The Poorboys came into being as a band in 1989.  This happened when lead singer Bruce Reid and lead guitarist Michael Elliott recruited local drummer, (and talented artist), Ed Benham; and bass player, (fine carpenter as well), Pete Spears, to round out a classic rock and roll quartet, (2 guitars, bass and drums). The collective ambition was to get out of the garage and have some laughs.

Things change and people do too.  Ten years later the Poorboys lineup is comprised of : Bruce Reid, doing a majority of the singing and playing guitar; Michael Elliott, singing and playing lead guitar; Chett Buchanan, singing and playing bass; and Allan Crosby, singing and playing drums.  Gig highlights for this group include a night of playing for actors and technicians from the movie A – The Scarlet Letter, (Demi Moore spilled a drink on Bruce’s foot pedals), Breakfast Television, and Fish Aid.  This group has released a CD entitled: Deja Blues.  A disc full of homemade, original tunes.  Since its release in January of 2000, one cut or another has received almost daily air-play on CJLS Radio in Yarmouth and recently CKBW in Bridgewater has picked up on it.  Cuts from Deja Blues have also been featured on Annapolis Valley Radio’s Sunday Showcase.

Bruce Reid has been playing guitar and singing since his early teens when his sister handed down her Harmony amp and Beltone guitar.  To many in Shelburne, Bruce has always sung.  His songwriting emerged in his mid-teens.  Bruce doesn’t claim any direct influences, but admits that growing up with seventies’ performers like Kiss, BTO, Sweet, April Wine, and Streetheart have helped him construct his own take on fronting the Poorboys.  A huge car enthusiast, Bruce has rebuilt and drives a ’66 Mustang.  Bruce is also the Cape Bretoner in the band.

Michael Elliott began playing guitar in elementary school.  By high school he was one of the guitar players to watch.  He credits Duane Allman and Mark Farner as early inspirations on his lead guitar playing.  Listening to Mike suggests Jeff Healy and Stevie-Ray Vaughn.  This said, Mike is always striving to express his own voice on his strat of the moment.  (His favorite is an old Harmony that rarely lets him down.)  Mike’s love for music has extended to opening Shelburne’s only music store: Elliott’s Music and Repair. 

Chett Buchanan’s music began, listening to Top 30 countdowns on the radio.  Paul MacCartney and Elton John were early inspirations.  In high school, bands such as the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith became influences.  Throughout this time, Chett’s hobby became stealing guitar licks from people like Mike and Bruce.  He was the one standing in front of the stage at high school dances when NS bands such as Sandy Roads and Sun Machine played.  When everyone else left school to become adults, Chett formed the Mucktown Racetrack Band who’s major accomplishment, (along with finding B-minor), was recording a 45 at Halifax’s Audio Atlantic in 1980.  Important bass players to Chett are John McVie, MacCartney, and Keith Richards.

Allan Crosby has had quite an impact on the Poorboys.  His addition to the band in 1995 brought the benefits of a fourth vocalist to the band.  Allan’s musical experience stretches back to when he was 13 years old playing drums for the Lockeport based southern rock style band Notch.  (Many of us from Shelburne have fond memories of Notch…)  During Allan’s drumming career he has played in many musical situations.  He traveled south to study with Jaimoe Johnson drummer for the Allman Brothers.  Allan’s drumming inspirations include Johnson, Richie Hayward, and Jim Keltner.  Musically, Allan doesn’t confine himself, he cites John Hiatt, Clapton, Little Feat, Paul Butterfield as important. Allan is currently working on the blues harmonica.