The Shine are a top local cover band playing hits from the 60s to material from the present day.
The band have been playing in Hull's top venues for the last eight years, including The Springhead, Hull University and The Mainbrace to name but a few.
The band have an amazing five-man line up :
Vocals - Bert Preston
Lead guitar/B.Vocals - Matt Foster
Bass - Craig Rutter
Drums/B.Vocals - Rich Syrett
Rhythm Guitar - 'Fisher'
With front man Bert Preston you can't take your eyes away from him due to his amazing stage presence and natural character. He has a passion to please the crowd and it shows in every performance.
He has brought energy to the group, which hadn't been experienced in that way before. Along with his strong voice, his dynamic stage performance hypnotically captures the audience, which creates a feeling of involvement with both them and the other band members
Lead guitarist Matt Foster is a multi-talented guy whose stage presence reminds me of Noel Gallagher. He makes playing the guitar look effortless and his singing skills are up there with the best. Matt is a well liked musician around Yorkshire and his previous bands include Sens, Kalida and Woodsmoke.
Craig joined in January 2004 after the band had a four-month spell without a bass player. Originally a guitarist, he had played in acoustic duo Scotch. He has found the switch from six strings to four no problem and has eased into this role in the band. He locks in well with the drums to create an airtight rhythm section as well as jumping around the stage.
Fisher's rhythm guitar work is outstanding and he too loves entertaining the crowds. You can see his passion for raw music and the crowd go wild for his beautiful electric tones. His solid rhythm playing ties the drums and bass together with the lead guitar. Along with being one of the only guitar players able to smoke and play at the same time, he can also offer himself to a few lead guitar parts.
Rich Syrett is also an original member. Rich has played in various bands including the local original group King Rupert. As well as doing a spell on the club circuit he has done session work with an array of musical styles. Rich was brought into the acoustic act Lucid Sky along with Matt and Chris as bongo player. This was until that unit became the indie/rock outfit, which is now The Shine that he converted over to full drum kit. Richs' powerhouse playing style is the engine room of the band, which drives everyone along. He also contributes fine vocal harmonies to top it all off.
