I was very sorry to hear of the passing of local drummer Lee Andrews.

Having started to play the drums at a young age, Lee’s first band were Accommodation which he formed whilst still at school. After leaving school, Lee was then in The Shopkeeper Appeared where he went on to gain national attention via Radio One and a support slot in 1992 with The Sultans Of Ping, sharing support duties with Radiohead – a gig I attended and still remember very vividly.

Lee then went through spells with several local bands on the Southend circuit before forming Bif Bam Pow with whom he played hundreds of gigs including appearances at The Brentwood Festival.

During their 20 year career, Lee was the only consistent member of Bif Bam Pow. Lee also played drums on ex-Shopkeeper Appeared singer Andy J Gallagher’s solo albums, EPs and singles as well as playing with bands such as The Space Wasters, Top Fuellers and for Roman Jugg’s alter ego – Sphinx Svenson’s – band.

Lee Andrews, born 06/08/1968, died 11/02/2023. Lee leaves behind wife Angela, daughters Jess, Georgia & Alex and granddaughter Aubrey. His funeral is at 11.30am at Pitsea Crematorium on 30 March.