Formed in 1998, Bridgwater female singing trio the FUNBUNNIES consisted of vocalists Elaine di Campo, Julia Setter and Lorraine Young and backing musicians Brian Smedley (guitar) Kevin Freeman (drums) and Big Barry (bass).
The group played largely a set of covers mixed with a few originals including the Newman/Smedley classic ‘I Hope you Die’ and the ‘Smedley/Kane’ hit ‘Drop Dead Darling’.The Funbunnies were essentially a good time pub band with tight harmonies ,a provocative on-stage persona and a tight -yet simple , rock backing.
The singing styles of the 3 vocalists was varied yet compatible ranging from the soulful Lorraine (‘I can’t stand the rain’/ ‘Shop Shoop’) to the bluesy Julia (‘Right by my Side’/’Brown Eyed Girl’) and the laid back west coast Elaine (‘Talkin’ bout a Revolution’/You & Me Always’).
At their best playing to a large drunken audience who’ll listen to anything , the band were also happy to sit down and have a quiet harmonic singalong.Their demo ‘I Hope you Die’ featured original singer Heidi Powell who went on to join forces with local sex god Rob Perdrix with their new band -‘Rob & Heidi’- and later ‘Wilson Comes Alive’ with sad backing musician Rob Perdrix.
In 2000 sensational news from the Funbunny front as Big Barry decided he’d had enough of learning to play the bass and turning up to rehearsals and announced he was quitting “..to spend more time on his allotment”. This prompted drummer Kevin Freeman to excuse himself as well saying “..I just couldn’t keep up the gruelling pace and high standards expected of me without drumsticks”, leaving The Funbunnies to play an acapella set at the Blake festival .
Elaine and Julia from the Funbunnies then formed a short lived band with Tessa Clarke as third vocalist called ‘The Calpoleros’ and played 2 gigs over christmas 2003/03.
To read Red Smeds memories of the Funbunnies click here
