About The Diablos - British Country Rock taking on Americana

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Who are these guys?

Only the winners of "Best Original Song" at the 2008 British Country Music Hall Of Fame Awards that's who!

The Diablos hail from Brighton and play all original Country Rock. If you want slavish renditions of famous Country tunes, put a nickel in the Jukebox. But whether you want to dance the night away or just sit and listen to a real band really play, then we'll do it for you.

We are now on our third album. Building on the reception to the earlier CDs, the latest album features more original songs which you may have heard on the road or on the radio. We're not trying to cash in on the current wave of interest in all things "Americana" so, although there is a strong nod to the roots of Country music, we hope we bring a particular Britishness to the mix. You decide.

The band has been together, through a series of personnel changes, for well over ten years. In spite of this time, three of the five original Diablos are still playing together. No mean feat. One of the defining moments of the Diablos' history came when François asked long-time friend Danny if he knew of anyone who might like to take over Lead Guitar from Chris Mansbridge, the original guitarist. Danny asked if he might have a crack. Funny how you can know someone for 20 years and still be surprised....

François Deville - Pedal Steel, Acoustic Guitars and Backing Vocals

Francois Deville of the Diablos

It's the quiet ones you want to watch out for...

François is the remaining co-founder of the Diablos and has seen it through a number of personnel changes - not the least of which involved his own move from bass-player to steel-player. He is also the principal song-writer and the Diablos' modern Country has provided a natural home for his bitter-sweet musings on Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness! CLICK HERE to see what gear FRANÇOIS uses..

Chris Nieto - Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar

Chris Nieto of the Diablos

As a professional vocalist for many years, he has been a solo artist and front man for numerous covers and originals bands, performing everything from Jazz and Swing (The Night and Day band), Pop Rock and Funk (Up the Funktion) and, of course, Country (the Smoke and Mirrors duo, the Coral Reefers band and, of course, The Diablos). CLICK HERE to see what gear CHRIS uses..

Danny O'Loughlin - Lead Guitar and Vocals

Danny O'Loughlin of the Diablos

Danny O’Loughlin is a familiar name amongst musicians in his adopted home town Brighton, having played there most of his life. His career has taken him all around the world - most particularly the States which he loves.

It was with his first band at - the tender age of 14 - that he was offered a recording deal with Chas Chandler - Jimi Hendrix's manager. Since then he has played and recorded with many different styles of performers such as Steve Ellis(Love Affair), Vivian Jones, Johnny Wakelin and Classical artists Amici Forever. CLICK HERE to see what gear DANNY uses..

Geoff Ansell - Drums

Geoff Ansell of the Diablos

Geoff's first gig with a band was when he was sixteen, more than 25 years ago. He has played and recorded constantly since with various bands, as diverse as a reggae band, a Mexican busking band and even 2 years as a session player with The Piranhas.

He joined his first Country band, The Blue Hearts, in '89 also played with Guitars and Cadillacs, The Southern Drawlers and The Coral Reefers. CLICK HERE to see what gear GEOFF uses..

Terry O'Loughlin - Bass and Backing Vocals

Terry O'Loughlin of the Diablos

Terry picked up the guitar when he was 9 after brother Danny started learning it at school. They played all the time with sister Janis singing and their cousin Jon Marter (now a top rock drummer; Mr Big, SAS band etc.). With regular gigs at the Chelsea Odeon by the age of 12, one particular trip to London led to Chas Chandler (Hendrix) offering them a contract that their dad turned down because they were too young!

Terry saw the Diablos in an earlier format and was hooked. The chance to play bass with them arose after a personnel change, and it was time to break the axe out of its case, dust off that old cowboy hat, (well,get a new one as he no longer had the slim head of a 16 year old!) and get back in the saddle!

CLICK HERE to see what gear TERRY uses..