Mark Williams

Mark Williams (Ragged Union)

Bristol-born Mark started his bass playing career some 35 years ago. Self-taught by playing along to recordings of his favourite artists (as was then the norm!) until he had gained the confidence to join his first local bands. He eventually gained a reputation for being one of the ‘go-to’ players for bands requiring a stand-in bassist and one-off gigs, and has had the honour of being able to play with some of the best musicians the region has had to offer!

Several successful bands followed, including Bristol hard-rockers ‘Hunted’, formed in the late 80’s, the band enjoyed a great deal of success, with an appearance at London’s world famous Marquee club, national radio air-play and were BBC radio ‘Rock Show’ winners, resulting in the recording and 2 broadcasts of a BBC session at Maida Vale studios, as well as recording EP ‘Streets of Fire’ and album ‘Crawl’ on their own label. Six years ago Mark formed the band ‘Ragged Union’. Described as ‘Southern-fried Country Rock ‘n’ Roll’. In that time the bands reputation has built to become a very successful, hard-working and highly-accomplished band, with support slots with bands such as Dan Baird and Homemade Sin (of ‘Georgia Satellites’ fame). The band has recorded an album ‘Voodoo Smile’ and EP ‘Lay My Ghost to Rest’, both to great critical acclaim. In December 2018 they appeared at the Planet Rockstock Festival. The guys are looking forward to heading into the studio again in 2019 to record some new material.

Mark is an avid and collector of quality bass guitars and amplification, and as such is just as selective when it comes to his boutique effect pedals. When it comes to overdrive, he proudly uses The Flattley Bass Chief, and loved working with Paul on getting this unique pedal sounding and looking just the way he wanted it!