Until the age of 13 I was unsure of what to do with my life, until I was given a cassette of a local band. A song on their album made a lasting impression on me. (The dance, originally done by Garth Brooks). So from that day I discovered my passion for country music. In 2005 I put together my own duo and am now having the time of my life. I feel I belong up there on the stage singing and performing some of my favourite country songs. I have been inspired by the likes of Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash .We include these artist’s songs in our sets, (as well as our own self penned songs) Generating approval for my own interpretation of Johnny Cash and as a result am currently in the process of looking into performing a one-off Johnny Cash tribute act to add to my ever growing portfolio. Winning Duo of the year at the British country music awards 2009 has given me the confidence I feel needed to take my career in country music further.

Spur was originally created by Mark back in 2001, after the making of a home made album, which he only produced 10 copies of and these were given to family and friends. A name was needed for the album, and after much deliberation Mark decided on Spur. Around this time Mark was working a 9 to 5 job, however, a year later Spur was still at the forefront of his mind and he finally began to realise that the dream of Spur was where his heart lay. In 2002 he could no longer continue working 9 to 5 with the knowledge that life is short and would he ever regret not progressing with Spur - so he bit the bullet and took that chance.

Mark spent night after night sitting in a room with just his guitar, learning and writing songs he’d always dreamed of performing whilst having guitar lessons from Bobby Reed and also being taught to drink Cider..
Mark had a cousin James who was also musically talented, and in 2005 Mark decided to make that all important call to James and said “I’m going to do this, do you want in”, from this moment on Spur the duo was born. They started playing in a local bar every Thursday night, free of charge - practising but also entertaining the locals.

Soon after word started to spread around the country scene that there was new talent in the form of a young country duo playing in a bar. New faces started to appear in the crowd, and these faces where of country venue organisers. Lynne Hancock from the Big W (Weston-Super-Mare) got chatting to the guys and asked what they knew about the country scene, to which they replied not much, from this conversation she invited them to her club.

The guys went along to the Big W where Gemma Fairweather happened to be performing that evening, Lynne introduced them to Gemma and she kindly gave them some advice and tips. They were asked that night if they would like to perform a couple of songs and without any hesitation they jumped at the chance. Spur performed 2 numbers and went down a storm with the club. From then on other venue organisers visited the local pub, where Spur played and this led to them picking up some bookings on the country scene.

In August 2005 the guys went along to the Jim Silverthorn’s Country Music Trade Fair (held in Keynsham) just to listen to acts for experience and hopefully to pick up a few tips by watching the performers. Spur did try to book a spot a few months before the Trade Fair but never heard anything back. Kalibre then took to the stage, and as there set was drawing to a close Bobby Reed mentioned to the audience that there was a new young country duo in the room going by the name of Spur, they are very good and definitely worth booking. Mark was then approached and asked “What time are you performing”, he replied “We don’t have a spot”, the guy asked “If I could get you a spot would you play” once again they jumped at the chance. From this they went on to get a spot the following evening in the line dance venue, Spur retired to their van and started working on their 30 minute set. They were also offered a spot on the Main Stage to which they accepted and were invited back for two spots the following year. Jim Silverthorn was very impressed and has supported the guys ever since.
Following this Spur were asked by Hoppy Horton to join them and appear as a special guest in the Saggy Bottom Boys Road Show and then were asked by Kalibre to support them in a Merle Haggard Tribute Show. Thanks to Bobby Reed, Bob Dixon and Dale James for there support and backing.

Spur are now going from strength to strength and are working full time as a Multi Award Winning Country Music Duo, they are loving what they do and are very happy and grateful for everybody’s help along the way.

Taylor Swift, Eric Church just to name a few

Speak Now - Taylor Swift