options confusing. Four fingers, therefore four strings seemed right. A graduate of the "One finger, one thumb, keep moving" music college, he enjoys putting out the low down and dirty. Blessed with perfect pitch, although sadly nowhere near that heard by everyone else, his vocals have finally been passed "fit for human consumption" by utilising a heavy application of auto-tune. Graciously allowed by the rest of the band to be sound tech, roadie and driver.

Ceri was born at a very young age and was such an ugly baby the midwife slapped his mother. Due to his diminutive (but all-paid-for and perfectly formed) stature, he is the last member of the band to know when it's raining. He began playing the trumpet at age 11, primarily as an indication to others of his whereabouts, and over the years his playing has steadily progressed from 'shows promise', through 'must try harder' to the internationally acclaimed, peer-reviewed standard of "Not Bad". 

Gareth started out on the black notes, moved on to the white notes and now, even though everything should be in black and white, likes to take a risk by playing any notes. Heavily influenced by the late, great Les Dawson, his harmonies and counter-point melodies have to be heard to be believed. A closet epicure with regard to offerings from Wetherspoons, he has also acquired a great repertoire of jokes (a true professional), many of which are funny, which alone has kept his place in the band.

Although the panic attacks are becoming fewer, Jack still recalls his first exposure to The Jiveoholics when he was bundled into the back of a white van on a deserted street in Outer Newport. Due in part to his pragmatism, but mainly to Stockholm Syndrome, Jack has become resigned to his fate, eking out a meagre existence playing music old enough to be his grandfather, in the company of several erstwhile musicians who are even older. Arguably the best-looking sax-player in the band, he has come to accept that his multi- instrument and vocal talents will remain unused and in all probability, his ransom will not be paid.