THE OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE OF THE FLYING PICKETS
THE BAND
ANDY LAYCOCK
Joined the Pickets in August 1999; but he's been singing acappella since 1984, when - having completed a Performing Arts degree - he was a founder member (along with Pickets bass singer Chris Brooker) of the a cappella group Ad Nauseam, who he toured with for several years. Andy is also well known in Britain as an actor in Television and West End theatres, having worked with many leading writers such as Dennis Potter and Tom Stoppard. More recently, Andy's voiceovers have been heard in commercials on radio and TV.
CHRIS BROOKER
Chris Brooker is regarded as one of the best male ‘pop’ bass singers in Europe, having toured with the Flying Pickets for several years as well as appearing on many film soundtracks including; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Disney on Ice soundtrack, The Mission soundtrack by Ennio Morricone, Israeli TV and Monserrat Caballe, as well as many other sessions for the BBC, ITV and commercial radio. Chris is a regular voice on the recordings of Readers Digest worldwide and has also performed at The Classical Brit awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London, at the National Theatre in London, Monte Carlo and in Japan. “The ultimate human soundmachine Chris Brooker” quote Ko Burger - Balk News NL.
MARTIN GEORGE
Martin has a varied career as an actor, singer and musician. He trained as an actor and performed in rock bands from 16 years of age. In his first musical he played 'Joseph' and went on to play other major roles including 'Tommy' in the Who's rock opera, both 'Jesus' and 'Judas' in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and specialised as Frank 'n Furter in The Rocky Horror Show during the 90's, appearing in 5 different productions in the UK and abroad. Martin played principle roles in the West End shows 'Les Miserables,' 'Godspell' and 'Return to the Forbidden Planet.' Martin joined 'The Flying Pickets' in 2012.
MIKE HENRY
Born in London to Jamaican parents. Studied composition and clarinet at the Royal College of Music. Was a member of the Pickets from 91 to 94, having also stepped in on many occasions since, and is now once again a full-time member. His professional vocal achievements include opera with ENO, Glyndebourne, Royal Opera House; backing vocals for Diana Ross,Robbie Williams, The Pet Shop Boys, Dave McAlmont, Billy Bragg, Cliff Richard and Chrissy Hynde; West End performances with the 2001 "Official Tribute to the Blues Brothers", Presenter of BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1992 and has a catalogue of over 200 songs and compositions.
SIMON JOHN FOSTER
Simon joined the Pickets in January of 2004. He has worked in most areas within the music business with many top artists including Zucchero, Geri Halliwell, Bond and George Michael. He also played Elwood in the theatre production of "The Blues Brothers" which toured in the UK, Europe and Japan, including four sell out West End runs. While it's his first venture into true acapella music, he is well used to singing close harmony and is very much relishing this new challenge.