Band

Who Are the Bad Pennies?

The Band was started in the late 90’s at the Three Mariners by Gaz and Marquis with Ritchie on drums and Paul on Bass.
Ritchie and Paul came as a package with prior experience of playing together and were quite a double act.

Version 2 Bad Pennies had Steve on drums and Ange on bass then Version 3 saw the return of Ritchie - having decided he wasn’t ready for the rigours of the club / function band.
The band built up a good reputation with the set including a good mix of Rock classics, Modern Rock and some blues.

2003 saw their busiest year to date - highlight being the Pissed Indian Rally for the Renegade MC.

The year ended in tragedy with the untimely passing of Ange who died of a heart attack on Christmas eve, 2003.

Ange was a true rock star and great friend and will always be missed. It’s easy to say those words but he really was a great bloke.
A tribute gig was organised for the end of January at the Beacon Court (originally a Pennies gig) and hundreds of friends turned out to pay their respects.
Many of Ange’s former bands reformed to perform their own tributes.

Gigs had already been booked through 2004. The early ones were cancelled but the band tried to honour those venues who still called. Each gig had a different line-up and though everyone tried - there was something missing.
Meanwhile Gaz started the League of Scowlers - Alternative / modern rock band.

It was decided to close the book on the Bad Pennies at the Walnut Tree in December. With Ritchie on drums and Lee from the Scowlers on bass and a great audience this was one of the band’s top gigs. A fine way to finish.

Into 2005 and the League of Scowlers were becoming a major force. Ritchie was now singing and playing guitar in a duo. People kept asking about the Bad Pennies though. It was decided to re-launch the band with more of a Blues / Rock set and just do perhaps one gig per month. Lee from the Scowlers joined on bass and Marquis resumed on vocals.

Normal service was resumed at the Beacon on July 22nd and the band went from strength to strength.
There was a different attitude this time - and it began to rock again. Venues were re-booking the band through 2006 and they quickly surpassed the “one per month” plan. This didn’t suit Ritchie who decided to part company with the band in order to concentrate on other things.

At that stage the very excellent Jenx agreed to be the main man on drums - although, to be fair - Jenx plays for several outfits and we cannot always guarantee his availability.

March 2007 saw Lee depart for personal reasons and Brian (ex-Very Umble) stepped in.

Brian brought a refreshing combination of talent, commitment and light rig to the band - as well as backing vocals. Today you can catch the Bad Pennies performing all over the place. Sometimes with different drummers but always with commitment and enjoyment.

Through 2007, Bad Pennies were Marquis on vocals, Gaz on guitar, Brian on Bass and Jenx on Drums.
Also on drums we got support from Pipkin and Steve.
In addition to several bands, Steve has a parallel career in the German Adult Leisure Industry.

At the end of 2007 the band parted company with long-time singer Marquis and Brian assumed the role of lead vocals - making the band a three-piece. We also welcomed Dave on drums to work alongside Jenx

Today you can catch the Bad Pennies performing all over Kent and beyond. If you want to find out more, come along, see the show!

Top Dollar Rock and Blues
No Short Change - No Dodgy Notes!

Tight, no-nonsense Rock and Blues band pays tribute to
Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Johnny Winter, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy,
ZZ Top and more.

Based in Medway, Kent, England.

Compact and house-trained combo:
Guitar, Bass and Drums.

Available for gigs in Pubs & Clubs, Rallies, Open-Air Events and Private Parties around Kent, London and beyond....