People

Ian Deering - Lead Vocals

Ian stepped into the role of lead vocalist in the Beaver at the end of March 2009. He is a former touring rock vocalist and has supported the likes of The Mission, The Quireboys, and the platinum-selling Iron Butterfly. Ian's vocals put the classic back into classic rock. If Dire Straits were the Sultans of Swing then Ian is definitely the Sultan of Screams. Having operated under more stage names than he cares to mention (apparently it was the fashion to be called Mr Vocal Range and Jon E Major), we think that he'll now just stick to Ian.

Andi Kalczewski - Guitars / Backing Vox

Having been in several short-lived band projects in Liverpool and Manchester, Andi returned to Coventry and promptly joined MOB in late 2000, after answering an ad in that prestigious music publication ‘Why?’ (yes, that freebie bargain hunting mag found at petrol stations and rubbish newsagents!) Affectionately known as ‘cloth ears’, don’t expect to find him fine tuning the out front sound, although he’s not bad at coaxing a pant-soiling tone out of his rig. His playing is strictly old-school and way too loud, with Les Pauls the instrument of choice. Gary Moore, Ritchie Blackmore and EVH are amongst his heroes and playing live is and always will be the pinnacle, whether it’s a festival or the smallest local pub.

Patrick Dorgan - Bass Guitars

Patrick joined the band at the close of 2008 and played his first gig at the end of January, 2009. Patrick is a true 'bass guitar head', and brings with him a wealth of experience, having played bass for a number of outfits in all manner of styles, from jazz through to rock, both in the UK and overseas... notably in the USA. His taste in music is equally varied. Patrick is equally happy playing an upright bass, although it's unlikely he'll be playing it in the context of the Beaver in the near future! When not playing with the Beaver, Patrick offers tuition in both bass and standard electric guitar, so have a quiet word with him and buy him a drink after a gig and you never know...

John Chivers - Drums / Backing Vox

John started playing drums in 1981 as a means of getting out of piano lessons. Initially, he found hitting drums as dull as hitting ivories, but soon developed a liking for the drums after seeing the late, great jazz drummer, Buddy Rich in concert. John is the band's token northern monkey (a Bradfordian by birth). Prior to joining Ministry of Beaver, he played with Coventry originals band, BAiT from 1996 to 2007, and in the BAiT cover band spin-off, Kill Clouseau for its brief existence between 2006 and 2007. He shouldn't enjoy playing some of Beaver's material, as it is the antithesis of his favourite music, Progressive Rock... but in fact he loves it. He joined the band in January, 2008.