Phil Stannard

Having drowned and been resussitated at the age of 8, suffered a case of mercury poisoning some time later, and been hit by a truck at the age of 11 resulting in the loss of his right leg, Phil's life has never been what you would call boring.
Phil Stannard performing on stage in 1976

The career path Phil has taken has seen him spend time at Yorkshire television, Red Bus recording studios, and as owner of an "ethical home improvement company", but music has always taken pride of place along side.

"I moved to London in 1970, and while there, I was in a band called Urban Clearway with Tony Rockliff. We played some top venues, including the YMCA in Tottenham Court Road. Ian Dury used to have me on stage with him, and Carlos Santana told me I could have been a star."

Disability, Phil believes, is the main reason that he didn't make it big in the music business. "I'm a lot more philosophical about the whole thing now, but at the time I felt completely suppressed."

Phil Stannard has retired from playing music professionally, and now satisfies his need to be in front of an audience by jamming with his new band, Dirk Diggler and the D.C. Dogs, on a Sunday night in Bar 120 on New Street in Huddersfield. Phil says, "Bar 120 has all live music, all original, and it gives great opportunity for new acts to get themselves heard. Another band with a disabled member who plays there is called Another Wasted Summer."

Full marks from Ouch for the title, Phil!