Biography
Virgil McMahon
first strated struming the blues at the unbelievable age of 5 and came to prominence in Wales by getting up on stage with Otis Grand at the age of 12 and has not looked back since. Joining jis dad's and Hugh Morgans band 'The Accelerators' Virgil first became a regular guest with them before joining full time. The band was then renamed Virgil & The Accelerators to highlight his prodigious talent.
Displaying maturity and poise on stage as well as the scintillating fret board gymnastics that have seen him dubbed “The Guitar Hurricane”; Virgil has the world at his fingertips.
There have been many offers to join established bands that could have offered instant exposure for such an exciting talent, but Virgil wanted to wait and learn his craft playing with his dad and Hugh. He's now taking the Accelerators forward with the exciting prospect that is his brother Gabriel on drums, and the much coveted Tom Sandsbury on bass.
Virgil is a feel player and has a the capability to get into a song and trun it inside out. This cn be witnessed during a live set, his eyes roll back and he is another zone, he and the guitar are one. It really is something to witness.
“I started to play guitar when I was 4, my dad always had guitars in the house but it wasn't until I was 10 when one Saturday afternoon my dad put on a video of Stevie Ray Vaughan live at The El Mocambo 1983 and that completely blew my mind. I knew from then on that it was my ultimate desire to play guitar. I picked up a stratocaster and never looked back. If it wasn't for my dad I believe that I wouldn't be where I am today, Thank you dad.
My earliest memories of hearing the blues would be some very early Albert King, probably when I was about 6 or 7 my dad played lots of music in the house. But when I was in primary school, 3rd or 4th grade it was the late 90's early 2000 and everybody was into Britney Spears and Ricky Martin, I was always the out-cast with no friends because on my little tape deck I carried around I was listening to lonesome sundown and Robert Johnson. Hell Hounds On My Trail was my favourite because his voice sounded to me like he was in pain. I grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Eric Clapton. I taught myself to play guitar by listening to The Ventures. The first song I ever learnt was PIPELINE, and I just went from there working on songs till I had them perfect and then I’d put my own little touches to them. These days I am absolutely loving Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer but I’m really into my gypsy jazz, Bereli Lagrene, Jimmy Rosenberg. They are really awesome. I like to listen to lots of music, I love country, Brad Paisley, Danny Gatton, Buck Owens.
Tom Sansbury- Bass & Vocals
Throughout my life I have had, very much a jazz orientated musical background. I have a real love of Jazz which has led me to start my studies in September at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Playing with Virgil and Gaberiel is very exciting, we just frit togetehr and it is so much fun. Gaberiel and I seem to have a telepathic ability to follow Virgil when he diversifies on stage. This makes playing live very exciting and very addictive.
We are all very good friends and time out is always fun. We have excting times ahead workinng on new material and touring together. I cannot think of anything I would would enjoy more, for most this is dream, for me it is a reality!
“
Gabriel McMahon- Drums
Gabriel, at 15 years of age, is the youngest member of the band, and Virgil's younger brother in a blues-mad household. Playing since the age of just 6 years old. Always on the money, he commands great timing, poise and delivery. Emerging from the shadow of his brother, Gabriel has cemented a burgeoning reputation as a tremendous musician in his own right. Bernie Pershey, drummer for Eric Sardinas’ Big Motor even asked for their picture to be taken together after seeing Gabriel play.
Gabriel first sat in with the Accelerators at the age of 13, taking over full time duties a year later.
“I started playing the drums when I was around 9, jamming with my brother to ZZ-Top tracks and Ventures stuff. I went through many different phases, I wanted to play sports, then join the army, then I was a boxer. But my brother persuaded me that if I concentrated on my drumming I would never want to be anything else, he was right. My favourite drummer is probably JJ Johnson or Steve Jordan. I do love Joe Bonamassa's ex drummer Kenny Kramme, he had a very unique style that has had a big influence on my playing. I dig Joe Morello, Tony Royston Jr.. the usual suspects.. But my ultimate favourite is JJ. My dad and my brother have forced me to practice and practice.. and I’m really thankful that they did.”
