Backbeat Profile

The idea was to form a good band, with energetic members and play the best songs from the last six decades…Perform songs people want, not songs the band like!  We had to be compact enough to stay affordable, yet produce a live, full sound.  Technology and musicianship working together, with the best songs you can remember……..THAT is Backbeat!  We have and always will be self contained with a 5k PA and full lighting system available.  So, what about the musicians in the band?…..Here’s what we’ve done and who we are…

Mike Strafford – Vocals/occasional guitar Mike has fronted Backbeat since 1995 and never fails to deliver a dynamic and energetic performance.  He has been in the music business since the 80’s and has performed all over the UK college circuit, cabaret, bingo halls, Brannigans, Jumpin Jaks as well as corporate and private functions.  These diverse venues are proof that Mike knows how to command every level of audience and approaches each show with the same enthusiasm to ensure that the audience get the best value from the band, regardless of how many or how few people are attending! 

John Hides – Double Bass/Vocals An excellent all round musician and superb vocalist, Backbeat are proud to boast John’s unique and unmistakable guitar techniques and backing vocals.  John also takes the occasional lead vocal to display his excellent vocal abilities.  Mr Hides has a vast experience in the musical world since his teens.  His portfolio includes regular tours of the much respected Norwegian piano circuit. He also has worked his axe techniques to Japanese and US audiences.  Occasionally he grows his beard for the odd world tour with Abba tribute Bjorn Again…seriously!      

Joel White – Keyboards/vocals Joel provides the quality musical content for Backbeat courtesy of his magical keyboard skills, which he lends to Backbeat when he’s not in demand playing duelling piano’s throughout the country within Luminar Leisure’s, very popular Jumpin Jaks venues.  His xperience reads like a who’s who of music, providing keyboards for that other Sheffield band…PULP, as well as touring with Finlay Quaye, Darts et al.  Joel is also an excellent frontman and vocalist, and occasionally trades with Mike as frontman, while Mike looks after key duties.