ABOUT
Grant Walmsley
Guitar, Lead Vocals, Kick, Tambox, Washboard
Grant Walmsley from The Agents Of Peace
Grant Walmsley is a Newcastle born and bred surfer, best known for his position as the founder and songwriter/guitarist of the legendary Screaming Jets. His latest quest sees him returning to his roots as singer/songwriter/guitar player, fronting his new band Grant Walmsley and the Agents of Peace.
Grant has spent years touring the world, sharing the stage with a ‘who’s who’ of legends including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Velvet Revolver, Kiss and many others. He has also clocked up several professional theatre roles, and the movie role playing the character of Newt in Dein Perry’s ‘Bootmen’.
Bringing the experience of playing 3,000 live shows all over the world to this new project has seasoned him for his role as the multi-talented front man of the Agents of Peace. Grant is the lead singer, guitarist, drummer and percussionist… all at once. He has even created and developed some of his own unique instruments for the band in order to play them at the same time.
Grant is self-managed, and proud to be at the front line of the independent music revolution.
Equipment
I’m a Stratocaster and Les Paul man, my black 69 Custom is my most well known guitar and my gem. It’s literally the best guitar I have ever had. Acoustic, I play a FL1 Cole Clark, it’s my work horse. So long as I have TS9 Tube Screamer and Vibrato pedal I can sound like me.
Influences
Wow so many. I love Jon Cleary, Bonnie Raitte, Eric Bibb, Dylan, Marley, Neil Young, Dave Edmonds, but you know Stevie Ray Vaughan is my all time guy.
Allon Silove
Double-Bass, Electric Bass and Vox
Allon Silove from The Agents Of Peace
Allon has been a musician and singer for most of his life. Playing bass guitar was a natural progression from playing guitar in high school when he discovered that everyone apparently needed a good bass player in their band. For over 16 years Allon has played in many groups and ensembles including Chi, Beyond the Treeline, Key of Three and Swing City Sound. His musical experience has seen him covering a large spectrum of musical styles; funk, rock, metal, jazz, swing, groove, folk, blues etc…
About 5 years ago, he decided to take up the ‘upright’ or double-bass, in order to further his love of playing and his technical proficiency. Allon is also a teacher for the TAFE Institute in Newcastle, working in the Arts and Media Department, teaching Theatre Performance, Entertainment Industry and Music Business.
In his other life, Allon is a play-write and theatre director, working as the Artistic Director of the Imaginary Friends Theatre Company, www.iftheatre.com.au.
Equipment
Allon plays a double-bass with an Underwood pick-up and an Ernie-Ball Stingray Electric Bass. He uses a Mesa-Boogie Walkabout 15 bass amplifier
Influences
Bass: Jaco Pastorius, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, Flea, Les Claypool, John Paul Jones, Bootsy Collins.
General: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Tom Waits, Lennon & McCartney and Bob Dylan.
Rod Ansell
Harmonica, Saxophone & Vocals
Rod Ansell from The Agents Of Peace
Rod first picked up a harmonica for his first band, the Boll Weevils in late 1970s. He’s since played harp in rock, blues, country and latin bands and has been recording his original compositions with producer Max Muller of Ferndale Studios. (see www.cdbaby.com Rod Ansell – Help Me Elvis)
Other previous bands that Rod has performed with include Juke Joint Jumpers, Hot Rod & the Skidmarx, Sea of Heartbreak & Pablo Diablo.
Rod is also a working professional actor & theatre director since 1981. To view his his extensive theatrical Curriculum Vitae, photo gallery & video showreel please visit www.geocities.com/rodansell
Equipment
Rod has lately converted to Suzuki harmonicas including the Promaster Valved and Overdrive models. He plays through a Fender Frontman amp using a vintage AKG microphone. He also plays an Amati tenor sax & Largo soprano sax.
Influences
Harmonica: Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Kim Wilson, Charlie McCoy, Jim Conway.
Saxophone: Big Jay McNeely, Gato Barbieri, Stan Getz.
General: Blues, Doo Wop, Gospel, Bluegrass, Roots Music generally, Frank Sinatra, Philip Glass, Frank Zappa, 20th century popular music.
Travis May
Piano, Hammond organ
Travis May from The Agents Of Peace
Travis is a rocking and rollicking keyboard player like no other. This guy literally pumps and is always seen revving up a crowd into a frenzy. He is the Agents of Peace chief mischief maker. Watch out for this guy with his whistle.
Originally from Albury, Trav has been playing in bands for years and met Grant through a mutual friend several years ago where they clicked and became great mates and partners in weaving rhythms and licks. Their guitar and keyboard work intertwine and form a huge part of the Agents sound.
Equipment
Technics keyboards
Influences
Jon Cleary, Stevie Wonder, Dr John.
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