Passion. That’s what separates the best from the rest. Passion – the drive to be as good as you can be, and push yourself each time to be better than you thought possible. We all know about the guys who can walk into the guitar store and riff like Eddie Van Halen. They have talent, but can they take that ability, work it or stretch it, and turn it into genuine creative output? Can they write music from scratch, produce songs that people will listen to – and enjoy – and can they do it on a stage, under lights, in front of an audience of people they don’t know and may never have heard them before? Can they do it night after night, winning new fans over at every gig? That’s what you get with the Dead Generals. They’re not a band that accepts second best, and who give the maximum effort and energy when they play – whether it’s front of an audience, in the studios or in the demo rooms. They don’t compromise or hold back –you get the whole lot full in the face. They play with pride and vitality, enthusiasm and enjoyment, but most of all they play with passion – lots of it. They do all of this, and they do it with smiles on their faces when they play, and it doesn’t get much better than that if you’re playing, listening or watching. Their sound is good, honest, and straight down the middle, rock played loud but played proud. They don’t simply copy the latest trends or music fashions, but their music is recognisable and accessible. It can be hard at times to categorise some of the modern bands you see or hear these days, and while it might make life easier to be pigeon holed as this or that style, the Dead Generals don’t fit cleanly into any category. Yes, they’re a rock band – but that’s a small word to describe the range of sounds and influences that they have, and they combine a hard edge with softer touches, keep a slow beat or pulsate with throbbing bass lines and rhythms, produce powerful vocals or lay down gut-wrenching guitar solos to die for. All in all, they’re a band that are on top of their game, who are going places, and are as good as any you’ll come across today, either in the clubs, on television or in somebody’s download collection. They are a ‘must see’ band, so go soon, enjoy the experience and keep the ticket stub so you can tell your kids you saw the Dead Generals when they were just becoming famous! Now read on to find out more about the band … On vocals, the front man Alan Quinn (28). He has a real taste for music, and likes anything from rock and indie through to country, with one of his favourite bands being The Eagles. The singer who gives him most inspiration currently would probably be Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics, but there are many singers and bands Quinny relates to and enjoys. Mark Thomson (29) is the guitarist and would describe himself in few words – but what fine words they are! He is at heart a good old-fashioned sweat and blood player who can shred or riff with the best, always with the true love of his life stuck firmly to his side (which is of course one of his many Les Pauls). Just ask him about players like Zakk Wylde and see his face light up! He is very much a focal point for the band’s songs and stage performances. Stu Miller (26) is the mastermind behind much of the band’s lyrics and vocal harmonies, and does most of the writing work for the band. He plays a mean and meaty bass (a Gibson Thunderbird not surprisingly) and is the backbone of the band’s enthusiasm and energy. His style is influenced by no less a band than The Who, and that’s not a bad target to aim at in terms of live performance and musical success. The most recent addition to the line-up is Ally Ferguson (28), the drummer and pure power source. He has become a fine asset to the band since joining. He can drum like no other, drawing on different styles and complex patterns to shape the rhythm and sound of the band as a whole, and give it the edge and drive that separates them from the rest. He has a love of things percussion and will get a beat out of almost anything you give him to play. The band came together in early 2006. Stu and Quinny had been in some other bands and got to know Mark through mutual contacts. He had been looking to get into a new band, and was keen to find other musicians who shared his vision and passion, along with a feel for the music they were playing and a desire to create material that was unique and very much ‘theirs’. All of them gelled from the outset – the early incarnations of the band started playing live after only a few rehearsal sessions. There were one or two personnel changes early on, but the band’s core stayed solid, developing their live act and expanding their range of material. Ally came on board during 2007, and was initially only given a week or so to learn the band’s entire set list. He did this, with style of course, and not only filled the vacant drummer’s seat, but provided the last piece in the jigsaw to propel the band forward to the next level. All of the band come from the Glasgow area, with Mark and Ally both living out towards Cumbernauld these days. They work hard every week to make new and improved music and get this out to their faithful and growing group of fans and followers who come to see them at their live shows. Each member has their own range of tastes in music and this all gets added into the mix when they are writing. Nothing is left out or overlooked. However, from a musical point of view what generally works for them – and their fans – is if it rocks it’s good! They would not say they sound like anyone in particular. All of the band members feel that is key to their success and development, and how they choose to write their music – be different, but be yourself, draw on personal experiences and challenge yourself every time you compose or perform to do better than before. To be honest, the band believe they are one of the best up and coming rock acts in Scotland, playing with growing confidence and presence across bigger venues to increasing audiences. They draw on a repertoire of songs all written by the band that are fresh, energetic and very enjoyable. The guys now have a solid back line that would strike fear in your typical pretty-faced boy band or bedroom boogie boxers. They have a genuine magnetism and eye-catching presence up front, one that any band would be glad of, and you are in no doubt that they all enjoy the buzz of playing on stage and receiving the admiration of fans where ever they go. There is a real connection on stage between the band, their audience, the music and the sheer fun of it all. The band has an over-arching and definitive goal – to be listened to or seen and enjoyed by music fans everywhere! The Dead Generals are the real deal, at a time when people want to be entertained more and are ready to appreciate quality music and exciting live performances. To sum it all up then, the Dead Generals definitely rock, and they roll, they have lots of fun and can party like no others too, if they want! Once you have had the chance to see or hear them and get a taste of what this band is all about, you’ll be asking for more and more.