AKJN-69 - About Me
Over the past 25 years I have been in some of the most colourful and flamboyant bands in south west England and still I can't put it down - too much of a buzz.
From the glitz and glam of ‘Terry Tinsel and the Spangle Boyz’ and the ‘Love Jetz’ to the rockier glam ‘Skin Trade’ and the 70's Ziggy (and friends) covers of the ‘Diamond Dogs’.
The colour drenched, psychedelic punk-pop of 'Cosmic Jive' to the blitz-club inspired ‘Kick Up The Eighties (KUTE)’ covers and the synth-pop sound of ‘Red Light Go’ to the punk-new wave covers of ‘Vinyl Warning’ through to my current band 'The Radio Makers' who are entertaining people across the south-west with some punchy alternative, glam, pop originals.
In my various guises (Sam Sequin, Jensen DC, Andy Madison - but never Andrew Nortrop), I have worn way too much make-up, donned many a dodgy outfit, scchmoked way too much, drank too much and generally had loads of fun strutting my stuff. I have done my best to ensure the good people of Bristol, Bath (and elsewhere) have been - and continue to be, thoroughly entertained and I continue to promote bands that perform to the audience rather than their shoes.
I think that every live show that I do has made an impression (good or bad) and I am proud to say I have not been in any ‘wallpaper’ bands. I wish I had a list of all of these gigs, but was sadly not organised enough in my youff.
To those who have been in these bands (or involved in any way) with me in the past and present and help create my little piece of pop history - I thank you (there have been so many laughs and Spinal Tap moments !!).
To those who pay your hard earned monies and use your invaluable time to support these bands - I salute you.
Email me if you have stories, memories or pics: akjn69@gmail.com.
The Radio Makers (2016 to date)
The Radio Makers a hard hitting alternative glam, pop quartet, who with the classic bass, drums, 2 guitar line-up, deliver a catchy brand of anthemic pop which combines edgy guitars, groovy bass-lines, driving drums and sing-along choruses to deliver an unforgettable sound. We released our 'I'm A Poseur' single in November 2020 and released our debut album, Lucky Stars, on the 7th August 2023. Both were produced by Steve Evansson who has worked with Goldfrapp, The Proclaimers and Siouxsie Sioux to name but a few.
For further information of live dates follow the Radio Makers on Facebook or follow the Radio Makers on twitter. There are a few videos on my Video page.... Enjoy.
You can subscribe to the Radio Makers YouTube channel
Vinyl Warning (2010 - 2012)
Vinyl Warning played punk and new-wave covers from bands such as the Pistols, the Clash, the Buzzcocks, the Ramones and many more. Our sets were full-on, presenting authentic live versions of the songs from the punk and new wave era. Our 2 x 1 hour sets virtually killed us all (bands of the time probably did 40 minutes max !!) and the punters always wanted more.
Red Light Go (2005 - 2009)
Red Light Go took the best sounds and styles from the past and re-invented them for the future. We were likened to the Sex Pistols, David Bowie, T- Rex, Guns’n’Roses, The Clash, The Cure and early Manic Street Preachers. We released the self-titled Red Light Go album in 2006 and played live radio sessions on both local and national radio including the Radio 6 breakfast show. We headlined at some of the region’s biggest venues and received rave reviews for appearances at major local festivals including the Main stage at Ashton Court Festival and Stroud Fringe Festival where our stage was invaded by enthusiastic fans.
Kick Up The Eighties (1999 - 2004)
Kick Up The Eighties (KUTE) paid hommage to the favourite bands of my early teens - Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Adam and the Ants and the Human league. Complete with Mark Trueman's oh so authentic keys and sequence lines we made a big 80s sound with a big 80s look (leather, lace, a trilby hat and way too much black eyeliner - beautiful).
Cosmic Jive (1994 - 1999)
Cosmic Jive (later ‘Cosmic’) played punk-pop-glam (coined as lolli-pop) inspired originals - breaking from the brit-pop lad culture of the mid 90s we gave the public something big bright, bold and poppy. With my (hommage to Ziggy) bright red-orange hair and our neon drenched stage show, we gave crowds a ‘once seen, never forgotten’ alternative to shoe-gazing jangle-pop.
We released the infamous (in my head) ‘Hey-Hey-Hey’ demo which included the bands anthem ‘Popstar legend‘ which we played live on Telewest in 1996.
Diamond Dogs (1992 - 1995)
Diamond Dogs Played a mix of early 70s Bowie inspired rock covers, Diamond Dogz played many of Bristol's pub rock venues. Turning heads wherever we played, our shows were always memorable (for one reason or another !).
The Love Jetz / Skintrade (1990 - 1992)
Initially the Love Jetz, but more successful after a name change to Skintrade, we moved from the 70s glam inspired tinsel days to a rockier sound. Playing original songs that stood alongside the rock-glam bands of the late eighties (Guns'n'Roses, Hanoi Rocks, Motley Crue, Poison et al). We played venues across the south of England and Wales including numerous dates in London town and built a large following of ‘raggy-dolls’.
We released the ‘Skin'd alive’ EP which was recorded live at Moles club on 24th December 1990 and received glowing reviews in both Kerrang and Metal Hammer magazines. Publicity for the 12" EP included TV appearances on HTV and Channel 4.
Terry Tinsel and the Spangle Boyz (1988 - 1990)
Terry Tinsel and the Spangle Boyz, once voted 2nd best local band by Venue magazine readers (much to the editorial team's annoyance), played a mix of classic 70s glam rock covers and our own self-penned glam gems. We built up a large and loyal following in Bristol and Bath playing to sell-out crowds in much loved venues from Bath Rock, Chemies, Moles, the Tiergarten and Bath university to the Thekla, the Bristol Bridge, the Fleece and Firkin and Bristol universities.
Over 64 sequin stained gig we set off fire-alarms, set band member's hair alight and poisened audiences with our over the top pyrotechnic shows. High-lights include supporting the Glitter band and being supported by Hollywood superstar Steve Cougan - Ah Ha. The band were well supported by John 'The Guru' Hughes - who gave a lot and put up with more, and Kev Smith.
Our final gig was a sell-out of the Bristol Bierkeller in March 1990 - what a great night.