| Born in Exeter, England on 24th of March 1958, the son of Brian and Margaret Pearce. I went to St. Sidwells Infant and Junior School, Hele's School, then on to Exeter Technical College (to retake the 'O' levels I failed at school). It was at Hele's that my love of music and the guitar developed. I joined my first band, 'Pigmantrike' (as a singer - my guitar playing was crap then!) late '74 with school friends Rick and Adie Cook. I'd previously roadied for an Exmouth band called 'Solid Ground' and, thanks to Dave Harding (bass) and Al Johnson (guitar) learned much and dreamed of becoming a rock guitarist. Gifted acoustic player and old school mate John Freeman helped a lot, and myself, John, Ashleigh Smith and others would often play in and around the pubs of Exeter and Topsham. Despite my struggle with the guitar, I was asked (early '76) to stand in for fellow guitarist - Steve Major - with a band called 'Steel Mill' at a gig at the 'Cat & Fiddle'. Steve Major was tiring of 'middle of the road' stuff and looking for something heavier, and as it was we soon became friends and went on to form 'Wasp'. I had been writing songs since late 1974, but it wasn't until Wasp formed in 1976 that I really got into song writing. The Wasp final line-up was Kevin Bennett (vocals), Valdis Muncis (bass), Ernie Ballard (drums), Steve Major (guitar) - where are you all now guys? - and me. The story continues................ |  |
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