scott ottaway

The Pocket Gods have just picked up their 5th Guinness Book of Records Certificate.

Hi. Sorry it has been so long since an update, but Happy New year and lets hope 2022 is a much better one.

So far for me, it has been.

On January 11th I joined 'Drums In Schools', teaching junior children in Aylesbury schools how to play drums.

Drums in Schools was founded by James Manders, a good friend and amazing guitarist, 4 years ago.

James has asked me to join his school twice before, but because of my touring commitments etc, I was not able to fully commit. When he asked me again in December 2021, I jumped at the chance.

I have also re-joined the MK Rock Project, teaching with them in Leighton Buzzard on Tuesday evenings and Buckingham on Wednesday evenings. Of course, I already work for the Bucks Rock Project in Aylesbury on Monday evenings and High Wycombe on Thursday evenings.

If you have a child who wants to learn an instrument (Vocals, Guitars, Bass Guitars, Drums or Keyboards) then The Rock Project is a great way for them to learn and interact with other like minded people.

If you want to learn in Aylesbury or High Wycombe, call Mark on 07545 828590

In Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Dunstable or Leighton Buzzard, call Chris on 07816 669659

Sorry the site has not been updated since August, but there has been so much going on.

Theatre shows with Bella Popera (Pictures and video to follow) Miracle Cure, Pocket Gods and a few last minute dep gigs thrown into the mix.

I also started up, Buckets for Bongos, which is me going round schools, psychic and wellbeing fairs, promoting how drumming, even on a bucket, can raise your endorphin levels, therefore putting you in a happy mood.

Don't forget if you need a drummer, or Buckets for Bongos at your event, call me on 07944577004

Statement released on Thursday 7th October 2021.

You've probably now heard that John, Frank & Spencer are bringing The Searchers back for a solo tour in 2023.

I have had the honour of being a custodian of the Searchers drum throne for over 9 years & it was a wonderful experience, one I will never forget.

I was informed on Friday 1st October 2021, that I would not be involved in the 2023 tour, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank the band, & most importantly, you, the fans, for the spectacular memories. We play for you, to bring you the sounds that you love, & the music you hold so dear to your heart.

Enjoy the shows & thank you for making me so welcome & for taking me into your hearts & homes.

Lots of love.

Scott Ottaway.

Bella Popera. 

Performing in exclusive venues across the UK, and with their exponentially growing online presence, the acclaimed pop opera group Bella Popera consists of three young sopranos who are a crossover sensation. They sing classical. They belt rock. They wow audiences with their breathtaking set of operatic arias, chart-topping medleys and modern covers.  Having seen them perform in London, celebrity investor Deborah Meadon had little doubt that their original three-part harmonies of chart-topping hits were heavenly indeed - “Voices of Angels”. 

Crossover is the name of their game.  Meaning that Bella Popera deliver classy classical arias such as Carmen’s Habanera and Delibes’s Flower Duet with style and flair.  But as the applause continues to reverberate around the performance venue they immediately take off, naturally and effortlessly, into the world of pop and rock, of Boogie Woogie or Motown – and much more besides.  Versatility is their watchword.   Belting Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus – but with a classical twist.   Singing Havana by Camila Cabello with innovative operatic harmonies.  The Bella Popera girls also know how to engage with audiences throughout their show – in which there is always something for everyone to enjoy.

I will be playing drums with these amazing women. Our first rehearsal took place on Tuesday 24th August and you can buy tickets to this unique show now, but they are selling fast!

buy from here

A time of reflection on 4 gigs which has seen me travel to Reading, Lincoln, London, Bath over the last 2 weeks, 2 rehearsals, 2 stand in teaching jobs and 2 drum wellbeing workshops.

Started with a dip gig, with The Dips. Called up at short notice by great friend and bassist, Allan Burls after their drummer got 'pinged'

This was a wedding gig and the bands first using backing tracks and in-ears.

All went really well and a great, hot night was had by all.

That was followed by a mother wedding in Lincoln, with Uproar. Another dip gig and another extremely warm night, packed dance floor and a happy crowd.

I was also asked to fill in for The Rock Project, Bucks, after their drum teacher, yeah you guessed it, got pinged.

This was teaching 3 lots of groups, from kids to adults. I think they all warmed to me and looks like next term I will be helping them a lot more.

My wellbeing drum seminars really have taken off. I have done 2 at the Psychic and wellbeing fairs in Aylesbury and Thame.

We sit in groups and I show you how just playing on a bucket with music or others can really raise your happiness level.

People are sometimes nervous at the start, but by the end they are joining in and smiling away.

Then it was The Pocket Gods rehearsal and gig with Johnny Altman.

The rehearsals went well and the show was a blast. It was filmed, so hopefully that will emerge soon and there are more shows planned with Johnny.

Then on the road with Miracle Cure. I last played with them in 2019, but have been booked for 10 weddings over August and September.

What I love about this band is the fiddler who joins us for the 2nd half and really lifts everything with Irish jigs and music. Always my favourite part.

Now it is back to studio work for a few days, then weddings and another Wellbeing seminar on the 8th in Launton, Oxfordshire.

The Pocket Gods will again be playing the 100 Club, Oxford St, London on Thursday 29th July.

Doors at 7.30pm and over 18s only

this will see the band launch their 70th album, Tin foil hat Chameleon.

There will be support from, The Boy from Space and Determinated.

tickets can be purchased from wegottickets.com

On Saturday, July 3rd, I presented my first drumming for mental health and wellbeing seminar at the the Aylesbury, Mind Body, Spirit, Wellbeing event.

It was a huge success and many people going away happy after realising they did have rhythm and could enjoy playing along in a group or on their own, with just a bucket.

I have been asked to do a few more seminars and you can catch one at:

Thame, Spread Eagle. Sunday 25th July

Taunton, Sports and Social Club. Saturday August 7th

Leighton buzzard cricket Club. Sunday September 9th

Oxford, Jurys Inn. Sunday September 12th

High Wycombe, Wycombe Arts Centre. Sunday September 19th

Aylesbury, Grange School. Saturday September 25th

Berkhampstead Civic Centre. Saturday October 2nd

I was asked to add drums to some backing tracks.

The singer wanted his tracks to sound like a live band, so had asked several musicians to add their instrument to his tracks.

The first one I recorded was Depeche Mode's, Enjoy The Silence

Find video on youtube here