Mervyn Spence

Merv "Spam" Spence
Birth name Merv Spence
Also known as O'Ryan
Born

1966 (age 49–50)


Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Genres Hard rock, progressive rock, pop rock, blues rock
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, musician, producer
Instruments Vocals, bass, guitar
Years active 1980s–present
Labels Parachute music, Emjo Media
Associated acts Trapeze, Wishbone Ash, Phenomena, Croots
Website http://www.mervspence.co.uk

Merv "Spam" Spence is an Irish musician & Producer, best known for his work with Wishbone Ash and Trapeze.

Musical career

Spence moved to Staffordshire from Ireland in the late 1970s, and began playing with bands such as The Jury and Big Daisy.

Trapeze

During Spence's time in local bands, he was spotted by Mel Galley, who promptly offered Spence the bassist and vocalist position in Trapeze, which had been left vacant since Peter Goalby had left to join Uriah Heep. Spence briefly toured with the band, and during his tenure recorded one album's worth of material, which – due to Galley's departure to replace Bernie Marsden in Whitesnake – remains unreleased.[1] Several of the songs from these sessions however (Demos exist in bootleg form), would form the basis for Galley's Phenomena project.

Wishbone Ash

Following the break-up of Trapeze, Spence was offered an audition for Wishbone Ash while he was pitching demo material to various outlets. On the strength of his vocal range and enthusiasm, Spence became a member of the band. Spence would perform on one album by the band, 1985's Raw to the Bone.[1]

Post-Wishbone Ash

Spence left Wishbone Ash in 1986 "to pursue family matters". He has since released two solo albums under the name "O'Ryan" (his mother's maiden name), 1993's Something Strong and 1995's Initiate.[2]

Discography

Solo

with Wishbone Ash

with Face Face

with Purple Cross

with Phenomena

with Big Daisy

References

  1. 1 2 "Mervyn Spence". Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash. 2008. Archived from the original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  2. ↑ "Mervyn Spence". Allmusic. 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
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