The Feramones ready to rock Ballina

MORE than two decades after they performed their first gig on the other side of the world, The Feramones are just as passionate about music – and mateship – as ever.

The group formed in London in the 1990s when Rick Fenn, who was the lead guitarist in hit English rock band 10CC, was asked to assemble some musicians for the Children with Leukaemia charity ball at the Park Lane Hilton.

They then began performing throughout the UK, including gigs for members of the Royal family and a slew of celebrity parties.

When guitarist Alan Limbrick moved to Byron Bay in 1999, Fenn and his family visited for a holiday. They loved it so much they also decided to immigrate.

“That’s when we decided to form a band,” Limbrick said.

Keyboardist Alan Park also ended up here after visiting while touring with Sir Cliff Richard, for whom he was musical director.

They were joined by vocalist Col Germano, who also performs in local band Bourbon Street, legendary bassist Greg Lyon and drummer Rick Lloyd.

Apart from Lloyd being replaced by Pete Wilkins when he left the group to travel, the lineup has remained unchanged.

“The audience reception is really what energises us and makes it all worthwhile,” Limbrick said. “Aside from that we’re good buddies.”

The band can regularly be seen performing hits from the ’70s throughout the Northern Rivers, including where it all began at The Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, Byron Bay Services Club and Twin Towns at Tweed Heads.

They also have a growing following in Ballina, where they will play at Wharf River Club, in which they perform on Fawcett Park Wharf, from 3pm to 6pm on Sunday, April 6.

“We’re all getting on a bit and we don’t like late nights so Ballina is about as far as we get,” Limbrick said.

For more information, visit wharfbarballina.com.au .