Biography

Roadapple has a truly international flavour, with four different nationalities lending their musical prowess - two Englishmen, an Australian, a Canadian & an Hungarian - each coming together to present the unique and inimitable sound that is just simply "The Best Damn Bluegrass-Style Band In The Land!!"

BAND MEMBERS:
JOHN HARTY: Mandolin/Vocals
John was born in England and commenced his career playing banjo in a jazz outfit known as the "Tranquil Valley Stompers". He soon switched instruments & is acknowledged as the finest and fastest mandolin player around.
He was an original member of "The Southern Ramblers" in England and came to Australia with fellow "Ramblers" member, Andy Grant in 1973.

ANDY GRANT: Bass & Acoustic Guitar/Vocals
Born in England and also an original member of "The Southern Ramblers", Andy is occasionally referred to off-stage as "the quiet one", but on stage he lets loose boundless energy and enthusiasm in zany arrangements of several numbers.
Andy's wife, Margaret, has written a number of original compositions and these are featured regularly in the band's repertoire.

GREG LOUTTIT: Bass & Acousic Guitar/Lead Vocals
Greg was born in Australia and started off playing drums in a dance band when he was 15. He taught himself guitar and in his late 20's performed as a solo-singer/guitarist. He toured with "The Trailblazers" and played in numerous bands before finally joining up with John & Andy to form the nucleus of ROADAPPLE.

RAINOR WEBB: Banjo/Harmony
Born in Canada, Rainor initially ventured to Australia for a three-month vacation. However, he met ROADAPPLE and following the loss of the band's original banjo player, Rainor was hooked in!

KORNEL BANKS: Fiddle
Kornel was born in Hungary and came to Australia in 1957. He is a trained classical violinist, but now adds the authentic country fiddle to ROADAPPLE.
Kornel is teaching his 2 1/2 yr old son, Brook, and whenever he can, the boy will stand in with the band and confidentally play his own fiddle breaks - much to the delight and amusement of the crowd.