Not to be outdone by all the Rental business that we have covered, the industries very own Mr Fix-It, Bazz Ward has also been kept busy supplying all manner of bits and pieces to the world's largest acts, so that they can keep going on the road, or in the studio. Who's the UK's largest supplier of Remo drumheads? You've guessed it, Bazz, with more stock, in stock, than anyone else, if we're not your first call, then make that change! U2 do, Jeff Beck does, and Feeder most certainly do, along with, The Lion King Show, Mark Knopfler, Robbie Williams, Westlife, Tom Jones and Texas.

Ever wondered who makes those fantastic bass drum heads with the bands artwork on the front? Wonder no more, simply call or email Bazz, then send him your artwork and within a few days you'll get your head back. Full colour or simply black and white, it's your choice. Artists such as Motorhead, Queen, The Pretenders and The Popes have all got stunning artwork on the front of their kits, you can have too.

Not only does Bazz look after our Pro-Shop but also he is responsible for the artist relations for Sabian cymbals. He's recently signed up Ash, Robin Guy (Rachel Stamp) and Jerry Brown (Session Player), Finlay Quaye, Placebo, Darkstar and Toploader, so if you're a drummer and need some cymbals, email Bazz your details, you never know where it may lead to. We don't call him Mr Fix-It for nothing! bazzw@johnhenrys.com

Staying with the TV theme, CD:UK continues it's Saturday morning extravaganza. All the Backline you see is supplied by us, along with a technician who makes sure that all the changes happen on time. Recent Artists on the show include U2 and US teen rockers Wheatus, who thought it very rock and roll to throw our brand new Mapex drum kit off the stage. Invoice is in the mail guys.

We have also taken on another 4000 sq ft unit. This time Storage gets its dedicated space. Purpose built cages have been installed, giving us cages from 30 to 80 sq ft for clients who require individual lockups. These cages can be accessed 7 days a week and are ideal for either short or long term use. Call our Sales Team now on 020 7609 9181 or email johnh@johnhenrys.com for a complete structure of terms and pricing. One client that took immediate advantage of this space was Riverdance. Their main production loaded in so that they could go through all their equipment before heading back out on the road. Catch them as far a field as Broadway and the Far East (if you happen to be in the area!)

So Mr TV, (Robert Harding) has been spending more and more time in various studios. With recent live appearances on Top Of The Pops by Papa Roach, Ash, Feeder and Toploader, plus all the Backline and Crew on The Baha Men's recent promo stint, the chaps been rather busy. The Baha's crammed in Top Of The Pops, Smash Hits, T4, Live & Kickin', This Morning and Nickelodeon - wow! As well as all that Parkinson started a new series, with John Henry's supplying all Floor Sound plus Backline and Monitors for the music acts.
Storage

With all this Audio work on, it is essential that the movement of equipment be hassle free, so we have moved the department to their own dedicated unit, opposite JHL-HQ. The 4000 sq ft unit has new office space, large prep area and a mezzanine floor as a workshop area. The unit also features it's own parking area and truck access.

The prolific songwriter Ani Di Franco has been back again on a full UK & European Tour, taking with her our Backline and Monitor systems. Semisonic are also back, this time supporting Texas to backup their new album All About Chemistry. Following on from our last update, Sade's still out there (is there no end to her stamina?), this time she's been trekking around the UK and France with our Backline, Audio and supplied Crew. Plus she managed to fit in some more TV appearances - crikey!

Also treading the boards we've had all the Backline and Front Of House Control out with new Atlantic/East West signing Lina. She recently supported Brit Nominee Craig David on his UK tour and is now out in Europe headlining her own shows. Dido, the top selling female star has also been out on the road. The million selling star took a whole bunch of our Backline, Audio and Staging.

If musicals are your thing, try and catch the incredibly successful A Tribute To The Blues Brothers. Now in it's 8th year and final year, (every one supplied by our good selves!) the show is heading back out in the UK. We have Audio and Backline on this show. When it comes back it'll be time to sell it and buy some new stuff for next time. On the subject of selling old gear.

Unless you've been off the planet you won't have missed the John Henry's Sale. Over the period of 4 days, hundreds of people descended on our London HQ to grab a bargain or two. Everything from monitors to desks, guitar cabs to f/x pedals went. If you were one of the few that missed it don't panic, a few items are still available and you can view them, and order all online! Click www.johnhenrys.com/sale for the full run down. If you are interested in used equipment and don't see what you want, please contact marting@johnhenrys.com with your requirements. As Europe's largest musical equipment hire company we are constantly turning our stock around and selling off old equipment which means we have a never ending supply! Our inventory currently stands at over 9000 different stock types, so we are sure we've got what you want.

Our resident 'luvvie' Pepin Clout has continued his foray into the world of films following his supply of all the musical equipment props for Still Crazy, the hit featuring Jimmy Nail. This time all manner of Backline and Audio has been winging it's way to various locations for Jimmy Fizz, the story of a reclusive star and his possible comeback.

Continuing the rock theme Papa Roach toured the UK and Europe with our Backline. Their needs were supplied by our resident newly crowned, "Metal King"- Tark Bates. No sooner had he taken care of Coby and crew, than he then supplied openers Hed PE with their stuff, plus Casy Chaos' mob Amen with Backline for their UK & European tour. Just when we thought his 'metal madness' couldn't continue Tark announced that he was also taking care of At The Drive In for the UK & Europe. My word Tark, time to renew that subscription to Kerrang!

Nu-metal rolled into town in the shape of California's Linkin Park for their first UK show at Kings College. John Henry's supplied the backline for this show, and subsequently they are now back again on a full European Tour with Taproot and The Deftones. All their requirements have been fulfilled by John Henry's, with Mesa Boogie cabs, SWR bass gear and our unique Staging system. Check out the show on March 24th at The Docklands Arena or catch them on Top Of The Pops, where they flew in from Europe to record a couple of live numbers for future broadcast. Openers Taproot are also sticking around for some of their own shows, you can see them on March 26th at The Mean Fiddler (formerly the LA2).

One of the most hyped gigs to start the year off was Marilyn Manson, at the Dockland's Arena. The full stage show was brought over and the crowd loved it. Mr Controversial certainly put on a show that dispensed with the critics that said he was just about press and that the music takes second place! Equipment-wise, Ampeg walked away with 'Most amps on stage award', as all three acts; openers Disturbed and Marilyn's new signing Godhead, used the rigs from St. Louis! Marilyn's bass player was so impressed with Godheads' bass sound he went over to check out their rig, saw they were using SVT III Pros and immediately phoned John Henry ordering that two more be sent down for him. Your wish is our command Sir! Later JH went to the show and thought it was great.

With their new album Getaway, a school tour under their belts and an upcoming UK tour, Brit Rockers Reef decided that some PA equipment was needed. As they trekked from school to school they needed something compact and portable yet powerful enough for Gary’s vocals to come across, so they decided on the Yamaha American Series cabs along with P4500 amplifiers. All sounded great and the rig is now installed in their rehearsal rooms. For more info on the range check out the website www.yamaha.com/proaudio/products/index.

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www.yamaha.com/proaudio/products/index.

Whilst visiting, guitarist Kenwyn decided that he was after a rather special sound. After trying countless axes, Mr. House chose a stunning white ‘n ’gold Gretsch White Falcon. See that on the latest videos but for Reef tour dates and news visit their site www.reef.co.uk>at
www.reef.co.uk