Dave Berry & The Cruisers — Then and Now
Dave Berry’s path through pop and rock history has always been intertwined with The Cruisers — his backing band, his collaborators, and in many ways, an essential part of the show. Over the years the Cruisers have evolved, changed personnel, adapted to new styles — yet what remains consistent is the energy, the live performance, and the love for the music.
The Early Cruisers — Origins and First Line-ups
- Dave Berry formed his first band under the name The Cruisers in the early 1960s.
- The original Cruisers line-up (1962-63) included John Fleet (bass & piano), Roy Barber (rhythm guitar), Frank Miles (lead guitar), and Kenny Slade (drums). Wikipedia
- Around the time of “The Crying Game” (1964) there was a shift: that first generation departed and Berry recruited new local musicians — Frank White, Johnny Riley, and Pete Cliff among them. White was later replaced by Roy Ledger.
- Alongside the core band, Dave frequently made use of top session players — Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Big Jim Sullivan, Bobby Graham — especially for recording and tours.
The Cruisers in the ’60s & Beyond
- Throughout the 1960s, The Cruisers backed Dave for both live shows and recordings. They were present as Dave scored chart hits like Memphis, Tennessee (1963), The Crying Game (1964), Little Things (1965), Mama (1966) etc.
- After the ’60s, there were periods when Dave recorded without a stable Cruisers line-up, and other times where the Cruisers were more part of the live show than the recording studio. Over time, various musicians came in and out.
Modern Cruisers / Recent History
- In more recent decades, The Cruisers have continued as Dave Berry’s backing band in live performances.
- Around 2010-2013, the Cruisers line-up included Daniel Martin on lead guitar, Adrian Fountain on rhythm guitar, Dan Wright on drums (from January 2013), and Brian Wood on bass — who has been one of the longest serving members.
Stories & Notes from the Road
- The stage presence of Dave Berry & The Cruisers was always more than just playing the notes: Dave’s dramatic use of leather, microphone leads, shadows, stage props—all of which The Cruisers had to match with tight, charismatic musicianship.
- On several “Sixties-revival” and nostalgia shows, The Cruisers have not just backed Dave but shared the spotlight with tribute acts / guest singers. For example, in “Little Miss 60’s” shows featuring Nancy Ann Lee, The Cruisers perform classic 60s hits and support her powerful vocal set. (Note: Nancy Ann Lee’s “Little Miss Sixties & The Cruisers” is a show billed in the 60s tribute circuit. nancyannlee.com)
- An important point: All performances by The Cruisers are 100% live — no backing tracks. This has always been part of their reputation and what fans value highly.
The Cruisers Today — Current Line-up & Role
These are the musicians who are carrying the legacy forward today:
- Lead Guitar / Lead Vocals – Chris Firminger
- Keyboards / Vocals – Anthony Lomas
- Bass – Callum Haughton
- Drums – Darren Ford/Dan Wright (depending on availability)
With this current line-up, The Cruisers cover Dave Berry’s hits, deliver rock & roll classics from the 60s era, and often collaborate or support vocalists like Brogan Collins and Nancy Ann Lee. Whether it’s a 60s themed show, a large concert, or a smaller gig — the energy is live, tight, and true to the era.