PHIL PEACOCK
The youngest of a large musical family, Phil Peacock was the last to pick up an instrument, which happened to be a 12-string guitar, and taught himself to play. From the age of 16 he demonstrated a talent for song-writing and wrote for many rock bands, for whom he also sang lead and harmonies and played guitar and bass. Phil's early influences are too many to mention, but all were legends of rock, blues, folk and even pop.

This is the third incarnation of his Virtual Biscuit, which incorporates Celtic influences and features the strongest line-up yet. Phil's songs are inspired by life, love, legends and dreams and are always delivered from the heart. The new CD titled "Unwrapped" is Phil's fifth in as many years and has already attracted wide acclaim from his followers and other producers and songwriters. With all the different tunings Phil uses, he's running out of instruments.

Phil says "I feel honoured and privileged to work with such talented musicians who are so quick to pick up the feel of my material and embellish it. Music is my life and my expression of it. So long as people want to listen, I'll play". The next album by the way is already written.

STEVE HARRIES
Steve's musical career began long ago when a school friend asked him to play bass guitar in a rock band. He eventually began to write songs for the band before moving on to acoustic guitar. In time the band came to the end of the road, and the song-writing became acoustic rather than electric. Steve has played with many excellent musicians in various line-ups over the years, culminating in the electro/acoustic guitar duo 'Kiss the Stone'.

Steve became heavily involved in the acoustic/folk club scene and ran his own club for 5 years. Putting on acoustic festivals and recording compilation albums for the club meant that he would get his bass out of its case every now and then to provide backing for his fellow musicians.

When Steve suggested playing bass on a song for Phil Peacock, Virtual Biscuit was born. "Steve's solid and complementary bass riffs form a foundation stone to the music", says Phil. "He's not only a brilliant musician, he's a great guy too".

MADGE CONACHER
Madge is classically trained on piano and to a lesser extent other instruments, a student of the theory of music and a singer/song-writer in her own right. Her musical outlook has been formed by the natural merging and overlapping of various styles of music. This is amply demonstrated by her invaluable contribution to Virtual Biscuit since July 2001. The songs have been transformed by her contribution.

Apart from Madge's superb keyboard skills, she also plays the flute and whistles, giving an evocative feel to Phil's songs. She plays the bodhran and adds vocal harmonies - she's even been known to play the spoons!

As well as being extremely well-known on the music scene, Madge is the former manager of a well known London club. She has recorded CDs with various producers and performed live on TV and radio.

Madge is a truly gifted musical talent who empathises with Phil's style of writing. "The words 'musical genius' spring to mind. I consider it a privilege to work with her", says Phil. "Her ability and versatility are a constant source of inspiration to me - and her wit is amazing!"

EMMA PEACOCK
Emma has been involved with music since she was a baby, and at 22 is still very much the baby of Virtual Biscuit. She provides one third of the vocal harmonies in the band and has the gift of being able to create harmonies that fit the songs and a voice that blends beautifully with Phil's (Dad's) vocals. Although Emma has been trained in singing, she doesn't have a long list of musical achievements (mostly school stuff). She believes that it's the enjoyment that matters most.

Emma's musical influences are The Beatles, Kate Bush, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, Tori Amos, Blur, Radiohead, Bjork, Cold Play, Nirvana and Supergrass - and says "Just how great is David Bowie?". She's an avid attender of festivals - weather permitting!

Emma has far more to offer and we shall hear that in the form of additional percussion and keyboard as we progress. Her dad says "She keeps me on track. It's a real privilege to be working musically with my daughter. There aren't many who can make that claim".

DEE DEFRIES
Diana (Dee) Defries joined Virtual Biscuit in June 2001. She's been singing for most of her life - influenced to an extent by her mother, who was a classically trained opera singer and pianist. Dee's extensive vocal training encompasses opera, musical theatre, blues and pop. Musical influences are broadly eclectic, ranging from Prokofiev to The Propellerheads, and Dee now provides an invaluable vocal contribution to Virtual Biscuit.

Dee's singing and musical experiences include singing in pubs and clubs and with various musical groups/bands. She has also been involved in fringe theatre and performance, both amateur and professional, including a three-year stint with a dance group called 'Ladies of the 80s'. They toured the country with a unique blend of dance and body building/gymnastic choreography - their claim to fame being a gig at the Hammersmith Odeon where they were support group to The Stranglers!

"Dee has the ability to catch you out when you think you are having a serious conversation" says Phil. "She is a constant source of fun and an essential crew member".