Neil started playing guitar at 11 and was initially inspired by local musicians, his usual Saturday evening would be spent with his father going to see live music at venues across the town. Neil would watch the guitarists with intrigue and awe, making mental notes on how to play a chord or solo for when he got home. Neil spent his early years learning from his uncles Alan Livingstone and Paul Richmond who were also guitarists and played in popular acoustic duo "Maggie and Two Foot".
Fast forward a number of decades, Neil played guitar at a family event alongside Alan, the usual sing along and jolliness prevailed. In the wings stood Anthony now a budding guitarist and singer. Anthony, not for the first time, approached his cousin to start a band, it all started with video footage of Anthony singing and playing Run Away by Dell Shannon, now a stalwart of our set. Upon watching the video and recognising the talent that lies within, Neil knew it was time to dust off the gig bag. The rest, in cliché form, is history!
Anthony and Neil started rehearsing in September 2018, soon after this they were performing at the local, friendly open mic scene. In March 2019 Ray Green kindly offered to add a bass line to the duo so founders Neil and Ant could see if it worked with their style and music choice. Initially the already busy pro-level bass player had no intention of joining another band... until the end of the first rehearsal that is. The three clicked, from that point on Ray was hooked and The LivinTones duo became a trio.
