THE RHUMBA KINGS BIOGRAPHY:
Starting out in 2003 as a straight-ahead 1950's influenced rockabilly trio, founding and only surviving original member Mark Sprex has pushed on through the years despite many line-up changes, developing the style and sound which has evolved into a powerfull rock 'n' roll combo with many influences ranging from rockabilly to neo-rockabilly to punk rock. Live shows have become well known for Mark's high energy and often unpredictable performances, resulting in a steady and loyal following .. 20 years on and still going strong!
The band specialises in originals from Mark and some covers that shows their influences.
So, the final result is a power packed, high energy, wild rock'n'roll trio that should please the ears of everyone with their diverse and experienced range of rock'n'roll musicianship and showmanship.
If you want to give them a 'label' then THE RHUMBA KINGS are simply and proudly a ROCK 'N' ROLL band!
Since 2001, Mark is often employed as a session player in Europe. Mark is known as the original drummer of The Houserockers and Playboys. Over the years both on the 'Rockin'-Scene' and in the 'Mainstream' music fields, he has worked with many other top-rated bands and famous faces such as "Toby Tomanov", ex-drummer of "Primal Scream", etc...!
To date Mark has recorded well over 20 albums with various bands and artists, appeared on prime-time television, has credits in several books, appeared in numerous magazines and publishings etc.
He has toured and entertained relentlessly and endlessly since 1988
As from end 2011 Mark is working for the organisation of UK's famous 'Hemsby Rock'n'Roll Weekender' festival, as the Hemsby - House Band Leader, which includes also working for certain acts at 'The Rockers Reunion' and 'Americana International Festival' in the UK.
Other artists to Mark's working credit as a session artist are: Janis Martin, Dale Hawkins, Rip Masters, Graham Fenton from "Matchbox", Bloodshot Bill, British 60's rocker "Tommy Bruce" Gene Summers, Robin Luke, Lee Dresser, Al Ferrier, Jimmy Cavallo, Marcel Riesco, Sonny Burgess, Rosie Flores, King Size Taylor, Ray Campi, Willie Craig, Travis LeDoyt, Al Hendrix, Art Adams, Billy Adams, Jimmy Lee Maslon, Mike Waggoner, James Intveld, John Lewis, Mark Pennington (Caravans), Steve Hooker, Bill Haley JR .. and many more!!
THE RHUMBA KINGS released a mini album in september 2004 in conjunction with the band's debut appearance at the world's premier rock'n'roll festival at HEMSBY in England, where they had a lot of success! The Rhumba Kings played there again on the main stage after "Levi Dexter" in may 2008
In july 2005 they were support act for Stray Cats drummer "SLIM JIM PHANTOM" and in november 2005 they did a tour with Stray Cats fantastic "Bulletproof doghouse bassplayer" LEE ROCKER.
In November 2006, They were support act of the legendary king of the surf "DICK DALE".
In february 2007, they were supporting LEE ROCKER again. Since then, they've supported THE JETS, THE QUAKES, CRAZY CAVAN, VOLBEAT, RESTLESS, THE METEORS, THE LIVING END, LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS....
The Rhumba Kings recorded a full CD that is produced by Mark Pennington of The Caravans.
So far, they've played a lot of gigs at various bars, clubs, cafes, festivals and private parties in Belgium, Holland, England, France, Switserland....
Spring 2018, Mark Sprex realeased his solo album, Warrior. Produced by Paul Fenech of The Meteors.
The Rhumba Kings are also currently working on a new CD. Watch this space...
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BIOGRAFIE (NL):
Opgericht in 2003 als een 1950's rockabilly trio, heeft oprichter en origineel lid van The Rhumba Kings, Mark Sprex, de band blijven pushen desondanks de line-up veranderingen. Hij heeft de stijl en het geluid van de band geëvolueerd tot stevige rock'n'roll met verschillende invloeden komende van rockabilly tot neo-rockabilly tot punk rock. De live shows zijn bekend geraakt door Mark zijn zeer energieke en onvoorspelbare optredens, met als resultaat dat de band zijn vaste en loyale fans heeft en blijft bijkrijgen... 20 Jaar en de band staat er nog steeds en beter dan ooit!
De band is gespecialiseerd in originele nummers van Mark en enkele covers die hun invloeden aantonen.
THE RHUMBA KINGS zijn gewoon een echte pure ROCK 'N' ROLL band!
Mark heeft samen gewerkt met Toby Tomanov van Primal Scream. Hij is ook bekend als leider van Hemsby Rock'n'roll Weekender band in UK waar hij originele bekende Sun Records artiesten begeleid heeft zoals Dale Hawkins, Lee Dresser, Al Ferrier, Jimmy Cavallo, Marcel Riesco, Sonny Burgess, Rosie Flores, King Size Taylor, Ray Campi, Willie Craig, Travis LeDoyt, Al Hendrix, Art Adams, Billy Adams, Jimmy Lee Maslon, Mike Waggoner, Bill Haley JR etc... Eveneens heeft Mark als sessiemuzikant opgetreden met James Intveld, John Lewis, Mark Pennington (Caravans), Steve Hooker...
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In 2004 presenteerden The Rhumba Kings een mini-album op het Hemsby Rock'n'roll Weekender. Als gevolg van het geweldige succes op dit festival toert de band vanaf dat moment intensief door Europa. De in 2007 verschenen Rhumba Kings cd Bad World Big Shot ontvangt vele positieve reacties.
Voorprogramma's worden verzorgd voor Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom en King of Surf Dick Dale. Tevens toerde de band uitgebreid met Lee Rocker. Ze deelden het podium met Restless, Volbeat, The Quakes, The Jets, The Hollies, Crazy Cavan, The Meteors, The Living End, Legendary Shack Shakers....
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In maart 2018 bracht Mark Sprex zijn solo album uit, Warrior, geproduced door Paul Fenech van The Meteors.
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