Meet the Crew
In early 2017 the Crew met up to sing sea shanties and folk music accompanied by melodeon, guitars and a banjo and we really enjoy keeping the spirit of this music alive in the 21st century. We sing in clubs, pubs, churches, at festivals, garden fetes, residential homes, and charity events. So we would like to welcome you to one, or all, of our events found in the “gigs” section.
Be prepared to embark on a maritime musical adventure that will have your main brace well spliced and your timbers completely shivered!
Steve
Singer, Compere, Occasional Guitarist, Unofficial Leader
Born and raised in Liverpool, Steve’s interest in Shanty music began soon after leaving school and he sang for a few years with a local Shanty group.
An avid Liverpool F.C. supporter, singing at the top of his voice in the Kop on Saturday match day being one of his great loves. Regularly returning for tuning practice.
Following his move to Norfolk, he very quickly joined a local choir where he met the other founder members of Pot of Gold and soon quite naturally took up a leading role within the group.
Now our Skipper and unofficial compere Steve is the voice of the crew, possessing the humor and cheekiness of a true Scouser.
Kevin
Melodeon, Singer, Harmonies
An original member of the band and is a lively and talented Musical Director. As a schoolboy began singing as a chorister and has been singing ever since. His original interpretation of traditional songs allows the band to sing close harmonies with tight timing to great effect.
Kev, “the Cabin Boy”, is great fun to be around, is a self-taught melodeon player who plays and sings on most of our tracks. He is also the sound technician and can be found surrounded by wires and speakers at gigs. Multi-talented or what?
Alan
Bass Singer
(affectionately referred to within the crew as Shinbone Al).
One of the founding fathers of Pot of Gold, a Bass-Baritone singer with a rich and truly distinct quality voice, possessing a sharp wit and our only true Norfolk man.
As well as singing he can normally be spotted signing the majority of our repertoire, a skill we feel must be unique amongst Shanty Groups.
A hugely trusted and valued member of the Crew, an all-round “good ol Boy”.
Norman
Singer
An Accountant for many years, Norman was perfectly qualified and the obvious candidate to become Purser.
Originally from Hertfordshire Norman and his wife Trish moved to Norfolk upon his retirement. He very soon became involved with his local community choir, where he met the other founder members of Pot of Gold.
Norman is a competent and experienced vocalist having taken on major roles in amateur stage productions in the past and is a trusted component in the structure and sound of the Band.
A committed and highly respected member of the group who when not cruising the high seas can occasionally be seen blowing his whistle or shaking his tambourine.
Viv
Singer, Harmonies
An original member of the group, you need to look no further for Pot of Gold’s beating heart and distinctive sound.
With Irish drum and close harmonies, and an eye for detail that drives lyrics and tune alike, Viv is at the very core of all the Crew’s best work. She is by far the best woman in the Crew.
John
Singer
Born in London John was a keen rugby player and windsurfer in his youth, started drumming as a teenager and soon was playing in a band. He continued playing until starting his own business in his late thirties.
John joined the Band in May 2021 and is “proud to be a member of such a talented group,” his words.
Our very own Professional Toastmaster possesses a strong and distinctive voice, whose contribution in the engine room is dependable and much appreciated.
Adam
Guitarist, Singer
Adam is a talented musician who plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He began playing in his early years and has the ability to pick and play a melody behind a straight rhythm which makes him not just great fun to play and sing with, but a huge asset to the Crew.
With great musical knowledge, a strong singing voice, and a wicked sense of humour, Adam is a valued Crew member.
Ian
Guitarist, singer
Never happier than when he is whistling for his pudding, Ian joined us in early 2020 just before the first lockdown. He sang and played guitar at his first gig with us and that was it …..we were all shut down.
He is now a highly valued and musically talented member of the Crew making a huge contribution, both instrumentally and vocally, to our unique style and sound.
Dave
Singer
Our most recent recruit, who during his relatively short time with the Crew, has shown himself to be a worthy and hard working hand. His boundless energy along with an eager and enthusiastic willingness to learn and take on extra duties makes him a valued addition to the engine room.
James
Singer
We were delighted to welcome James into Pot of Gold. Not only did he bring his considerable vocal skills, finely honed through his membership of several choirs prior to discovering that he is really a Shantyman at heart, and significantly reduced the average age of the Crew.
He heard us first at a concert we did in his home village, met the Skipper when out walking his dogs and the rest is history.
Outdoor photos by Ali Dover at alidovertextiles@gmail.com and/or www.alidover.com