Brian Hughes and the LoneSharks are one of the UK’s finest original material bands.

From the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland, they have established themselves as a ‘hot ticket act’ in the UK country music festival scene, where they have set the standard in original material shows, and are now viewed as contenders for the ‘Next Big Thing’.

With three successful album releases behind them, and a fourth currently in production, Brian’s songs are the rock on which the live performance is built. Wonderful musicianship accompanied with professional attitude and driven commitment guarantees no one leaves a LoneShark show unimpressed, and with the resurgence of BritCountry, the band preach the ‘original material’ gospel with a passion.

The songs have been recognised by leading American music house Atlanta Music Group who immediately offered Brian a songwriter contract and invited him to travel Stateside to play shows in Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta. Georgia. The rest will be history…..?

Brian Hughes

Brian Hughes: Born on 19 June 1959 in Dumbarton, an industrial town four miles east of Loch Lomond, Scotland to a working class family steeped in shipbuilding.
Brian showed an interest in music from an early age listening to his father’s favourite 8 track tapes of Glen Campbell, Ella Fitzgerald and Roy Orbison.
There were no musicians within the family circle and it would not be until he reached his seventeenth birthday that, out of the blue, he decided to pick up a guitar which he devoted his entire time to learning.
The following years saw him cut his teeth in the thriving live scene, playing in numerous band line ups including future ‘Sharks Greg Porterfield and Ian Newport, discovering and developing his natural songwriting ability along the way.
However in 1984, disillusioned with the music scene, he sold every piece of equipment, including his guitars, and joined Strathclyde Police, where he served as a detective for the next twenty-three years and was involved in many and varied major enquiries including the Lockerbie Disaster.
In 1996, a chance meeting with an old school friend saw Brian’s love of music rekindled and playing a guitar for the first time in twelve years. The passion was reborn.
Influenced by the emerging American 'New Country' sound, he began writing again, and in 1999, released his first album to critical acclaim. Encouraged by this, he put together a band under the working title ‘The LoneSharks’ for a one off showcase performance of the album at the prestigious Renfrew Ferry, Glasgow. The show was an overwhelming success and within the next few years, he would release a further two albums, play several shows and festivals throughout the UK, and hook up with AMG Atlanta for shows in the States.
In 2007, Brian left the police service to concentrate fully on his music career, and now spends his working time touring, writing and recording.
Away from music, He has been married for 27 years and has three adult children. He is a huge Laurel and Hardy fan and cites Bruce Springsteen as his musical hero.
Brian would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Robert Jones

Robert Jones is vastly experienced in both recording and live work in the UK, Europe and USA, working alongside, among others, Scottish stars Wet Wet Wet.
Other projects include fronting his own rock/blues band where he has performed at the prestigious venue Manny’s Blues Club, New York City.
Playing mostly electric and slide guitar, he is also an accomplished classical guitarist with an advanced certificate from the Associated Board (London).
He has been working with Brian Hughes for 5 years and has relished being part of the ongoing process, which has seen the LoneSharks become an established festival band, enjoying great success throughout the UK.
Away from music, he spends time relaxing with his girlfriend and going out for a drink with friends. He also enjoys comedy, literature and other art forms. Having family in the USA, he always looks forward to visiting them when his busy schedule allows!

Greg Porterfield

Greg Porterfield’s powerhouse style has seen him in demand throughout his career, playing with many and varied line ups including fellow ‘Shark bassist Ian Newport.
A long time friend of Brian, he was invited to play on recording sessions for the three albums and thereafter the subsequent showcase. He is a classically trained singer and has performed live with the Scottish National Orchestra.
An amateur dramatic enthusiast, he has played lead and supporting roles in productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 2005 he joined the LoneSharks quickly establishing himself as the driving force behind the live performances and looks forward to the future as the band now goes from strength to strength establishing themselves both in the United Kingdom and the USA.
He relaxes in his spare time with his family, playing golf, and listening to music with Mozart, The Beatles and Queen particular favourites.

Ian Newport

Ian Newport’s solid style is influenced by classic rock legends such as The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival, and reflects his personality.
He initially studied as a radio officer at Glasgow Nautical College before discovering his talents lay in sound and communication technology from which he obtained the relative qualification.
Playing on Brian’s three albums, he stood in for early live shows, including the landmark Renfrew Ferry Showcase, before making the move permanent and now, along with Greg is the foundation on which the show is built. Working with The LoneSharks is a labour of love for Ian and he looks forward to continuing as the band gain significant momentum. establishing themselves with concert goers throughout the country and beyond.
An avid film buff, he relaxes spending time sailing, walking and playing golf. He also enjoys fine wine and is an accomplished cook.