The Tabs Archive

We have included a selection of some of the best photos, recordings and videos over the last few years.

We would like to thank all the previous members of The Tabs for allowing us to share the memories. We had some great laughs and some great gigs. Thanks to you all.

Additionally, a special thank you to The Blue Barn Recording Studios, Martyn Turner Photography, Richard Beddard, Oscar Stafford and any one else we have missed that have contributed over the years to the content on this page.

Line up 1 (April 2008 - January 2010) - Paul (lead vocals), Alun / Phil (guitars), Jim (bass), Ali (drums).

Line up 2 (January 2010 - September 2010) - Paul (lead vocals + rhythm guitar), Clay (lead guitar), Jim (bass), Ali (drums).

Line up 3 (September 2010 - November 2011) - Paul (lead vocals + rhythm guitar), Clay (lead guitar), Jim (bass), Jon (drums).

Jim and Paul had spent several years as founder members of a large Cambridge seven piece function / dance band called "Mid Life Crisis". Frustrated with the lack of hard core rock numbers they decided to form a second band.

After recruiting Ali from Jims workplace as the drummer and Alun and Phil from a couple of websites we hit the ground running in early 2008 !

Ali and Jim provided us with side splitting laughter at most gigs and rehearsals while Alun and Phil amazed us all with jaw dropping lead guitar duels.

A standard "ribbing" at most rehearsals was "Jim, learn your bloody Tabs" (Tabs are the written notes that guitarists use) and "THE TABS" became the name that stuck.

A recording session and the first "Rock on the Rec" set The Tabs on the road to success and promised many nights of fun and laughter.

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Studio recording at The Blue Barn

After Alun and Phil decided to leave to start another project Jim, Ali and Paul found Clay on another website.

Rusty from a long break of giging and bands, Clay joined The Tabs with huge amounts of enthusiasm and a little bit of concern with some of Jim's antics . Once he had influence over the set list with some of his favourite Pink Floyd numbers, Clay came out of his skin and shone.

We had some fantastic times together including the second year "Rock on the Rec".

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Recorded on a camera phone live !

After Ali decided to leave to concentrate on his family and new position at work, The Tabs went back to the websites again and found Jon as our new drummer.

Still serving as a Senior Sergeant in the Grenadier Guards, he bought a lifetime of musical experience into The Tabs.

Like a whirlwind Jon got stuck in to revamping our website and providing a new backdrop and lighting extravaganza. He spent many hours in his studio at home recording and producing some demo tracks for the band while we sat back and watched in wonder.

We played some memorable gigs including the 3rd year "Rock on the Rec" and two "Help For Heroes" charity concerts with video backdrops produced by Jon.

Click on any photo to enlarge

Recorded live at The Alma, Cambridge

Paul (Lead vocals + rhythm Guitar) Rob (Lead Guitar) Toby (Drums) Dave (Bass Guitar)

At the end of 2011 we had a big shake up in the history of The Tabs. Jon and Clay decided to leave to start up their own project. At our very last gig Jim (our joint founder member and great friend of our lead singer Paul) decided his hearing was so shot that he would give up rock bass playing forever !!!!!! This was a huge blow for the band as Jim has been such a character and loyal member. His humour has had everyone sometimes in tears and his enthusiasm and drive has been influential on stage. He will be sadly missed.

Lead singer, Paul was faced with a band with only him left in it ...... what should he do?

The rest is not only history but the future. With our new lineup of fantastic musicians and characters, The Tabs are poised to have a great 2012 and beyond.