Horizon gets its own page on my website simply because it was an exceptionally special band for me. Formed in 2021 by Chris Rae (vocals and acoustic guitar) and me (electric guitar, bass, mandolin and ukulele) to perform pop songs from the 1960s. What made it extra special was that Chris and I played music together during our school days at Whitley Bay Grammar School.
I first met Chris when I was coming up to my 16th birthday and despite Chris being in the year above me, we hit it off immediately, and remain friend to this day. From then on, until we went our separate University ways, Chris would walk the 2 miles from his house to mine most Saturday mornings, and we would play music together. Mostly Beatles - obviously!
Horizon was very much a home-coming for both of us. Being able to choose songs, work out arrangements, rehearse (to the point of near-exhaustion sometimes) and then go out and perform as we'd always wanted to as teenagers, was a dream come true. And with professional instruments and sound equipment this time round!
Sadly, all good things come to an end, and after only three and a half years of performing (and over 50 gigs), we had to call it a day due to health issues. If you read further you can see a few of the reviews we got and a list of our appearances. And an early photo of us from 1970. Precious memories.
MUSIC FOR UKRAINE
Howard organised an event called Music for Ukraine in the King Alfred’s Head in Wantage, March 2022.
Five bands took part, including Horizon, and combined with a street collection during the weekend, £6,400 was collected (that includes matched funding from UKaid). It was such a privilege to be part of this.
REVIEWS
Just to say thank you for playing at Marlow Tennis Club’s birthday bash. I’ve had lots of messages saying folk enjoyed the music, and had a lot of fun. It was lovely to see the dance area full from beginning to the end of the evening. This is the second time I’ve seen one of your shows. I love your blend of pop songs, and Chris’s originals – you both rock! Sending best wishes.
Guy Tomlinson, Marlow Tennis Club
Howard and Chris (Horizon Sixties Pop) were a perfect fit to start our Jubilee celebrations here at Richmond Village. Staff and residents had a great time. I couldn’t recommend these guys enough, we look forward to having the band back again in the future 😊
James Joyce, Richmond Village, Letcombe Regis
Howard and Chris from Horizon Sixties Pop band were a perfect fit for our venue and event! Great communication from start to finish and their music was fab! Exhibitors, staff and customers loved the vibe and sung along with them. Look forward to working with them again in the future 🙂 Thank you!
Amelia Steele, Millets Farm, Frilford
As an event organiser you want a professional band that engage with the audience in front of them and get the room up singing and dancing. Horizon are exactly that, very professional, engaging, well versed in a large variety of songs, skilled musicians their charisma and talent are equally matched. If you want your event to be a success and be remembered then Horizon are your band.
Ray Collins, Chairman, The Ray Collins Charitable Trust
Thank you for entertaining us, everyone had a wonderful time, we look forward to the next time, great music, you both made everyone feel included x
Vanessa Bishop, Wantage Community Support Service
We invited Horizon to play at our annual Parish Christmas celebration – the Wantage Wassail. Howard and the band were a joy to work with and performed a great set that had guests dancing in psychedelic light, under our twelfth century tower! There was musicianship and a real love of the repertoire in Horizon’s performance and we would not hesitate to invite them back.
Davd Richardson, Churchwarden, Wantage Parish
We went to a gig by Horizon earlier this year and were very impressed by the quality and professionalism of them. They are a ‘must see’.
Bob and Renée
I saw Horizon at the King Alfred’s Head in Wantage. They played excellently and the set list was a perfect blend of pop favourites and some songs written by Chris. They’re a great addition for event entertainment. 5* highly recommended!!
Vicki McNelly
Thank you for coming to The Fox for your first performance on one of our village nights. It was lovely after such a long time to get villagers together and also some live music. The variety of songs and the banter you had with everyone was superb. Everyone was relaxed and enjoyed being out together. You looked as though you enjoyed it as much as we did and that really shined through. We hope to have you back soon. Many thanks.
Steve, The Fox, Denchworth
GIGS
Private Party, East Hanney
Abingdon Air and Country Show
Millets Farm artisan market, Frilford
King Alfred’s Head, Wantage (pub)
The Duke, Marlow (pub)
The Red Lion, Blewbury (pub)
Millets Farm artisan market, Frilford
Car, Truck and Bike Show, Grove (festival)
Marlow Tennis Club anniversary social
Grove Extravaganza (festival)
The Shoulder of Mutton, Wantage
Harwellian Social Club, Harwell Village
The Red Lion, Blewbury (pub)
The Duke, Marlow (pub)
Wantage Twinning Social Evening
Harwellian Memory Cafe
Marlow Half Marathon (sports event)
Richmond Villages, Letcombe Regis (retirement village)
Kingsgrove Community Day (new development in Wantage)
The Red Lion, Blewbury (pub)
Bunkfest, Wallingford (music and dance festival)
Team Mikayla, Wantage (fund raiser for local charity supporting children with cancer)
Grove Extravaganza (festival)
Wantage Carnival (festival)
The Red Lion, Blewbury (pub)
70th birthday party (private event)
Abingdon Conservative Club (social club)
Richmond Villages, Letcombe Regis (retirement village)
Richmond Villages, Letcombe Regis (Care Wing)
Loose Cannon brewery (Musical Showcase Evening, Abingdon)
White Horse Ceilidhs (half time spot in Grove Village Hall)
Private Function (Retirement Group in Radley, Oxford)
Bunkfest, Comrades Club in Wallingford (music and dance festival)
Private Function (60th Wedding Anniversary in Wantage)
Tuesday Club at Childrey Manor
The Old Anchor Originals Evening (pub)
The Old Anchor, Abingdon (pub)
Childreyfest, Childrey (music festival)
Follyfest, Faringdon (music festival)
Wads Stock, Wootton and Dry Standford (music festival)
Wantage Carnival (Ray Collins’ Charitable Trust)
Artisan Market at Waterperry Gardens
Platinum Jubilee entertainment at Richmond Villages, Letcombe Regis
Artisan Market at Millets Farm, Frilford
Charlton Centre, Wantage (for special needs adults)
St George’s Day Massive Market Wantage (Ray Collins’ Charitable Trust)
Easter Sunday charity lunch, Grove Rugby Club (Ray Collins’ Charitable Trust)
Music for Ukraine concert in The King Alfred’s Head barn
Charlton Centre, Wantage (for special needs adults)
King Alfred’s Head, Wantage (pub)
The Old Anchor, Abingdon (pub)
Wantage Parish Church (social event)
The Fox at Denchworth (restaurant)
Howard (left) playing his Hofner Galaxy electric guitar and Chris (right) playing his GEM electric keyboard (and wearing Howard's party jacket) in the back garden of 18 Gorsedene Road, Whitley Bay in 1970. Note the careful use of boxes in the background to look like the amps we never actually had.