Our Bios
Antoinette Partridge - Smith
Hi All! I'm also a 'Divine Inspiration' I have loved singing from as far back as my memory serves. I was a member of the local Church and school choir's throughout my childhood and I am also a Performing Arts graduate (Dartington College of Arts 1998). I have a varied background in musical and contemporary theatre, which spans over 10 years. My musical tastes are also varied and although I would never have classed myself as an Elvis fan, I have to say after rehearsing and performing with the band, isn't his music great?!!!
I feel extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to be a part of this fun, yet highly professional band. I feel absolutely 'Divine'!
Rebecca Rudall
Hi I'm Rebecca, and yes, I'm a "Divine Inspiration" (so my husband tells me everyday...not!)
The bit about me. Well I'm 31 and first discovered I could sing when I was about 5 or 6 when my Dad sat by the piano and asked me to sing one of his songs. I adore singing and haven't stopped since then.
As with a lot of people my musical background was influenced a lot by church and chapel. I play the flute but my love lies with singing and this was demonstrated when I was asked to lead the "worship" band at church (just a normal everyday band - but with it's influence primarily being christian based songs) I did this for about 3 years before moving on.
I am happy to be singing again now - even though I never would have imagined myself in an Elvis tribute band (and nobody else would have either!). I am privileged to be part of a fabulous band with some great, very talented people.
They can all pay me later :-)
Darren Jones
Darren has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He has played in a wide range of bands covering most genres from rock and pop to country and blues. He's never happier than performing and enjoys being part of a great band which provides a fantastic experience for the audience.
Darren's love of Elvis began with his mother's record collection and films on TV. "What I loved about those films was that Elvis wasn't just a soldier he was a soldier that played guitar or a race car driver that played guitar!!"
Darren's influences include Richard Thompson, Bernard Butler, Jonny Greenwood, Jack White, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, The Beatles... And many many more.
Darren joined Kurt's 'Memory Of The King' band in early 2009.
Darren Steed
Darren has been playing in bands for over 20 years. He has covered many styles ranging from Cabaret and Jazz through to Heavy Metal. He has played with bands such as Runaway, Junction 45, Electric Head and The Wizards Of Oz before joining Kurt's 'Memory Of The King' tribute band in early 2008.
Jules Burton
Jules has played guitar for over 30 years. As lead guitarist in the band - it's a hectic, yet very rewarding schedule! "I remember buying a very cheap electric guitar in the late 70's and my elder brother Richard coming around on Sundays to tune it up for me!
He also taught me my first barre chords, which hurt like hell, but the rest I kinda taught myself."
Jules' first public appearance was at the Paget Rooms in Penarth as the on stage guitarist in 'Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat'.
During the 1980's he went on to play various pubs, folk clubs etc. as a solo guitar/vocalist and sometimes as a duo with Richard his brother, or close friend Brian Mugford.
"When my children came along the guitars took a firm back seat and rarely saw the light of day, with just an occasional appearance. Then a chance meeting with an old friend Gareth Jones a few years ago inspired me to resurrect my love for playing live gigs."
Jules has always been a big Elvis fan and after his first visit to the Porthcawl Elvis Festival he was hooked. He met a lot of fabulous people and became a regular at the various 'get-togethers' throughout the year. When asked by Kurt to become his sideman he naturally jumped at the chance. He says: "I particularly love our rehearsal sessions and feel that we've developed a close bond musically, and the other guys are like family members. We have great fun on stage too and really encapsulate the Elvis experience".
Julian Rudall
Julian has been playing drums and percussion for over 20 years. He has played with The Cory Band, The BTM Band, Llwydcoed Big Band, local rock band Sycophant, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and National Brass Band of Wales. He has performed throughout UK and Europe playing venues ranging from the small theatres to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Cardiff St David's Hall, Portsmouth Guildhall, Cardiff International Arena and Munich Musikhalle.
Julian has recorded albums with The Cory Band, The BTM Band and Llwydcoed Big Band. He has also recorded an EP with Sycophant.
Julian also teaches, following the Trinity Guildhall and Rockschool syllabuses.
Julian lists Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, of course Ronnie Tutt, Stewart Copeland, Joey Jordison, Thomas Lang, Gregg Bissonnette and Buddy Rich among his influences. However he places Louis Bellson at the top "my Dad bought me a recording of 'Skin Deep'. I will never forget hearing it for the first time. It blew me away!"
Andy Tinning
Andy has been playing piano since the age of 4 and has been performing in professional bands for over 12 years. He has been inspired by players such as Ian McLagan (Faces, Stones), Roy Bittan (Springsteen), and of course Glen Hardin of the fabulous TCB band!
As well as being the keyboard player in Van Tramp, previous band credits include El Camino and The Italian Job. Andy moved from London to Porthcawl in 2006 and was excited to have the opportunity to play Elvis's finest songs and be part of Kurt's 'Memory of the King tribute band.
