The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band

The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band's two-hour show covers the very best of Bob Marley’s timeless classics: Is This Love, No Woman No Cry, Waiting in Vain, Exodus, I Shot The Sheriff, Jamming, Could You Be Loved.

These are just a few of his million-selling hits brought to you in this fantastic two-hour tribute to the acknowledged master of reggae.

The musicianship is flawless, with that irresistible reggae groove compelling you to move and the presence of Bob Marley himself invoked in the skilled and respectful portrayal by Michael.

The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band members

Michael started performing and playing music from a very early age with his brothers and sisters – Steve, Glen, Wayne, Dorret, Maureen, Mazie, Inez and Jennifer, the children of Caroline and the late Obadiah Busterman Phillips. He grew up in The Church of God Of Prophecy where they would often be invited to perform individually and as a family unit.

Music has always been very important in Michael's life and as a child, he would practice anything he heard on the radio, television and at school – you name it he would struggle with his tiny hands to play whatever instrument he could at the time!!

His father bought him his first electric guitar and he can remember from an early age watching and listening to him playing his accordion and his Bass Guitar. He would play all different styles of music. Michael at that time would perform and do shows in his back garden when given the chance.

His first gig was a test of things to come when one day his brother called for him at their parent's home asking him to do something. He jumped in his car and off they went. His brother said to him "there's a bass in the back and I want you to play it tonight and show people how it's done." So, he took up the challenge and that was the start of his musical journey.

Michael has worked with artists and producers such as Veg, Wooligan, Leroy from Delkass Studio, Silicon Squad, Mark Morrison, Jam Down, Jah woosh, Versatile Experience, Imani, Black Knights, Memphis, k'leb Clarke, Peter Spence, Bonito Star, Dimond, Tena Star, Stargate Family, I' Kool, Billy Ocean, Spears aka Errol Ruddock, Sledge Hammer, ET, Bugsy, Lloyd, Bailey Brothers, Cameron Hines, Stan (The Leicester Crew) and not forgetting Lowell (his brethren with the left hand upside down bass) who has always been an inspiration, encouraging him to go forward.

These are some of the bands, artists and producers Michael has worked with. Leading up to now Michael joined forces with The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band in 2006 as the lead singer which has become his musical family. They are the leading force in his musical life right now. Michael states "home or away it just seems to get bigger and better with every performance."

He thanks Jah (God) for every breath he breathes and offers blessings and thanks to everyone!

Alphonse started playing music at the age of 16 and he very soon founded his own band Messiah which played roots rock reggae music until 1979. He then changed the band name to The Equators at the same time expanding its repertoire to include R&B and ska music. Alfonso was signed to Stiff Records by the owner Dave Robinson, for three years.

Within those three years, Alphonse played alongside Madness, Tenpole Tuder, The Beat, Desmond Decker and many more along the way.

His first single, "Baby Come Back" originally recorded by Eddy Grant and The Equals, went to number
7 in Portugal and number 14 in Spain. He then went on to tour America, Canada and Europe, creating a huge impact with the music his band was playing.

Alphonse has also appeared on US TV in New York City bases upon his many successes. He has also featured in many radio interviews in America, Canada, Europe, Ireland and England during the times he was touring.

Dave Clamp (drums and percussion)

Dave has played many styles of music in his career but he has always held a special love for Reggae and when approached for the position of drummer with the new tribute to Bob Marley...The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band...he leapt at the chance.

There is no question about it, Dave Clamp is a mighty fine drummer with years of experience and a great flair for this unique style of music.

Elaine

Elaine began singing from a very young age She first found her calling for the stage when she was 8 years old and sang a solo during a Christmas concert at her local church. Following that she would sing mainly for fun for family functions and later, karaoke. For a short period, she took up dancing and joined a dance group called Ace Squad, who performed at various venues in Birmingham and had an appearance on Central TV’s Newshound.

However, the calling to return to singing was too great, and in 1997 whilst on holiday with a friend in Turkey, they together, entertained the hotel and their guests with an impromptu performance.

Elaine 2She was one of the founder members of Majik Touch, who performed around Birmingham, a Lord Mayor’s Carnival event at Cannon Hill Park and successfully auditioned to perform live on Michael Barrymore’s “My Kind of People” at Merry Hill.

Since then Elaine has been in various bands and performed alongside many name artists, which include Zeph from Just Us, The Reggae Revolution and up and coming Jamaican reggae artist Kush.

We are very pleased to say that Elaine is now to be found a permanent and vital member of the female vocal backing section alongside Leonie here in The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band. Her beautiful and soulful tone blends perfectly and produces that magical and subtle "lift" so typical of Bob Marley's vocal arrangements.

Glen Prince (bass)

Growing up withing the strong influence of the gospel church, Glenn Prince has donated his talents repeatedly for the love of playing bass guitar.

Born in the early 60’s his church upbringing nurtured his creative talents and eventually lead to him playing with many well-known gospel bands in Birmingham. Glenn is well known from his many performances at conventions held throughout the UK.

In the 80’s he began a four-year fulfilled and joyous association with the Shylo Band, which took his career to another level performing overseas alongside Europe’s finest.

Glenn's playing style was Inspired by a legendary artist with traditional pulsating double bass tones, ‘Aston Family Man Barrett’. Other influences include Stanley Clarke, Lewis Johnson, Marcus Miller and Bobby Watson to name but a few.

A true performer who insists on precision, and reflects his inspirational talents through his performances. Yes he really gets around – he has performed with international reggae artists such as Frankie Paul, and most recently in 2006 supporting the renowned and legendary artists Beres Hammond and Aswad.

Moving on to a new chapter in his musical journey, Glen has now hooked up with Europe’s number one Bob Marley tribute band "The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band" paying homage to the King of Reggae.

Leonie Smith

Birmingham born and bred songstress Leonie Smith is a talented and mesmeric performer and a vocal force to be reckoned with.

Her performances are characterised by a passion, energy and vocal range that seduces her audience. Already firmly established as one of Birmingham's most sought-after backing vocalists, Leonie is making a big impression with her live performances and is certainly a name to watch out for in the future.

She has appeared as a backing vocalist for international reggae star Pato Banton, working with the Birmingham-based toaster at a couple of British concerts in Birmingham and Bath and a small tour of Hawaii towards the end of 2005.

Leonie is now part of the eight-piece Bob Marley tribute group The Birmingham Marley Tribute Band. Watch out for this young woman, she's got an outstanding vocal range and has an equally strong and confident stage presence.