Originally formed in 1986, by Val Cowell (lead vocals & rhythm guitar), and Richard Hayes (lead & slide Guitar), the band has seen many line ups in the years since. Whilst Val and Richard have been the consistent driving force, the rhythm section has seen some changes. Ever since the beginning the band has toured constantly, playing in a wide variety of venues, including the now legendary Marquee Club (both Wardour St and Charing Cross Rd) on a great many occasions.
2006 – With the taking of a backseat from Chris Childs for a while due to other musical commitments, Val, Rich and Harry are very happy to welcome Peter Stoud (Papa George Band and Peter Green's Splinter Group) and Bob Skeat (Wishbone Ash) to the Bass stand . This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Val and Richard forming the band. (New album in progress)
2008 – Pete Stroud (Peter Green/Buddy Whittington) sticks around and the band and Pete are working on long awaited CD , everyone's' busy schedules permitting!!
2009...sees the release of the bands' 6th CD "CAROUSEL" with the new song writing collaboration. This title includes 11 original songs and 2 covers taken from Dixie Chicks/Keb Mo and Lucinda Williams.
The Style
Bad Influence is described as a “Rock and Blues” band and that is where they sit quite comfortably. However, this band has many musical influences and it shows in just about every song on the new CD. Val is often described as “Bonnie Raitt gone raunchy” or “powerful like Janis Joplin”. Richard squeezes every ounce of passion from the guitar, whilst Harry and Pete hold it very tightly together at the back. Val & Richard sometimes go out as a duo too, so they can tailor their show to just about any occasion.
The live show is exciting and packed full of both original songs and killer cover versions, with songs from artists as diverse as Tom Petty, Dixie Chicks and even Rory Gallagher. All are delivered in their own distinctive style, retaining the gutsy R & B flavour (in the old sense of the phrase) the band holds so dear.
Bad Influence have survived the perils of the live circuit for a number of reasons, but the most striking reason is quite simply because they’re very, very good at what they do.
