Gary Drisscol ( Entertainer )

 Articles
Jul 042023
 

GARY DRISCOLL

Gary Driscoll was born in 1959 and raised in Camden Town, London. He attended Edith Neville Primary School and Sir William Collins Secondary School, both situated in Somers Town. It was at the age of 15 and in the mid 1970`s that his musical talent first rose to the surface.

Gary was the drummer and backing vocalist for a band called “Salamander Grass” playing at local youth clubs and then progressing on to local pubs, including “The Constitution”, in St.Pancras Way and the “Wheatsheaf”, now known as “Belushi’s” in Camden High Street.

Gary’s first job after leaving school at the age of 16 was a telegram boy and then as a postman for the GPO based in Mornington Crescent. As well as his love for music, he had always wanted to pursue a career as a soldier. At the age of 19 Gary enlisted into one of the British Army’s elite infantry regiments, The Royal Green Jackets. It was during this long career in the services, that once again his singing talent was noticed, but also his ability to perform as a comedian.

Whilst on posting in Germany in the 1980`s, he was runner up in the final of a British Forces ‘Opportunity Knocks’ talent competition hosted by Hughie Green. Gary was spotted by an entertainments agent and whilst still serving in the army, he would also perform as a comedian at Sergeants Messes at various military barracks throughout Germany. His stage name was “Alfie Tate”. 

After returning to England, Gary decided to concentrate more on his singing ability, which he did at any given opportunity. In 1992, he was the army sergeant who spontaneously sang from the Royal Box at the Centre Court during the tennis semi finals at Wimbledon. Gary sang to over 11,000 spectators who were waiting for the rain to stop before the game could continue. This whole event was also broadcasted live by the BBC to millions of TV viewers worldwide. He was the first person ever to be requested to sing at such an event. Most people remember seeing Sir Cliff Richard being asked to do the same thing, four years later.