Born Richard Fitz-Patrick November 1957 in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. A.K.A "Big Rick".This happy single dad of Richard Jnr.(A.K.A. Spud) & daughter Ria (A.K.A. Polly) taught himself to play drums & by the age of 13 was in his first band, "Burnham Rock". After a few school bands later, he was a founder member of "T-Bone Steak". He turned down the chance to go "pro" at 18 & put his sticks down for over 10 years. He started playing once again for a band called "The Primates" & later went on to form another band called "F.B.I".With this & numerous charity gigs, with "T-Bone Steak" he had a further break to build his business, and once again returned to form yet another band called "The Proof"."Big Rick" has always been a fan of "The Shadows" & couldn't believe his luck when he was asked to audition for "The Saddows" & got the job, as it was listening to Tony Meehan, The Shadows original drummer, who inspired him to play in the first place.

Rick says " Although i've never been taught "Properly" i've had so much fun over the years playing drums....It just goes to show that if I can do it anyone can, Just don't take yourself too seriously & have fun with it!"