The Buzniks

The Buzniks are a 4 piece band fronted by Squeeze Bassman John Bentley.

Living in Hull, a 16 year old John took over the HP payments on a Fender Strat belonging to Mick Ronson, and used it in his first ever band FLESH.
The group's bass player Trevor Bolder went on join the Spiders from Mars.

During the 70’s, John founded the Fabulous Poodles, and did stints with Quintessence & the Nashville Teens. He backed influential mime artist Lindsey Kemp in a stage show. In 1978, John toured the UK supporting the Ramones with Snips and the Video Kings. Then on a crazy day in February 1979, John auditioned for Suzie Quatro and for Squeeze. The next day he got offered both jobs.

“I decided to go with Squeeze, but I often wonder what might’ve happened if I’d driven off in a Quatro?”

Two weeks after joining Squeeze, John was appearing on Top of the Pops as their record Cool for Cats shot into the top ten. He went on to record many classic tracks including: Tempted, Pulling Muscles, Black Coffee in Bed & Labeled with Love. He has played all over the globe at festivals and venues including: Glastonbury, Coachella, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall (backed by an orchestra). John has made countless appearances on TV shows including: The Old Grey Whistle Test, Saturday Night Live, American Bandstand, and the Ellen Degeneres Show.

During a long and dangerous career, John has worked alongside many amazing musicians including: Elvis Costello, Sting, Paul Carrack, and Keith Emerson. John famously sang backing vocals and played bass for country legend Garth Brooks, and he appeared with his old pal Jools Holland on the Tube.

Recently, John recorded the theme tune to the BBC2 series From the Cradle starring Peter Kay, and toured Japan with Squeeze.

The Buzniks have a recording contract with 3MS Music.

John Bentley - Guitar & Vocals
Frankie Dann - Drums & Vocals
Alan Betts - Bass & Vocals
Brian Hartley - Guitar, Harmonica, Slide Guitar & Vocals