Rod Demick facts for kids

Roderick Demick (born 17 March 1947) is a British musician. He is known for playing the guitar and bass. Rod has performed with many famous artists throughout his career.

Rod Demick's Musical Journey

Rod Demick was born in Prestatyn, Wales. When he was five years old, his family moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Rod started learning to play the guitar at a young age.

Early Bands and The Wheels

At just 11 years old, Rod joined his very first band called the Vibros. This band later changed its name to the Telstars. In 1963, Rod joined another band from Belfast called The Wheels. The next year, he moved to England with them.

With Rod playing rhythm guitar, harmonica, and singing, The Wheels released several songs. One of their songs, "Bad Little Woman," was later recorded by another band called The Shadows of Knight. The Wheels also got to open for famous American musicians like John Lee Hooker.

New Adventures and Collaborations

The Wheels broke up in 1967. After that, Rod and his bandmate, Herbie Armstrong, joined Screaming Lord Sutch's band for about six months. In 1968, Rod and Herbie tried recording music as a duo called the James Brothers. They released two songs, but they weren't very successful.

Rod and Herbie continued to perform together under their own names. They toured with a band and released two albums: Little Willy Ramble (in 1971) and Lookin' Through (in 1972). Music critics thought these albums were "impressive."

Session Work and More Bands

In the 1970s, Rod worked as a session musician. This means he was hired to play instruments for recordings or live shows without being a permanent member of a band.

In 1973, he joined a band called Bees Make Honey. They were known for their "pub rock" style. However, the album they recorded together was never released, and the band split up in 1974. Rod later reunited with Herbie Armstrong in 1978 in a band called Yellow Dog.

After that, Rod joined the band Meal Ticket. He toured with them and played on their 1978 album, Take Away. He then worked with singer-songwriter Ian Gomm. Rod toured the United States with Gomm, opening for the famous band Dire Straits. He also played on two of Gomm's albums.

Touring with Stars

In the early 1980s, Rod joined David Essex's band as the bassist. He toured with David Essex for several years and played on his 1983 album, The Whisper. Rod also performed with Ron Kavana.

In 1985, Rod joined the Strawbs, replacing their previous bassist. He stayed with The Strawbs until 1998. During this time, he also played with their blues band, Turkey Leg Johnson. Rod also performed with several bands led by Jim McCarty, including the Yardbirds during their reunion shows in 1992. He has also played with other well-known musicians like Dr. John, Billy Ocean, and Taj Mahal.

Paul Lamb and the King Snakes

In the early 1990s, Rod joined the Paul Lamb Blues Band. After leaving The Strawbs, he became a full-time member of Paul Lamb and the King Snakes in 1999.