Meet Gale Force - Bringing You Live Funk, Rock & Soul Music
Gale Force is a group made up of nine skilled musicians united by a love for funk, rock, and soul. Our mission is to infuse every event with energy and passion through expertly crafted live music. We value authenticity, connection with our audience, and professionalism in every set we perform.
Join the Gale Force Experience
Discover the faces and stories behind Gale Force. From our earliest gigs to major festivals, learn how we create unforgettable musical moments tailored to each event. Our team is dedicated to making your celebration truly special.
Meet the musicians
We are a group of musicians connected through a love for music and years of dedication and experience
cass gale
Vocalist
a brit school graduate, cass grew up with musical parents and from a young age was learning instruments & vocals. she attended a local dance school where she also found a love for musical theatre and dance. later at the music school she realised she liked classical music; 'i wanted to be a opera singer like MAria callas'. however circumstances led her to join bands playing rock & pop genres, performing as a backing vocalist for a phil collins tribute and now her passion for funk & soul music in 'gale force'
bill mcdonough
saxophones
Playing single reeds since age 11, Bill’s career spans London gigs, recording with Nigel Gray at Surrey Sound Studios, commercial TV/radio soundtracks, and 10 years with 'No Jacket Required'. His credits include featuring on music for the hit tv series 'lovejoy', Austrian ski seasons with 'Riforama', 'Mike Wheeler' in Chicago, European tours with Dave Finnegan’s 'Commitments', and recording artist Jackson Sloan. He currently performs with The' British Bluescasting Corporation', 'Jump 66', 'Funky Fury Shaker' and The 'Audacity'.
john donald
guitar
John started gigging in Croydon’s pubs, including The Cartoon, before playing London’s Hard Rock Café. Though never a full-time pro, he has shared stages with members of 'Mud', 'Motörhead', '10cc' and 'Queen' touring musicians. He formed Zen Relics in 2009 and The 'Audacity' in 2012, leading both through a five-year Shockfest residency in Sussex. His enduring passion remains the elusive “clean” guitar tone.
steve brothwood
trombone
steve started performing early as a chorister with the liverpool Cathedral choir from the age of 8. He started playing cello around the same time and switched to trombone because it was easier to carry! he has performed with many bands and orchestras over the last 20 years, from traditional brass bands and big band jazz to salsa, soul and funk. he was one of the original bb horns, the horn section for the sussex soul band 'the blunter brothers' - and while with them worked with soul legends geno washington and ruby turner. steve also plays percussion and is famous for his TUMBA & percussion skills especially in tribute band 'no jacket required'
JEFF SCARRY
bass guitar
Jeff has been playing bass since the age of 14, attended chichester college to study for a jazz diploma & has decades of live performance experience across a wide range of bands and musical styles. he has been part of well-known acts including 'Firewater', 'Wail Nation', 'Bad Boy Boogie' & 'Scaramouche'. For the past 14 years, Jeff has also been part of the tribute band No 'Jacket Required', earning a reputation for solid groove and a strong stage presence. Now bringing his experience, energy, and unmistakable bass lines to Gale Force, Jeff continues to do what he’s always loved — playing live music and keeping the rhythm locked in.
david purkis
drums
Dave’s passion for drumming began at age 13 after seeing the legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich perform live. Inspired by the great drummers who would later become household names, he picked up a pair of sticks, bought his first drum kit, experimemted with varios rhythms and has been playing ever since. Over the past 50 years, Dave has performed with numerous bands and contributed to many recording sessions, building a wealth of experience along the way. Today, he brings his skill, energy, and lifelong enthusiasm for music to 'Gale Force'.
marc price
guitar
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matt hammond
keyboards
Matt began playing the piano aged 7, inspired by his father - a keen Boogie Woogie player. He has played professionally for over four decades, performing in numerous bands covering all genres. Throughout the 90s, Matt was the keyboard player in original bands 'The End' and 'Lunaseed'. Gigging in all the major London venues such as the Marquee, Astoria and Hippodrome, and also in Europe, they supported the likes of 'Status Quo', 'Cockney Rebel', 'Manfred Mann', 'The Ramones' and 'The Damned'.
*Fun fact* When Matt was 19, he was in a band with Cass Gale’s mum!
stuart beck
trumpet
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Gallery
Check out some of our pictures
We've performed at some fantastic venues and events, be a part of our story, book us for your special event!
