Traveller //  Maverick Musician //  Music Journalist

Blackwaters was formed in Jan 2010 by John McDonough & Lee Pettyfoot after leaving there previous band, bored with not having any input in the bands decisions they decided to leave and form a new band with a different musical direction. There first decision was to recruit lead guitarist Dave Brown, a former school friend of John’s. the next thing needed was a name. They all decided with the name Mad Ferret. Starting out as a 3 piece acoustic band, Mad Ferret was born..

Mad Ferret started out gigging round the local Swindon circuit, within months of gigging they decided it was time to go into a studio to record a EP with 5 songs written by all three members, the demo was called 100 Days.

Around this time they were spotted by local band promoter Peter Ruddock, He instantly took a shine to the band and after several meetings an agreement was made and Peter became the bands manager. First on the agenda was the band name, this was soon changed to The Blackwaters. Peter then started to book the band regular spots at London venues - Punk Club in Soho & The purple turtle in Camden Town. Also the band remained gigging in Swindon at Riffs Bar & 12 Bar and local pubs.

Blackwaters also played many festivals in the summer around the local area ,and were invited to play at Cardiff University end of term party. More opportunities passed their way when BBC Wiltshire Sound , Will Wilder invited the band to play on his radio show, after spotting the band at a local festival . Blackwaters have also appeared on a local radio Swindon 105.5 FM

After a year of gigging the band decided to go full band and recruited drummer Ben Fletcher and are now looking forward to a busy year which includes a return to both Riffs & 12 Bar ...

September update....

In 2012 Blackwaters have had another Busy Year continuing on the local circuit and playing venues through out the south of England including Basingstoke, Carterton, Cardiff, Whitney and many more.

The Band have also Played Weddings for the first time this year at the Stanton house and Grittleton House.

Blackwaters also had great success with the live and unsigned competition getting to the semi finals at the Portsmouth guild Hall making it into the last 90 bands from 10,000.

Blackwaters Also Recorded their Second Ep "When tomorrow Hits” at the Famous warehouse studios in Oxford which has had success locally and nationally.

By Far the biggest Achievement and honour for Blackwaters this year was flying out to the Princess royal Barracks - Gutersloh, Germany and performing for The 1st Regiment Army Air Corps before they were posted to Afghanistan for their Tour Of duty.

With continued air play on radio stations and press coverage in newspapers and magazines Blackwaters reputation is growing fast as being know as one of the biggest and best party bands in the southwest 

With a bright future ahead the Blackwaters are looking forward to 2013 .............

Followers of James Caley