Dave “Westy” West is an experienced bassist who has worked mainly with pop, funk, soul and R&B acts. He started his career in the early 80’s as a guitarist and quickly moved to bass when offered a European tour with a local band.

His first notable sessions were with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley when he played on the original demos for Careless Whisper and Wham Rap. These and other songs such as Club Tropicana, Bad Boys and Love Machine were also the basis for early rehearsals which included George, Dave and brothers, Andrew and Paul Ridgeley.

George also introduced Dave to Hazel O’Connor, who he continued to play with (and later produce) for over 10 years. He has also worked with Bonnie Tyler, Boy George, Pete Cox (Go West), Samantha Fox, LTJ Bukhem, The Q-Tips and many others. He was also honoured to work with the legends Brian Bennett and Brian May on a version of “Move it” for Sir Cliff. 

Until now, Dave had politely turned down the many offers to join any Wham! or George Michael “tributes”. But after seeing Steve Mitchell’s impressive performance as George, they became firm friends and Steve asked Dave to join him to produce a show “Celebrating George Michael”. 

“I hope that you enjoy this celebration of George and his music. I am so very proud and honoured to be a part of it and I thank and dedicate these performances to George who did so much to help my career.”… Westy

Ray took up the guitar aged twelve and was influenced by a host of different players before gravitating towards the sound of LA session musicians who tended to work for the songs they were performing on rather than themselves.

Over many years he has honed his skills in various bands playing at a host of prestigious venues developing proficiency in many different styles of music.

In recent years has played with show band ” Souled Out” entertaining private and corporate clients up and down the country as well as other top venues throughout Europe.

Now, as the featured guitarist with Celebrating George Michael, he has the opportunity to put his skills garnered over those years to good use with the broad spectrum of material played by George during his career.

Ray is also the band practical joker!

As an accomplished and much sought after percussionist, Lester has worked with some of the best society/party and Latin bands on the circuit. This includes bands such as M.I.B, The Talent, Mixed feelings, Rollacoaster, Bamboleo, Tropicalia and many more.

Lester has played and recorded all over the world including Spain, Italy, France, Cuba, New York, and of course in the UK.  

He has also graced the stages of many prestigious venues including the Albert Hall, Houses of Parliament and Alnwick Castle, and performing to the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, H.R.H Prince of Wales, John Travolta, Camilla Parker Bowles, World Champion Boxer Roberto Duran, Jonathan Ross, The Sultan of Oman.

We are so pleased that Lester will be joining us on some of the shows.

“Skelly” is a freelance session singer and vocal arranger based in London. Having grown up surrounded by music and starting singing lessons from a young age.

She has since completed a degree in professional vocal performance and now works in all aspects of the industry, from singing backing vocals for artists or as the front woman for various bands to writing and recording her own and others’ music.

Emma has had the opportunity to perform in venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall to Disneyland and for the BBC, performing music ranging from Classical and Choral music to Pop and R&B.

Her original music falls under the artist name Skelly which she shares with her brother; a trumpet player by trade, but together, they write, produce and record everything.

Their full album is set to come out in the autumn, following the success of their debut EP.