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 theatres, clubs, pubs, churches, at festivals, 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
Skipper, Vocalist, Compère, Arranger
Steve is a proud Liverpudlian who moved and settled in Norfolk. Although an ex chorister his keen enthusiasm for shanty music and its origins makes him the ideal advocate for arranging our gigs. He continually strives to promote us and gets great satisfaction from our progress.
With his ever present smile, friendly wit and scouse humour he effectively wins over our audiences. Steve is our perfect captain and compère extraordinaire.
Kevin
Musical Director, Multi Instrumentalist, Vocalist, Lyricist, Composer, Arranger
Kev is the Crew’s musical director, sound engineer and player of various instruments ~ in fact there’s not much he doesn’t do.
He is tirelessly dedicated, always working through our extensive and growing song catalogue to create set lists for every performance. To add to his attributes, his ability to interpret traditional songs of the sea allows the Crew to sing under his guidance to great effect. His musicality is just brilliant.
Alan
Bass Vocalist, Signer
A unique, quietly spoken man with a wicked sense of humour and the person whose brainchild Pot of Gold was. Known as Shinbone Al, this Norfolk born master of the bass note is truly the beating heart of the band.
Shinbone is a big fan of the original shanties and ensures that these traditional songs continue to be included in our repertoire.
As far as we are aware he is the only signing shantyman in the UK and we are immensely proud of his achievements.
Norman
Vocalist
Norman had been an accountant for many years and was perfectly qualified to become our purser. He also keeps a file of all our songs.
He was a member of the local community choir where he met the other founding members of the Crew. He is an experienced singer having taken on major roles in amateur stage productions and is now a trusted and competent singer in the sound of the Crew. Norman can always be spotted on his stool wearing his hat.
Viv
Lyricist, Vocalist
An original member of the Crew, Viv brings both love and harmony to an otherwise motley crew!
Apart from vocals, she has also made a wonderful impact on the Crew’s repertoire having written two songs (Tribute to Henry Blogg and Northenders). She also works tirelessly keeping the Crew’s website functional and up to date. A wonderful asset to the Pot of Gold Shanty Crew.
John
Bass Vocalist, Percussion
John affectionately known as JC joined us in 2021.
He is our percussionist as well as a valued vocalist. His use of drums and cymbals has added a colourful and novel experience to our sound. He has a strong voice and uses it to good effect.
A valued member of the Crew.
Adam
Guitarist, Banjo, Vocalist, Composer, Arranger
Adam has been a keen and talented musician for many years and his contribution, through both guitar and banjo, to our sound is highly valued by the entire Crew. His is the beat that keeps us up to task.
He has composed much of the music for ‘our’ songs giving them that special Crew feel. Listen out for his vocal solos – they’re features in themselves and well worth the entrance fee alone.
Ian
Guitarist, Vocalist, Arranger, Occasional Whistler
Joined us in 2020, just before the first lock down. His haunting solo interpretations of songs have been known to bring grown men to tears.
Ian is a highly valued and musically talented member of the Crew who makes a huge contribution, both instrumentally and vocally ~ and watch out for his understated brand of humour on stage.
Dave
Vocalist, Lyricist, Percussion, Roadie
He continues to grow in confidence and ability, demonstrating skills that contribute tremendously to our ongoing success.
A man who truly embodies the expression ‘salt of the sea’, always there and ready to help out, lend a hand, a genuine nice guy and treasured member of the Crew.
Chris
Vocalist
Our most recent recruit, Chris is our “deckie learner” who joined us after negotiating terms in the Brancaster Festival car park.
A Crew member with many hidden talents he’s making an important contribution to our sound and style with hopefully much more to come. We’re delighted to have him on board.
Roger
(Enthusiastic) Vocalist
After a career in the RAF, Roger moved to Swaffham and joined us in 2024. He immediately gained the distinction of having the longest hair in the Crew.
He has sung in choirs, performed in brass bands and played guitar in various folk groups. His tenor voice and his enthusiasm, in both practice sessions and performances, ensures he plays a significant role in our success.
Photos by ‘@alecseaman’ Alec Seaman www.alecseaman.com