So there it is. The ups and downs of a gigging rock n roll band. Yes there has been many personnel changes but this makes a band stronger and even more determined. Take it from us. To be in Dropzone is something to be very proud of as all of the former members will agree. We are and always have been a fine rock covers band and in 2007 with our own songs now in our set we are in a delightful place. The story continues...........

So who are Dropzone and where did it all start. Well Dropzone was formed in the Spring of 2002 when PJ answered a free ad requesting a rock singer. The place was just North of Brighton and the time was aprox 8.45pm when PJ entered an old crusty barn (some called it a practice room) as if he was entering The Dragons Den. 3 guys stood next to their instruments frustrated and a little tired due to past politics with a previous singer and over 6 months of searching for the right front man. Pj can't recall if it was shear desperateness from the guys or vocal ability that got him the gig but the bottom line was that his rendition of 'Black' by Pearl Jam sealed the deal. PJ recall's Rick's (Chopsticks) immortal words from the night 'do you want gig then?' Mark Piercy Bass - Rick Burtonshaw Drums - Iain Warrington Guitar - PJ Lead Vocals

Like all gigging bands there was some damn fine times but also some very sad times. DZ for a long time were a 5 piece with a hidden jewel in their crown always being at the side of their stage. He was Rick's father in-law John. A selfless, caring, passionate man who loved his time with the band and we loved having him on board. Care of this kind man Dropzone had a sound live and on disc that challenges most semi pro bands today and it was a devastating loss when he passed away in Feb of 2003. It took the band a long time to replicate the sound he had created for us and our cover of 'Every Breath' by the Police will always be immortalised in his memory.

There were of course positive times including busy nights down The Prince Albert in Eastbourne, The Sussex Arms in East Grinstead had it's moments and even Brighton University was conquered but the highlight has to be Bognor Live when PJ befriended event organiser Mr Peter Keen and by shear luck we ended up 3rd on the bill of an all day event. A special night that I am sure we won't forget for a long time.

All bands have little hiccups on the way but differences between Iain & PJ were stretching the band to the limit and ultimately taking it to a bad place. Their differences were spilling into public forums and this really was the downward spiral for the first Dropzone line up. Rick wanting to spend more time with the family was first move on so a friend of Mark called Vince (who had his own studio and practice rooms - nice!) stepped in so the band could keep up some momentum. Also due to family commitments Iain moved up to the Midlands which left just PJ & Mark as the only original members

Our new guitarist (after we had a few guys audition - that's another story to tell) Paul bought a well needed wave of fresh air into the band and things were starting to take shape. Or so we thought? As soon as things had settled down over the next couple of months, incredibly, again due to family commitments, Mark moved North of the border to Aberdeen. So with the founder member now gone, the future of dropzone was very uncertain. Vince who was stepping in on drums could not commit to the time DZ needed so PJ & Paul were virtually left high and dry but they refused to let the good name of Dropzone die.

This brings us nicely to Autums 2004 and two local lads to PJ stepped in on drums (Graeme) and bass (Nathen) to keep the Dropzone engine a rollin'. Demos were cut, gigs were played but still the balance of the band was not quite right. Nathen's massive commitments (4 other bands) was a real stretch so mutually he moved on to concentrate on his other projects and in came Mike to fill his shoes. At last! A man passionate about rock  (and Dropzone) and though a guitarist by trade he was always happy to let Paul's fingers do the talking whilst he thumped out the rhythm. At last we were there weren't we? 4 guys. All loving their rock. Loads of gigs under their belt. Making a good name for themselves. Surely we were settled? Well despite unquestionable commitment in the early months from Graeme, juggling family time and band time was beginning to strain both parties so he agreed to move on in Autumn of 2006.

Yet more auditions (as you can guess we were getting good at these) and though on his first attempt he was let down by his vintage 1950's kit, 2nd time around and surrounded with a monster ornament of percussion, new boy Wayne was very much in. Alleluia. 4 guys. All incredibly comfortable in each others company. Not just when they are making music but socially with their families. Dropzone 2007 are in a very happy place. Playing more complex tunes than ever. Amazing how far the band has come since the days of Lanny Kravitz and Duran Duran numbers. Dropzone are now 4 guys who treasure sharing time together and if they are playing tunes to a busy pub, well, that's a bonus.

Songs From Dropzone Set 2002 Smooth Criminal - AAF Shout - Tears For Fears Hungry Like A Wolf - Duran Duran Lenny Kravity - Fly Away Black - Pear Jam Alive - Pearl Jam Every Breath You Take - The Police Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd Learn To Fly - Foo Fighters Living In Paradise - Dave Lee Roth Arms Wide Open - Creed Blurry - Puddle of Mudd One Step Closer - Linkin Park Chasey Lain - Blood Hound Gang

Songs From Dropzone Set 2007 Freak On A Leash - Korn Head Like A Whole - Nine Inch Nails Breakstuff - Limp Bizkit Davidian - Machine Head BYOB - System Of A Down Best Of You - Foo Fighters Bodies - Drowning Pool Cars - Fear Factory / Gary Newman In The End - Linkin Park Killing In The Name Of - Rage Against The Machine No One Knows - Queens Of The Stone Age Land Of Confusion - Disturbed Slither - Velvet Revolver For Whom The Bell Tolls - Metallica