About the Band

This page contains some information about the members of Cover Story. We've been through some line-up changes over the past year or two, so you may have seen or heard of us when we were known as Well Seasoned.

Josie - Vocals


Josie has been singing since a very young age, her experience ranges from being vocalist with Haven Holidays and entertaining in 5 star hotels in Cyprus, to singing in the Summer Youth Project and with several bands through out the years. She has recently gone back to her roots, appearing in several local stage shows in Swindon, in particular with the Chocolate Theatre Company. She says "I just love singing with live bands and feel most at home with a mic in my hand!!!" Josie also sings with Indigo Blue.

Lara - Vocals


Lara is the most recent addition to the band and shares lead-vocal duties with Josie. She confesses to having a rather random repertoire of singing experience, from recording backing vocals for trance tracks, to doing the rounds with Exeter-based pop band Junglelily while at Uni there. You'll most often find her commuting from Swindon to Bath, iPod on maximum volume, trying her hardest not to scare the other passengers by suddenly belting out Girls Aloud, Fiona Apple or Laura Marling.

Mike - Guitar


Mike has been playing guitar in and around Swindon for many years. He has played in bands including Tudor Show Band, Fast Forward, and Idle Hands, and has enjoyed playing in the pit for pantomines and theatrical productions. He is a keen classical guitarist and has played with a variety of ensemble groups. He is also one of the top guitar teachers in the area.

Gary - Drums


Gary first started playing the drums while at secondary school, beginning with Special Guests and later forming a Ceilidh band Crooked Stove Pipe. This band is still going strong with the original line-up, 30+ years later! More recent bands include a Leicester-based outfit called Slippery Fish but, growing tired of the travelling, Gary formed Cover Story back in 2006 and hasn’t looked back since. Initially starting with a Roland electronic kit, he now plays a Tama Superstar with Sabian cymbals.

Dave - Bass


Dave has been playing bass for many years, and was one of the founder members of Cover Story (back when they were called Well Seasoned). He loves playing in Cover Story because of the variety of songs, and the many musical different styles from disco to rock and pop. He now plays an Overwater Perception bass guitar, through Eden amplification. Dave can also be seen playing with The Urgent Frogs.

Chris - Keyboards


Chris has been playing the piano since the age of six and is one of the original members of Cover Story. As well as continuing to play the piano for fun and at work, she now plays a Korg Triton in the band and enjoys playing the songs that get everyone up and dancing, especially “Mustang Sally”, “I Feel Good” and “Valerie”. Like the rest of the band, she is a firm believer that Cover Story should focus on songs that everyone in the audience knows and loves, and that the songs should reflect the essential characteristics of the originals.

Mark - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals


Mark has been playing guitar since the 70's, having taken it up after being inspired by the folk musicians such as Ralph McTell and Gordon Lightfoot. This led to impromptu performances at social events whenever a “sing song” was demanded. He plays rhythm guitar with Cover Story to keep refreshing his repertoire, and he enjoys the challenge and discipline of live performing which requires the continued learning of new material.

Dwight - Sound and PA


Like Gary, Dwight discovered drums at secondary school and played in several bands in his native Manchester before moving south in the 1990's. As happy behind the controls as he is behind a drum kit, he is a firm believer that live music should always be heard 'properly' and will happily lecture you at length about why if you let him. We advise you don't.

Where Are They Now?

We'd all like to say a big "thank you" to a few people who have helped us out over the last few years, but are no longer members of the band:-

  • Tim is now playing and singing with The Urgent Frogs
  • Beccy
  • Michaela
  • Andy
  • Polly

And finally, a very special thanks to Stella.