Think Floyd

Dawn Alacey
 Based in UK.
  Category:  James Bond Music Tribute
  Fee: On application.
  Location availability
Ireland / International.

Profile:

Classically trained on piano and organ, Rick sang in a cathedral choir, and learned to make dubious noises on the oboe "to get out of games lessons". Attracted to rock in a big way by hearing Focus’s 'Moving Waves', Rick grew his hair long and, to prove he was no softie, formed a pop group. Village halls throughout Gloucester were wowed by extended stylophone solos and huge speaker cabinets (most of them empty…). At Cambridge, participation in murky sounding bands, (Ken Wood & the Mixers was one...), passed the time between music lectures and choir practice.

Today he divides his time between producing, arranging, conducting orchestras for rock bands, and teaching music. Under his other name (Richard Benbow) he has worked with artists such as Jewel, Sneaker Pimps, Omar Hakim, Subcircus, Talk Talk, Ishtar, the Mighty Wah! and Simon Warner. He has recorded in studios as diverse as Abbey Road, Los Angeles Music Complex and Brittania Row (where Rick Wright's old Hammond was sitting in a corner begging to be played...), as well as undertaking major tours of the UK and Europe with Jewel.

Working as composer and MD for many theatre shows, Rick has created music for several original shows. He is currently playing keyboards with the Lennon tribute 'Come Together Right Now', as well as a new progressive rock show called 'Masterpieces'.

Rick's musical influences are shamelessly progressive rock: Focus, King Crimson, Floyd, Gong, Cardiacs, Genesis, Mars Volta, Yes, Gentle Giant. No favourite keyboard player, though Emerson and Moraz are 'scary': favourite musician would have to be Robert Fripp. Rick's favourite Pink Floyd track? "Shine On (all parts), but as we're playing it so much it's losing its novelty, so I'm going with Saucerful of Secrets (Pompeii version). Ask me again in 6 months and it will have changed!"

Richard Morse:

Richard Morse has been a guitarist and Pink Floyd fan since an early age.  As a teenager he played in an original rock band who's set at one time included 'In The Flesh' and 'Another Brick In The Wall'. Their list of gigs regularly included London venues such as the Marquee. After leaving that band Richard continued to play in covers bands whose styles ranged from Blues to Acoustic Rock, but nothing as dedicated as a tribute band.

In the year before joining Think Floyd Richard attempted to start his own Floyd tribute, this didn't get past rehearsals due to some band members having heavy musical commitments elsewhere but it was at these rehearsals in SE London where he saw Think Floyd's advert looking for a guitarist. He made the call and was soon playing his first gig with Think Floyd to over 3000 people at the Peterborough Beer Festival in August 2003.

Richard first time became aware of Pink Floyd watching the Knebworth festival on TV during the summer of 1990 during the dying days of the 'Delicate Sound Of Thunder' tour. Richard says "It's fair to say that for quite some time I have been obsessed with the Gilmour guitar style. When asked to name a favourite Floyd track, album or Gilmour guitar solo, I always struggle, so here are a few of my favourites:  'Time', 'Shine On', 'Wish You Were Here', 'Comfortably Numb'. Favourite album? 'Wish You Were Here', although that will probably change next week!"

Lewis Hall: