Karen Thomson - Alto Sax

I began learning piano at age 4 and picked up a saxophone at the age of 16 because my parents wouldn't let me learn the drums. I don't mind so much now as it only takes me 2 minutes to pack up after a gig, whereas Dave is still packing boxes an hour after finishing. I played lots of gigs in lots of bands with lots of different combinations of musicians. This has always been fun, not knowing what's going to happen next, but now I must say it's great to play in "Van the Man" where all the band members have now become familiar with each other and we can anticipate each other's every move.

David Andrew

David started working as a musician at the age of 15, by playing at a local club as a lounge pianist. This was a great learning experience that enabled him to learn how to work the crowd and built an extensive repertoire. In 2004 David moved to Sydney to complete further study in music, and after 2 years of study and attaining an Advanced Diploma, he then became one of the lecturers at the College at which he studied. David taught in many areas, including: Music Appreciation, Listening Skills, Keyboard Skills, Music Technology and Music Analysis. As well as studying, David started making a name for himself playing in bands and as a solo performer all around Sydney and the surrounding regions. David has played in hotels, weddings, private functions and corporate events. David has contributed to albums that have achieved ARIA Gold Status sales and has been a songwriter on an album with international release. He has played on many albums and played on many sessions for Australian artists and has played with international artists in the Acer Arena and other venues. As a member of the music team at Hillsong Church, David has had the opportunity to play with some of Australia's best musicians, technicians and engineers. David is currently collaborating with songwriters around Sydney, helping contribute to many projects in different capacities. David is also about to start work on a Sydney band's debut album, as the record's producer.

Dave Hatton - Bass Guitar

Started playing at the age of 17. I didn't know what a bass guitar was before getting one. I have played in bands such as "Division 5" (1988-91) which was a regular band at the "El Rancho Hotel" at Eastwood, "Salvation Jave" (1992-94, a blues rock concept band, "Treacle" (1995-98), a pop guitar rock band which supported such bands as "The Choirboys", "Mental As Anything" and were winners of the Northside Battle of the Bands 1996. Joined "Van the Man" in 1998 after being stolen by Steve Hogan from "Treacle" and haven't looked back (yet!)

I invented the "air base technique" for bedroom rock heroes.

Dave Borwick - Drums

I started playing at the age of 15. We formed a band at school doing such covers as "Skyhooks", "Creedence Clearwater", "Sweet" and "Cream". I drifted around aimlessly for years in various "go nowhere" bands until the mid-1980's when Steve Hogan asked me to join "Hogan & The Beckettes" after their drummer fell prey to the dreaded bottle. I have been with Steve ever since and was there at the beginning of "Van the Man" in 1998.

Paul Iannuzzelli - Keyboards / Saxophone

I began playing music in my mother's womb (that's what she tells me!). My music degrees are used for wallpaper in my room. I have played in countless bands in countless countries meeting many great players who have taught me alot about music. For me, life is a love story and I love to ramance it. Life and music are equally beautiful and music for me has been a wonderful gift of expression, from both my head and my heart.

"Van the Man" has been yet another pleasant interlude in my rapturous journey through life. I love to write music and poetry and through these expressions of thought, I will surely be the richest man in the world.

Brad Merrick - Lead Guitar

Started playing trumpet at age 5, started playing guitar at age 12, studying both classical and folk styles. I mastered the splits at age 13 while playing rock guitar in my bedroom jumping off the bed and onto the floor. I played in many rock bands since my first punk band, i.e. "Doctor Banardo and the Unwanted Children" at age 16. I currently enjoy accompanying my 4 year old son on guitar and singing anything from "Bob the Builder" to "Bananas in Pyjamas".

"Van the Man" has been a great chance to play a totally different style of music with a great bunch of musicians who always have fun! In between gigs I enjoy time with my family and, when possible, a round of golf or a beer.

Michael Aiossa - Drummer

Started playing drums at the age of 7 after travelling to Italy with my parents and seeing my first drum kit in a small village. Since then I have played in numerous bands and musicals. Teaching for several years at Oakhill College and later studying percussion at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Toured in New Zealand with Van the Man on two occasions. Can't beat spending Christmas day in New Zealand at a roadside takeaway, eating a stale ham sandwich. I joined the band as a fill in drummer in 2001 and have not looked back since. Van the Man has taken me to some weird and very weird places. It's a great band, and an honour to play with such fantastic musicians.