Mark Dawson

Lead Guitar and Musical Director

Abandoned at an early age, I was brought up by the Woodland Folk from whom I got my love of Big Game hunting and the music of George Formby. Vowing to always do what the voices in my head told me, I rose rapidly through the ranks and was soon promoted to the post of Centurian.

I served under the tutorage of Herman the Unsteady and saw active service against the Gauls in the first century Cod Wars off the coast of Herne Bay. We won that one, so I went back into the woods with my share of the fishy spoils and emerged slightly smellier, several centuries later.

The Dissolution of the Monastries took us all by surprise and I returned to middle England to lick my wounds – no fish this time, just a large vat of Drambuie. A new form of crop rotation had taken hold as I slumbered, and I awoke to a world of far greater agricultural yields per acre than had previously been thought possible.

Pausing briefly as the expanding canal network snaked its way through our major cities (curiously avoiding Beckenham) I stumbled into the industrial revolution and discovered the joys of vulcanised rubber.

Rejected as a possible suitor by the young Queen Victoria I realised I’d probably blown my best chance of marrying into royalty and took up the banjo instead, only to put it down again when it’s rightful owner demanded it back.

I waited a while for electricity to be invented and soon after the siren voice of the electric guitar beckoned, so I taught GCSE level Feedback at Hogwarts school till they found what I kept hidden under my bed. These days I just watch the washing machine go round.

Now I must go and lie down and take my tablets…….

1973 – Joined pre-punk band “Scum of the Earth” whilst at school – supported Michael Des Barres (Silverhead) at the Roundhouse.

Band split and reformed as Streamliner with John Osborn (aka Billy Karloff) –  gigs on the London pub circuit with Iron Maiden, Heavy Metal Kids (Gary Holton) etc. Narrowly escaped being mauled by resident lion on the roof of The Island Hotel, Leysdown which soon after mysteriously burnt down.

Worked at Macari’s guitar shop in Charing Cross Road for 3 years – sold goodies to Thin Lizzy, Jack Bruce, Hank Marvin, Eric Idle, Tony McFee, Andy Fraser etc – attended many Led Zeppelin rehearsals on pretext of selling them equipment – actually just to watch in awe!

"Went to ELPs Christmas party at their Manticore studios – not the evening of sex, drugs and rock and roll

my teenage self had been hoping for, as the Roadies forgot to order enough beer (amongst other things)

Auditioned for The Damned – didn’t get the gig.

Left Macaris and opened Golddust Recording Studios (www.golddust.co.uk) in 1979  - currently still operating. First session (and theirs) was with Goth band Bauhaus.

Formed NWOBHM band Legend in 1980 – played gigs on same circuit as Purple drummer Neil and guitarist and chum, Brian Matthews.

 Later joined by brother Gavin Matthews on bass. Played Marquee several times before splitting in 1982.

Recorded and worked with many artists in studio (http://golddust.co.uk/clients.html) Mixed “Motorhead Live 1983” album.

1995 Legend album AD1980 released retrospectively on CD by Vinyl Tap.

Re-kindled interest in playing, and formed noisy rock covers band “Taste Station Zero” with Gavin.

1998. Started learning piano.

Joined blues band, Sneeky, on guitar then piano. Still gigging.

Recorded several albums with musical pals, just for fun, as “The Plums”

Asked at short notice to find backing band for Elvis tribute artist, Danny Fisher in 2002 to fulfil gigs at the Albert Hall. Members of the brass section “The Kick Horns” http://www.kickhorns.com/ were already on board, and very fortunate to obtain the services of Shakin’ Stevens drummer, Howard Tibble and Gavin.

2005. Played piano in house band for jam nights at Rock pub.

Most fun gig – with Brian and Gavin at Igtham village hall, playing with the girls from Bucks Fizz!

Joined Purple as temporary stand in for Brian to fulfil gig obligations.