Troy Redfearn - The Carlisle, Hastings - Friday 16th May 2025

Lead songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, David Simpson first picked up the guitar at 16 years old. Since that time David has been a prominent performer in several bands over the years and co-founded Red Giant at the beginning of 2024.

David decided after years of playing in other bands it was time to follow his own musical style. The music he was writing did not fit the bands he was playing with and he soon setup his own group The Dave Simpson Trio.

The trio performed all over the UK for years and was a very established blues rock band, but in 2024 the band wanted a change. Not just in name but in style, opting for a heavier rockier approach to go along with the new songs David was writing.

Red Giant was born. Not long after the name change the band went into the studio to record their self-titled debut album.

David is a world-renowned YouTube presenter with a channel that has amassed over 135,000 subscribers due to his unique playing style and expertise on the instrument.

David has been incredibly open about his struggles with mental health and his blunt openness has helped countless others deal with their personal traumas. David’s work ethic is outstanding, tirelessly working on songs and videos while also performing and collaborating with other musicians.

John Joe Gaskin, the drummer for Red Giant, also started playing drums at the age of sixteen. As soon as he found the drums he wanted to do nothing else. He’s dedicated his life to the instrument. John Joe is an absolute powerhouse of a drummer with a supernatural sense of time and is the bedrock of the band. Widely known as a dynamic and versatile performer, playing nationwide in the UK and Europe John Joe is comfortable with any style of music.John Joe not only performs his duties as the drummer of Red Giant but is also the joker of the band with his wicked sense of humour he keeps everyone laughing.

The bassist on the album is Carina Powell who despite her compact stature of only 4’11 is an absolute powerhouse on stage and in the studio. Using her bass both as a lead and supporting instrument. Her hard hitting and percussive style are evident all over this album and it blends seamlessly with David’s guitars and John Joe’s drums.