Gary Driscoll – Singer Entertainer
07949 040 744

Entertainer available to hire for events throughout South East England

Entertainer available to hire for events throughout South East England

My biography

Gary Driscoll was born in 1959 and raised in Camden Town, London. He attended Edith Neville Primary School and Sir William Collins Secondary School, both situated in Somers Town. It was at the age of 15 and in the mid 1970s that his musical talent first rose to the surface.

Gary was the drummer and backing vocalist for a band called “Salamander Grass” playing at local youth clubs and then progressing on to local pubs, including “The Constitution”, in St.Pancras Way and the “Wheatsheaf”, now known as “Belushi’s” in Camden High Street.

Gary’s first job after leaving school at the age of 16 was a telegram boy and then as a postman for the GPO based in Mornington Crescent. As well as his love for music, he had always wanted to pursue a career as a soldier. At the age of 19 Gary enlisted into one of the British Army’s elite infantry regiments, The Royal Green Jackets. It was during this long career in the services, that once again his singing talent was noticed, but also his ability to perform as a comedian.

Whilst on posting in Germany in the 1980s, he was runner up in the final of a British Forces ‘Opportunity Knocks’ talent competition hosted by Hughie Green. Gary was spotted by an entertainments agent and whilst still serving in the army, he would also perform as a comedian at Sergeants Messes at various military barracks throughout Germany. His stage name was “Alfie Tate”.

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After returning to England, Gary decided to concentrate more on his singing ability, which he did at any given opportunity. In 1992, he was the army sergeant who spontaneously sang from the Royal Box at the Centre Court during the tennis semi finals at Wimbledon. Gary sang to over 11,000 spectators who were waiting for the rain to stop before the game could continue. This whole event was also broadcasted live by the BBC to millions of TV viewers worldwide. He was the first person ever to be requested to sing at such an event. Most people remember seeing Sir Cliff Richard being asked to do the same thing, four years later.

Gary left the army with the rank of Colour Sergeant in 1995 and settled down in Bethnal Green in the East End, where he pursued a new career as a singer, often appearing in the east end’s most famous pub, The Blind Beggar. Gary was soon to become a bit of a local celebrity in and around the east end of London, which led him to “an offer I couldn’t refuse;” performing at the funeral wake of one of Britain’s notorious gangsters, Reggie Kray.

Contact Gary Driscoll – Singer Entertainer today to make a booking!

Testimonials from the entertainment industry

Don Black OBE (Lyricist) Oscar Winner.

“I really do enjoy and admire Gary’s singing. He reminds me a lot of Matt Monro and there can be no higher praise than that.”

Peter Roue Manager of the Circus Tavern, Purfleet

“Gary Driscoll is without doubt one of the most complete and polished acts that I have had the pleasure of seeing in a very long time!”

Bob Hunt

“Hi Gary, just wanted to say thank you for a great night at the Royal British Legion in Hornchurch on Saturday 2nd July. Best wishes and I hope to see you there again.”

Roseanne Loukes

“Hi Gary
I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the concert last night at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. I absolutely love your voice and The Old East End Tonight is a great song. Reminded me of Mack the Knife!! I hope you will be singing with The Railway Swing Band again in the not too distant future! The combination of the band and The Impromptu Ensemble and you was fantastic!”

Mark Leen

“Gary Driscoll impressed me from the moment I laid eyes on him when he walked into The Carpenters Arms during an episode of The Hairy Bikers – Pubs that built Britain. He sang a couple of lines of My Way and the quality in his voice was undeniable. I smiled and thought “It’s no wonder they wanted Gary to sing My Way at Reggie’s funeral” he sounded so good.
I immediately set to contacting Gary to see if he was interested in working on a British “Mac The Knife” type song, and after a couple of days we were onto something special. Today Gary is the best crooner this side of the Hudson River, and he is more than a songwriting partner and acquaintance, he is a friend for life. Of course the smile on his face is kept there by his beautiful partner Maria. Can’t wait to see Gary in Rise of the Footsoldier 3 singing The Old East End Tonight.”

Steve Collins

“What a fantastic singer. The first time I saw Gary was at the Circus Tavern and thought a great singer, went to a couple of more venues and he did not let himself down, consistently very good, I booked him for my Ladies night and he was superb, everyone loved his voice and his repertoire of songs. I will be seeing him on the 25th of March at the Circus Tavern. Thank you Gary keep up the good work.”

Patrick

You’re a great singer. Your pitch is spot on. Had a great time. Regards, Retired piano tuner.

Jill Bell

“I attended Townswomen Guild Summer Party afternoon at the Methodist Church Hall in Grays Essex. I only went as my mum is recovering from a hip operation. I was in for a nice surprise. What a fantastic performance Gary!!! Thoroughly enjoyed your great singing and a few jokes!!!!. Really pleased I was able to attend lovely afternoon so thank you.”

Anthony Adams

“Thank you Gary for a great night for my mother my wife and I at Bluebirds for the Dover Royal British Legion, you have a great voice and we all look forward to hearing you again. Health allowing I will be at the Circus Tavern to buy you a drink if not I will be watching for you local venues to us here in Deal in Kent
best wishes
Anthony and Sharon Adams”

Les Welling

“Gary, Thank you for sending me the albums they were great. It was a great pleasure to serve with you mate and I am so pleased you are doing so well.”

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Looking to hire a solo singer for your upcoming event in the South East England area? Call Gary Driscoll - Singer Entertainer on 07949 040744 or use the enquiry form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.