About David Hay
David played his first professional gigs when he was 20 on the U.S. military bases in Germany. This proved to be an ideal training ground, having to play 4x 45 minute sets through the week and 5 on Friday and Saturday. Being the only singer meant a heavy work load and the time spent in the church choir as a child came in useful in terms of technique and preserving ones voice. David was playing bass at this time because this was the easiest way to get into a band. Singing bass players being somewhat at a premium in Worcester.
Due to the availability of regular work, David ended up living in Germany and played in many bands there. One of which was the backing band of German Country and Western star, Gunther Gabriel. Playing through the summer in huge marquees to thousands of fans was quite an experience.
In 1980 he made an album in Holland and did a small tour there. It was good fun but not a great success.
In 1983, David decided to return to England as the work was drying up in Germany and the dollar was getting weaker against the Deutschmark. Not having played much in his home country he had few contacts and decided to be based in London for the best chance of getting work.
After a few months he secured a job in one of the country's top function bands, The Dark Blues. This was a great boost to both finances and career. Playing regularly in all of the top London hotels, large country houses and corporate events gave David a wealth of experience. The high point was playing at Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles' 40th birthday party. Just the Prince and 700 of his closest friends! When the band took a break, Phil Collins did a spot.
In 1996 David recorded Wintersun. A CD of his own compositions plus blues classic "The thrill has gone" This sold well at his gigs and continues to do so. He also toured Holland (again) to promote the album.
In 1997 David left The Dark Blues and formed his own function band, The Executives. This band remains very popular and receives very favourable comments each time they play. This marked the change from playing bass for 20odd years to playing guitar as it is easier to lead a band from that position. The highlight so far has been a wedding at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco for a multi-millionaire. The band were treated royally. Far better in fact, than the Buck House gig!
At the end of 2005 David recorded Down in Belmont another CD of his own work and did a concert at The Hawth theatre in Crawley to launch the album in February 2006.
Since 1990 David has played in a band called Duck Soup with fellow guitar player, Nigel Bagge. Playing in pubs and clubs in Kent and Sussex they have created a great following with their distinctive brand of Blues/R&B.
In his spare time David plays Real Tennis which is a quirky game and offers a change from his busy musical life.
What David sounds like
Some audio samples in mp3 format