AM5

AM5 is a British blues band. Its sound centres on hard-driving British rhythm and blues, drawing on the style of acts such as Dr. Feelgood, the Count Bishops and early Pretty Things, and combining that with influences from American biker and bar bands including the Nighthawks and the Guy Forsyth Band. The group also plays its own material, and performs both electric and acoustic sets.

History

The band is founded by harmonica player Al E Bye, also known as Little Al. Before forming AM5, he plays in several Southend-area groups, including the Jukes, the Screamin' Abdabs, which is Alison Moyet’s original band, and the Chicago Bearcats. He first performs under the name the Al Morocco Five before changing the band’s style and name to AM5.

Bassist T.C. joins after previously playing with Eddie and the Hotrods, touring in Europe and America, and working with Lew Lewis’ band, Jumping Catfish featuring Steve Weston. Drummer Wayne “Triumph” Bronze joins in September 1996 after a tour of Germany; he has also played with the Hotrods, Otis Grand, and musicians associated with Dr. Feelgood. Vocalist Big Baz changes the group’s direction with his stage presence and slide guitar. Before joining AM5, he fronts the rock band Lizard and produces its album The Power of One. Lead guitarist Terry “Dave” Wyatt is the most recent member named in the bio; he has played in Lizard, Moon, the Swampsnakes and Coyote Blues, and also does session work.

Former members and related projects

Other guitarists who have been members of AM5 include Badger Norris, Ian Cundy and Chris Kelly. Former drummers include Colin Gilbert and Bob Clouter. Bass players who deputise for the band include Russ Strutter, Phil Mitchell and Andy Farrell, and harmonica substitutes include Mark Sibley and Jim the Harp.

After the band splits in 2002, Big Baz relocates to Spain and performs solo, later forming the Yankee Blues Brothers with Eddy Stacey. T.C. and Wayne form the Nightflys with Mark Sibley and Kevin Webb. T.C. later forms Snake Oil with Mike Levey, before moving to Spain and then Newcastle. Wayne plays with the Roy Mette Band and other groups. Terry Wyatt later plays bass in Who’s Who, a Who tribute band. Al joins Hair of the Dog for about a year and also forms the duo the Jives with Jeff Chapman, which continues to tour around Europe.

Reformations

AM5 reunites briefly for a one-off performance in February 2011, with Mark Sibley deputising for Al. In 2012, the original members return for several performances in England and Europe.