Bios

One Track Mind's musicians have a diverse and interesting past - so here's a quick summary for each band member so you know what to ask them when you next attend a gig.

Noel - Lead vocals

A powerhouse vocalist with an incredible range and a big stage presence, Noel Ashton is the high-octane frontman currently leading the charge for One Track Mind. Based in Essex, Noel has spent decades commanding stages across the UK, evolving from a raw rock enthusiast into one of the most technically versatile singers on the circuit.

The Vocal Shape-Shifter
Noel’s musical DNA is built on the massive sounds of the 80s and the grit of classic rock. Whether he’s channeling the stadium-filling energy of Jon Bon Jovi or the glam-rock swagger of Marc Bolan, his ability to adapt his voice to the specific demands of a genre is his trademark. His extensive portfolio includes:

The Tributes: Just Jovi (Bon Jovi), Total 80s (Eighties Touring Tribute), and Telegram Sam (T-Rex).

The Rock Heritage: Yankee Rose (80s Hair Metal), DNA (80s Synth Rock), Beggar, and a 15-year tenure with Steal.

The Current Chapter: Fronting One Track Mind, where he brings his signature power to a curated set of soft rock and classic covers.

The Performance
Today, with One Track Mind, Noel is known for hitting the impossible notes and maintaining a relentless energy that keeps audiences on their feet. He doesn't just sing the songs; he inhabits them, delivering a polished, professional, and powerful performance every time he picks up the mic.

Barry - Keys, guitar & vocals

From his breakout on national television to his role as a cornerstone of the local music scene, Barry has spent over four decades at the heart of the UK’s keyboard circuit.

The Television Breakout
Barry first stepped into the spotlight in the late 70s as the keyboardist for the London-based group Teapot Brown. On January 22, 1977, the band appeared on the iconic UK talent show 'New Faces', opening the series with their original track, "A Face In The Crowd." Their performance was so polished that the legendary judging panel compared their harmonies and sound to the Bee Gees—a high-water mark for any group of the era.

The Mantilla Era
In the 1980s, Barry co-founded Mantilla, a band that became a staple of the live circuit throughout the decade. This period cemented his reputation as a versatile and reliable player, leading him to eventually open Mantilla Music in Chingford in the mid-90s. As a business owner and mentor, he has spent nearly 30 years supporting the next generation of musicians while maintaining his own rigorous performance standards.

Meticulous Precision
Today, Barry continues to push for musical excellence as part of One Track Mind. Known for his "meticulous breakdown" of tracks, he works alongside Colin to ensure the band achieves total "record likeness." Whether it’s finding the exact vintage synth patch or perfecting a complex arrangement, Barry’s goal remains the same: delivering a sound so authentic that audiences forget they aren't listening to the original cut.

Colin - Lead guitar & vocals

A mainstay of the South East music scene for over four decades, Colin is the rare breed of musician who honours the legacy of rock while relentlessly pushing its technical boundaries. From the smoke-filled clubs of the 1980s to today’s digital stages, Colin’s career has been defined by a pursuit of tonal perfection.

The Heritage: From Vinyl to Icons
Colin’s pedigree is etched into the history of legendary venues like Ronnie Scott’s, The Rock Garden, The Bridge House, and The Greyhound. During the 80s, he enjoyed playing in Paragon, a band that captured the era's lightning on vinyl—he would love to get around to remaster the 24 track tape.

The Innovation: The "Silent" Revolution
In One Track Mind, Colin is far more than a lead guitarist; he is the band’s technical visionary. He pioneered the group’s transition to the digital age, implementing online rehearsals during lockdown using Jamkazam and Sonobus.

Colin retired his legendary huge analogue pedalboard in favour of a hyper-streamlined BOSS GT1000 Core midi setup. Through sophisticated MIDI switching, Colin doesn't just manage his own world-class guitar tones, he serves as the band’s automated lighting director.

The Philosophy: "Record Likeness"
Colin enjoys meticulously breaking down a new song so that he and Barry can replicate as many aspects of the song as possible before rehearsing with the full band. Utilising online dialog with Barry helps this process enormously.

Colin is Influenced creatively and tonally by the melodic masters—Ian Bairnson, Gary Moore, Bill Nelson, and Dave Gilmour.

Richard - Bass & vocals

Every great band needs a heartbeat, and for One Track Mind, that heartbeat is Richard. A founding member and the architect of the band’s "Engine Room," Richard has been wielding a bass since he was 16, cutting his teeth in the high-voltage punk scene of the late 1970s.

From Punk to Progress
Richard’s musical journey is a tour through the UK’s most iconic subcultures. He kicked off his career with the raw energy of punk outfit The Shock, before transitioning into the stylish, synth-driven world of the New Romantic era with Strange Images and Kibbutz. This diverse background allows him to pivot effortlessly between driving rock rhythms and sophisticated pop grooves.

The Gear & The Tone
For Richard, tone is everything. While he keeps a stable of "gold standard" Fender Precisions, Jazz basses, and the iconic Rickenbacker in his arsenal, his weapon of choice is the Shuker Custom JJ Burnel.

The Shuker Edge: This boutique, custom-built masterpiece (inspired by The Stranglers' legendary bassist) gives Richard that signature "growl" and melodic punch that defines the One Track Mind sound.

The Influences
Richard’s playing style is a unique cocktail of his eclectic tastes. You can hear the atmospheric grit of Bauhaus and The Cure, the rock-solid foundation of Led Zeppelin, and the intricate technicality of Steely Dan and Public Service Broadcasting. However, his ultimate North Star is the late, great Chris Squire (Yes)—the master of the melodic, "lead-bass" approach.

Mark - Percussion & vocals

For Mark , rhythm isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong obsession. Handed his first drum kit at the age of nine, Mark traded the quiet pews of his local Sunday school orchestra for the high-octane energy of school bands, setting the stage for a career defined by versatility and power.

From the London Underground to the Big Stage

In the 1980s, Mark was a fixture of the legendary London rock circuit. Chasing the "big break," he cut his teeth in the city's grittiest venues, developing a hard-hitting style.

He spent years mastering the art of entertainment on the UK Holiday Camp circuit, performing 60s classics and vintage Rock ’n’ Roll. This era turned him into a Swiss Army Knife of a drummer, capable of nailing everything from a swing beat to a stadium rock anthem.

The Anchor of One Track Mind

Today, Mark serves as the unwavering anchor for One Track Mind. Decades of experience in the tribute and cover band world have given him an encyclopedic knowledge of rock and pop dynamics. He doesn't just keep time; he drives the energy of every performance, ensuring that every fill is precise and every groove is locked in.

Whether he’s recreating a subtle 60s shuffle or a massive 80s snare hit, Mark’s playing is rooted in a simple philosophy: if the beat feels right, the night is a success.

Experience: From church orchestras to London rock clubs and national holiday camps.

Specialty: Authentic "period-correct" drumming across 60s, 80s, and modern rock.