Meet the band
Gary Charman - Vocals
Gary’s music career began in the 70’s when he joined Folk Rock Band 9.30 Fly. The band went on to record an album at the iconic Rockfield Studios for EMI. Later, Gary put a band together as a tribute to Great British Rock under the name “Classic Rock UK” touring successfully for many years.
Gary then went on to join Who’s Next, (as Roger Daltry...who else!) Europe’s top Tribute to The Who touring the Uk & Europe for over 7 years.
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Gary currently also plays the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and formed 'The Tom Petty Legacy' later adding a Fleetwood Mac element and producing Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. The Legacy Show.
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And finally also as lead singer with the American Highway.
Matt Bucher - Drums
Matt began playing the drums at 13 and joined The Screaming Ameebas at 15 with Martin “Ace” Kent (Skunk Anansie) performing regularly and recording the Power EP. He then joined Frontier performing extensively and recording.
With a focus on Latin and Funk music Matt moved to London to study and began teaching with many pupils becoming professional musicians. Matt has performed with Swedish guitarist Andreas Oberg concluding with a performance at Birmingham Jazz Festival.
Matt joined Gary in The Tom Petty Legacy band and now with the American Highway.
Ian Barrett - Keyboards, Guitar and Backing vocals
Ian started life as a guitar player playing in one of his home county's premier cover bands. Playing covers of all types, genres and styles meant a keyboard often became necessary so he developed the art of 'getting away with it' on keyboard! ~He's got away with it in both the UK and Europe so far!
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Yet another member of the Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac family, Ian jumped at the chance to join this new project playing the music of his childhood and teenage years. and he also gets to use both his guitar and his keyboard in this new show.
Alan Dugdale - Lead & Rhythm Guitar and Backing vocals
Alan started life as a disciple of the cover band scene, originally a trained bass player he graduated to playing guitar and offers both lead and backing vocals. Over the years all this gigging has allowed him to build an enviable Fender Stratocaster collection - which does comes in very handy as he was Dave Gilmour in a Pink Floyd tribute band
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Joining the Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty Legacy has allowed Alan to build a similar collection of Fender Telecasters and 'jangly 12 string electric guitars too, which, as luck would have it, are also perfect for the American Highway show.
Andy Rushton Bass Guitar and Backing vocals
Andy has been playing bass and guitar for as long as he can remember. He has played almost every style of music there is, and has worked in theatre, radio and session recording. But his first love is live music. He grew up listening to classic rock and blues and is thrilled to have the opportunity to hold down the low end in the band. Andy tries very hard not to look like he’s having a great time on stage. He usually fails.
Andy Warden- Lead & Rhythm Guitar and Backing vocals
Andrew is a guitarist and songwriter based in East London/Essex. He has been performing, writing and recording original and popular music for over 25 years, including a 15-year stint as guitarist and backing vocalist with originals band Mini. He played guitar in respected Pink Floyd tribute, Mimik Floyd, and is a member of the pop trio The Flatpack Futures. Andy has always been a lover of harmony and joining the the American Highway was, therefore, a no-brainer.