Peter Goddard (Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar)

Pete was born in a small village on the outskirts of Sheffield.  Along with his 2 brothers and 1 sister, he remembers a happy childhood growing up with his parents in the Yorkshire countryside.  After leaving school at 16, he tried a selection of jobs from car mechanic, salesman in a gents outfitters, furniture upholsterer and park gardener – but he just couldn’t settle in any particular job.  He hadn’t recognized any early musical interest, despite both of his parents playing piano – his Dad being especially accomplished in all styles, from Honky-Tonk to Classical.  At the age of 19, he picked up his first guitar – and knew then that music was going to be a big part of his life.  Totally self-taught, Pete soon decided to form his first band, covering rock music from his liking of bands such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.  This was when Pete first met Denis – they were in need of a bass guitarist, and the drummer was friends with Denis so asked him if he would like to join them.  After 6 months of rehearsals, The Road got their first booking and they then regularly performed at local pubs. After about 2 years, the band split up and Pete and Denis went their separate ways.  Despite getting the odd “regular” job again, Pete continued performing in various formats (bands, duos etc).  He had by now taken more of an interest in the actual “roots” of music – especially Hill-Billy and Irish.  12 years went by, and Pete and Denis met again.  The partner in Pete’s duo at the time wanted to leave, but wanting to continue performing, Pete decided to contact Denis. They decided to form a band again and with Roger Harris joining on drums they covered music, this time, ranging from Chas & Dave, Queen and Status Quo.  In 2000, they changed direction again.  They had been asked by an agent to train some singers for an Abba tribute band.  The “girl” singers proved successful, but finding the right candidates to imitate Benny and Bojn was not going to plan.  Pete, Denis and Roger accidentally found themselves the perfect answer – and so Abba You Abba Me was on the road, successfully touring the club circuit up and down the country.  Pete was also kept busy in a Hill-Billy style band called The Beaudine Brothers.  This 6-piece band started their days busking in Sheffield, but they soon went on to play at several local clubs, pubs and festivals.  With many of the other members having full-time jobs, they were happy to go out on a “part-time” basis. By this time Abba You Abba Me had also disbanded, but Pete had decided that he wanted to continue to make music a full-time career for himself.  Still interested in the beginnings of music and having performed at a few local Country Music club nights with The Beaudine’s, his thoughts were with forming a country music band.  Denis and Roger agreed to remain with him, and in 2003, The Hanks were formed.  Since then they have steadily built up a renowned reputation on the British Country Music circuit for their own style, covering material from Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, BR549 and Hal Ketchum – to name but a few.  Roger had to leave the band for health reasons in 2005 and was replaced temporarily by Joe Herzberg.  Not really enjoying the country scene, and deciding to take up teacher training, Joe was replaced by Russ Hawley in February 2006.

When Pete manages to find some spare time between performing and rehearsals, his interests include astronomy, walking, palaeontology and listening to traditional country music.

 Chris Turner (Bass Guitar and Harmony Vocals)

Chris joined the band in November 2008. He had always wanted to “don the cowboy boots and hat” – and he finally got his chance. Chris has always enjoyed some country music, but had never had the chance to play it. Born in Halifax, Chris was the youngest of 4 brothers. They had all been into music since an early age – Chris remembers they all used to go to the local shop and sing to the customers in return for sweets. It was one of his older brothers who got Chris his first guitar and taught him the basic chords. Chris also learnt at this stage how to appreciate all types of music. He performed in his first band at the age of 14 – and got paid!! He realised then what he wanted to do.
Chris had learnt lead guitar, so when he was offered a job in his brothers band playing bass he wasn’t sure. He took the job because he wanted to work in the band, but was eventually glad of the move. He grew to like the bass better, and realised what a strategic part it plays in a band. He hadn’t realised how diverse the bass can be – 4/5/6 string, fretless, upright. He worked semi-pro with his brother for a few years, and some other bands, working in local working men’s clubs. Chris was first of the brothers to decide to go pro. Jobs mainly came through “word of mouth” or musical contacts. Chris got a job with Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, then when the Vagabonds split up and became The Pacemakers, Chris stayed with them and spent 5 years touring the UK and worldwide with Gerry (Marsden) and the Pacemakers. Notable venues during his career have been many theatre tours, The Albert Hall (twice), Tony Orlando Show (Detroit), and Vince Hill/Suzzi Quattro Show.
Chris has had many jobs in between including postman, carpet planner and fitter, advertising (paper & radio) and shop work. When asked about his musical influences, Chris expressed “everything – as long as it’s done well”. For the last 2 years he has taught guitar and tries to convey the importance of interest in the subject to his students. He has also realised the advantage of knowing lead and bass guitar as he can accompany the student when they progress to this stage.
Away from music, other interests include astronomy, equestrian pursuits, nature, travel and roman history. Chris also became a “mature-student” and gained a degree in Communication, Arts and Theatre. He had left school with no qualifications, but later chose to take this course. Chris has 1 daughter who lives in Minorca and one of his brothers lives in the Canaries where he still sings with a band. Chris tries to get to see them when he can. Chris is now “living a dream” by performing country music at last, and, like Dave, is enjoying learning more about the country music scene.
 

As of

Dave Burgess (Drums)

Dave Burgess, who joined the band in September 2009, has decided to leave to pursue other drumming interests. Pete and Chris wish him all the best in his future career. 

Alan Bentley joined The Hanks at the beginning of June 2010 and a full biography will follow shortly.