Hi you ! Welcome to the website and welcome to my page. Alright I know it's basic but hey, this is my first attempt at web design. I'll update it when I evolve from technophobe to technogeek !

I've been on this planet for 33 years now and for most of that time I can remember having a microphone stuck in front of my face. It's what I like to do. I can't recall a time when I wasn't singing. Any singer who tells you they don't get a buzz from playing to a live audience is lying.

After intense therapy I managed to conquer the embarrassment of the school musicals, ( I was young I needed the money ), and it wasn't until I reached the ripe old age of 17 that I met a certain Gary Howe, ( Four Worried Men ), and John our drummer, and we formed a rock band.

After a few years of messing about and getting nowhere we teamed up with a great guitarist, Colin Bruce, ( Tadpole Pie ), and our band Goldfish was born. Eventually the band ran it's course. Colin left to become a dad and Gary joined South Shields second best rock band, Four Worried Men, ( only kidding lads ). John and I decided to stay together and find a new bass player and guitarist.

As if by magic Dean and Vinny appeared. Dean and I knew each other already. We went to Mowbray Road School together. Dean and Vinny had been in bands together for a long time and they were looking for a Drummer and Vocalist. A meeting was arranged and over a few beers at The Voyager pub we thrashed out a plan and Smackwater Jack emerged from the womb. It was January 2000.

The next three months or so were spent rehearsing material. I was finding it difficult at first. Dean and Vinny had a heavier taste in music to me. This suited John down to the ground. I found myself singing Van Halen and AC/DC, instead of Robbie Williams and Bryan Adams. Eventually my voice adapted and took on a harder edge that had never been there before.

Nowadays, even covering the likes of Aerosmith and Bon Jovi has become less painful to the throat. Playing in the band is a great laugh, John's drumming is as solid as ever. Dean and Vinny are two very accomplished guitarists and along with their backing vocals it gives the band a great sound.

Thanks for listening to my inane drivel. Keep coming to the gigs, it wouldn't be the same playing to an empty room. You make a happy man very old ! Cheers

Darren