Early Blues Interview
Mark Thornley Band - Biography

Mark Thornley, Guitar and Vocals

Played for many years pro and semi-pro, and played for many years with The Healers alongside Paul Randall who is also The Mark Thornley Band bass player.  The Healers played at many prominent blues festivals and venues, supported some great artists including Peter Greens Splinter Group, and were regularly asked to play and headline in the Isle of Man for TT week, at Bushys, Summerlands, and other big venues. They were a favourite on the bike rally circuit, and played at the prestigious Bulldog Bash in Stratford upon Avon. When The Healers members decided to amicably go their separate ways and take on some new ventures, Mark carried on giving guitar lessons and still does, did some session work, played in the band Red Handed and recorded the album A Handful of Blues which received good airplay on the Nick Dow blues show on BBC radio Lancashire. The C D was also reviewed in the Blue Matters Magazine, and complemented for its excellent musicianship, and great guitar work.  He Is currently finishing a BA(hons) degree course at UCLAN in Music Practice, and is hoping to take The Mark Thornley Band into as many blues venues and festivals as possible, and over on to the European circuit.

Paul Randall, Bass

Paul was playing in various bands and doing session work when he met Mark and The Healers were born. As stated above he enjoyed a long time as The Healers bass player, and after The Healers he also did more session and dep work, gave bass lessons and also still does, and played in Red Handed and provided the bass for The Handful of Blues C D. When Mark decided to front his own 3 piece blues band, the first person he called on for bass duties was Paul, who fortunately was able to jump on board full time on this project despite being in great demand, and he too is looking forward to a successful and enjoyable time with the band.    

Mick McDonald, Drums 

Mick is an accomplished drummer, who has toured Canada in a previous band, and has also played many a prestigious gig. He is a professional drum tutor, and has also done his fair share of session work.  Mick has known Mark for many years , and has worked in the past with Paul on a different project, so the call was made would he fancy the drum job in this new venture, and he said most definitely yes.  This was good news, and The Mark Thornley Band is an exciting and powerful band to watch with the three members delivering a dynamic set, and gaining excellent reviews.

www.myspace.com/markthornley 

See the Mark Thornley Band on the British Stage (Radio Lancashire Night)
at the Colne Great British R&B Festival Friday, 28th August 2009.

Return to Blues Interviews List