Gary Driscoll - London Branch Secretary and singer.........
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Gary was born in 1959 and was raised in Camden Town, London.
He attended school in Somers Town, but it was at the age of 15 that his musical talent would first rise to the surface. He formed a band of which he was the drummer and singer, performing in local youth clubs.
As well as his love for music Gary had always wanted to pursue a career as a soldier. At the age of 17 he enlisted into the British Army, into one of the elite regiments, The Royal Green Jackets. It was during this long career in the services, that once again his singing talent was noticed. Whilst on posting in Germany in the 80’s, Gary was runner up in a forces ‘Opportunity Knocks’ talent show hosted by Hughie Green.
In 1992, Gary was the army sergeant who spontaneously sang from the Royal Box at the Centre Court during the Tennis semi finals at Wimbledon. He sang to over 11,000 spectators who were waiting for the rain to stop before the game could continue. This whole event was also broadcasted live by the BBC to millions of TV viewer’s world wide. He was the first person ever to be requested to sing at such an event. Most people remember seeing Sir Cliff Richard being asked to do the same thing, four years later.
He left the army and settled down in Bethnal Green where he pursued a new career as a singer, often appearing in the east end’s most famous pub, The Blind Beggar. He was soon to become a bit of a local celebrity in and around the east end of London, which led him to “an offer he couldn’t refuse;” performing at the funeral wake of one of the notorious Kray twins, Reggie Kray.
Gary has a unique vocal ability which allows him to cover a wide range of styles from the greats such as, Frank Sinatra, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Al Jolson, Joe Longthorne, John Holt, UB40, and many others.
His first album “Inspirations” has been very popular with his audiences, and he is currently recording a new album which will be available in August 2010.
He now lives in Essex and continues to work the club circuit.
