History
Never grew up formed in 1993-4. Roy (lead guitar) and Bob (bass) have been good friends since their school days and played in a band together in the early days. After getting together with Ian (rhythm guitar & vocal) for a couple sessions decided to form a band which developed into Never Grew Up ...... after going through several reincarnations with a number of drummers, Gary(drums) joined in 2000. The first singer was Jeff Argent who was with the band for many years before ill health forced him to give up. Jeff was followed by Les MacLennan who joined from Essexband Fester in 2002 as singer and front man. After Les relocated to France, local solo artist Mark Lester joined the band in 2005.
Mark Lester (Vocals) - I joined the band in autumn 2005 where I slowly but surely learnt most of their set list. I started singing at the age of 13, and playing the guitar since I was 7. I started writing songs when I turned 15 and have been ever since. (please check www.marklestermusic.com)
Roy Smith (Guitar and Vocals) - Started playing guitar at 15 when I decided to quit the school brass band and swap my trombone for an electric guitar. I have been in numerous bands playing in the UK and mainland Europe. (Once played with Mike Oldfield of "Tubular Bells" fame.) I have known Bob since school days and we got together with Ian to form Never Grew Up about 12 years ago.
Ian Cutting (Guitar and Vocals) - I started playing guitar when I was around 15, influenced by my elder brother who played in folk clubs and moreover by the musical influences of my childhood heroes , The Beatles. I was further influenced by rock bands such as Wishbone Ash, Be Bop Deluxe,Yes, and Barclay James Harvest. I played in college bands,inparticular Tempus Fugit where I experienced regular public appearances. I got together with jamming mate Bob and Roy to form Never Grew Up and was key in introducing my old mate Gary to the band.
Gary Hayes (Drums and Vocals) - I joined my first Band - Bonum Sonus- at 17 playing bass. I new Ian since our teens and he taught me guitar and we used to play Beatles stuff. I took up drums in my forties when I heard there was a vacancy in Never Grew up. I had one lesson and joined the Band! I had known Ian from way back and when he told me they were looking for a new drummer, as I was without a band at the time, I jumped at the chance.
Bob Hollingsbee (Bass and Vocals) - I started playing guitar at 15 with mates at school. Played rhythm guitar and gigged with a couple of bands in the 70's. Later gave it up due to work commitments but got back together again with Roy and Ian and decided to give bass a try. I took to the bass straight away and haven't looked back !