North Sea Gas
… a brief history
North Sea Gas (NSG) was founded in 1979, in Edinburgh by Dave Gilfillan, Wally Allan & Colin Mackenzie. Over the years the line up has changed, with Dave Gilfillan as mainstay throughout. Starting out as part- time musicians, based primarily in Edinburgh, Dave turned professional (full-time) in the early 80's, and began to perform more on a regular basis outside of Scotland.
Current Line Up
Dave Gilfillan (1979-Present): Lead vocals, Guitar, Bodhrán, Banjo, Percussion, Concertina, Mandola & Whistle — founding member
Ronnie McDonald (2002-Present):: Vocals, Bouzouki & Guitar (Ronnie was also a group member circa 1984).
Grant Simpson (2006-Present): Vocals, Fiddle, Mandola, Bouzouki & Guiitar
Past memebers:
(below dates are based on album appearances and information from the "North Sea Gas" website.)
Wally Allan (1979-1983?): Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Lagerphone & Bodhrán — founding member
Colin Mackenzie (1979-1991): Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin, Banjo & Bodhrán — founding member
Colin Ramage (1984-1999): Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola, Tenor Banjo, Whistle, Flute, Bodhrán, Mouth Organ & Percussion
Bobby Millar (1986-2001): Bass Guitar, Double Bass & Harmony Vocals — primarily as a part-time member
Gerry McKenna (1993-Present): Banjo, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards & Harmony Vocals — primarily as a part-time member
Kirsty McLean (2000-2001): Fiddle
Tim O'Leary (2002-2004): Vocals, Guitar, Cittern, Fiddle, Whistle, Mouth Organ
Cameron Gaskell (2004-2006): Harmony Vocals, Fiddle & Mandola — sadly Cameron passed away in January 2007 at the age of 46
Discography
Notes
Most North Sea Gas recordings are available through the band's website. In addition, the first 4 NSG albums have recently been released digitally, and are available at Amazon, iTunes & Rhapsody.