Born in the Eighties, The Dan Reed Network, are still rocking in the free world of the naughties, and kicking off their UK tour in Swindon.

Dan Reed's funk rock roots are in his home town of Portland, Oregon in America, where he started the band with his old high school pal, Dan Pred, in 1984.

They signed to Mercury Records, becoming stable mates with Bon Jovi and their first album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn who also worked with Bon Jovi.

Rock giants Def Leppard's managers snapped up the band for Q Prime Management Company and success followed.

The Dan Reed Network toured Europe, supporting Bon Jovi, and then scooped the main support slot for the Rolling Stones in 1990, playing nightly to tens of thousands in stadiums.

Most band's find contention with their record label over finances or musical differences but Dan upset the chiefs by shaving off his long dark hair, which they viewed as a prime marketing attraction. Unlike Samson his musical talent did not diminish with the loss of his hair, and even when the band decided to move in different directions Dan continued to find success in his solo work and brief flirtations with acting on stage and film.

His heart was always in his music and in 2015 he reunited with his old band to perform at the Download Festival in the UK, getting back to their rock roots, and last year they performed for the Swindon-based Fatboy’s charity.

Fatboy's was set up by a group of police pals following the death of serving police officer, Mike Fatboy Lawless, in 1999. Mike was just 31-years-old when he died of cancer. He was a keen rugby player, a valued part of the police team, and a popular musician. He played guitar and sang with Swindon rock band, Animal House, that also featured his good friend and fellow police officer Mike Rees, who took up the mantle of orchestrating the charity, which has grown from strength to strength.

Fatboy’s Charity is primarily for buying Christmas presents for children with cancer.

Swindon will be the opening gig for the Dan Reed Network's Fight Another Day Tour of the UK and Europe. They will be supported by Mike's band The Lawless and play at Level 3, Commercial Road in Swindon on Wednesday March 1, in support of Fatboy's Cancer Charity for Children.- Flicky Harrison

  • For more detail or tickets email mike.rees@fatboyscharity.co.uk or call 01793 534238