Vinny and I met at an audition for a local club band called Obsession sometime in 1989. After working together for a short period of time in Obsession we soon ventured off into a side project, which saw the two of us writing and playing in an original band called First Landing. With success in the North East recording studios, management deals and gigs throughout the region, the band seemed destined for better things.

Unfortunately, disaster struck in 1995 when the bands entire equipment was stolen from a local nightclub. The band was left at a loss for ideas or direction. Our equipment was never recovered. We hadn't considered insurance. We lost everything.

A year or two later saw the return of the dynamic duo backed up by my dad, the legendary 'Davy Ditchburn'. The band Pilgrim was 70's classic rock at it's finest !

So, what happened next ?

Well, I got married, soon to be followed by Vinny. People thought it was the end of the terrible two. Was it really time to pack up the guitars and throw in the towel ? Not a chance !

The two of us were back together when Vinny moved back to South Shields in 1999. Soon we were teaming up with Darren and John. To cut a long story short, after a decade of playing together in and out of various groups and sidelines, the four of us have now become Smackwater Jack.

Hopefully, with the help of Darren and John, we will be writing our own material again very soon and everyone will live happily ever after. Cheers !

Dean