DEVIATOR

Written by Garth Coupland

The Band known as DEVIATOR started out as THE ACLE HEAVY BAND then
THE BEEBY BROTHERS BAND then STORMDRAIN then RUSTY NUTS and
DEVIATOR which was the last name we gigged under. All this between 1977
and 1986. We adopted RED Z as our name just as we folded in 1986 when I rejoined
the Police. At this time the Band consisted of long term members Harry Beeby (Lead
Guitar), Adrian “Zed” Read (Rhythm Guitar), Simon Bateman, (Bass Guitar), Phil
Allen (Drums), now sadly deceased and me (Vocals & Blues Harp).

We wrote and performed our own original material which could perhaps be now
described as Blues based Heavy Rock influenced by Bands such as AC/DC, Deep
Purple and Black Sabbath. Of course we added our own individuality to the music as
we always consciously tried to avoid being seen as copyists or too influenced in any
one direction. Basically, Harry or Zed would come up with a riff or an idea and I
would write the lyrics and vocal melody.

Good recordings exist of at least 12 of our songs and I’m sure they would be available to
the ardent collector for a small fee!
Looking back, we did actually play quite a lot of gigs(Yes, looking back we did... Zed)
in numerous venues; Pubs,Holiday camps,
a Mental Hospital(We were lucky to get out...Zed),
private parties, Nightclubs and outdoors!
We rehearsed in back rooms, front rooms, garages and for some years in a Rat infested
Barn! I remember those days as good days with good guys (and girls!)

After getting divorced, in 2001 I started the Band THE DIVIDE (See Links Page...Zed) with my son Ross
and Simon from the old days. Howie Marsh and Bill Cosy are also with us.

Zed remains with us in spirit as we perform four songs he had a major hand in writing.
You might say that THE DIVIDE carries musical genes from DEVIATOR into the
future, ensuring that DEVIATOR will never die!

Never grow old in attitude and you’ll die ever young!
ROCK ON!
Garth