Antoinette Partridge - SmithHi All! I'm also a 'Divine Inspiration' I have loved singing from as far back as my memory serves. I was a member of the local Church and school choir's throughout my childhood and I am also a Performing Arts graduate (Dartington College of Arts 1998). I have a varied background in musical and contemporary theatre, which spans over 10 years. My musical tastes are also varied and although I would never have classed myself as an Elvis fan, I have to say after rehearsing and performing with the band, isn't his music great?!!!
I feel extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to be a part of this fun, yet highly professional band. I feel absolutely 'Divine'!
Rebecca RudallHi I'm Rebecca, and yes, I'm a "Divine Inspiration" (so my husband tells me everyday...not!)
The bit about me. Well I'm 31 and first discovered I could sing when I was about 5 or 6 when my Dad sat by the piano and asked me to sing one of his songs. I adore singing and haven't stopped since then.
As with a lot of people my musical background was influenced a lot by church and chapel. I play the flute but my love lies with singing and this was demonstrated when I was asked to lead the "worship" band at church (just a normal everyday band - but with it's influence primarily being christian based songs) I did this for about 3 years before moving on.
I am happy to be singing again now - even though I never would have imagined myself in an Elvis tribute band (and nobody else would have either!). I am privileged to be part of a fabulous band with some great, very talented people.
They can all pay me later :-)
Darren JonesDarren has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He has played in a wide range of bands covering most genres from rock and pop to country and blues. He's never happier than performing and enjoys being part of a great band which provides a fantastic experience for the audience.
Darren's love of Elvis began with his mother's record collection and films on TV. "What I loved about those films was that Elvis wasn't just a soldier he was a soldier that played guitar or a race car driver that played guitar!!"
Darren's influences include Richard Thompson, Bernard Butler, Jonny Greenwood, Jack White, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, The Beatles... And many many more.
Darren joined Kurt's 'Memory Of The King' band in early 2009.
Darren SteedDarren has been playing in bands for over 20 years. He has covered many styles ranging from Cabaret and Jazz through to Heavy Metal. He has played with bands such as Runaway, Junction 45, Electric Head and The Wizards Of Oz before joining Kurt's 'Memory Of The King' tribute band in early 2008.
Jules BurtonJules has played guitar for over 30 years. As lead guitarist in the band - it's a hectic, yet very rewarding schedule! "I remember buying a very cheap electric guitar in the late 70's and my elder brother Richard coming around on Sundays to tune it up for me!
He also taught me my first barre chords, which hurt like hell, but the rest I kinda taught myself."
Jules' first public appearance was at the Paget Rooms in Penarth as the on stage guitarist in 'Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat'.
During the 1980's he went on to play various pubs, folk clubs etc. as a solo guitar/vocalist and sometimes as a duo with Richard his brother, or close friend Brian Mugford.
"When my children came along the guitars took a firm back seat and rarely saw the light of day, with just an occasional appearance. Then a chance meeting with an old friend Gareth Jones a few years ago inspired me to resurrect my love for playing live gigs."
Jules has always been a big Elvis fan and after his first visit to the Porthcawl Elvis Festival he was hooked. He met a lot of fabulous people and became a regular at the various 'get-togethers' throughout the year. When asked by Kurt to become his sideman he naturally jumped at the chance. He says: "I particularly love our rehearsal sessions and feel that we've developed a close bond musically, and the other guys are like family members. We have great fun on stage too and really encapsulate the Elvis experience".
Julian RudallJulian has been playing drums and percussion for over 20 years. He has played with The Cory Band, The BTM Band, Llwydcoed Big Band, local rock band Sycophant, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and National Brass Band of Wales. He has performed throughout UK and Europe playing venues ranging from the small theatres to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Cardiff St David's Hall, Portsmouth Guildhall, Cardiff International Arena and Munich Musikhalle.
Julian has recorded albums with The Cory Band, The BTM Band and Llwydcoed Big Band. He has also recorded an EP with Sycophant.
Julian also teaches, following the Trinity Guildhall and Rockschool syllabuses.
Julian lists Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, of course Ronnie Tutt, Stewart Copeland, Joey Jordison, Thomas Lang, Gregg Bissonnette and Buddy Rich among his influences. However he places Louis Bellson at the top "my Dad bought me a recording of 'Skin Deep'. I will never forget hearing it for the first time. It blew me away!"
Andy TinningAndy has been playing piano since the age of 4 and has been performing in professional bands for over 12 years. He has been inspired by players such as Ian McLagan (Faces, Stones), Roy Bittan (Springsteen), and of course Glen Hardin of the fabulous TCB band!
As well as being the keyboard player in Van Tramp, previous band credits include El Camino and The Italian Job. Andy moved from London to Porthcawl in 2006 and was excited to have the opportunity to play Elvis's finest songs and be part of Kurt's 'Memory of the King tribute band.
