Sometimes the best journeys begin by chance. For Mark Besley of Farnham, Surrey, it all started at age 57 when a few friends from the local pub needed a bassist. “How hard can it be?” he thought and with that, his bass journey began.
What followed was a story full of community, resilience, and growth. After a few rough (but warmly cheered!) first performances, Mark found himself immersed in a surprisingly talented local music scene centered around that same pub. With guidance from seasoned musicians, including members of The Condors (a 1960s band that once supported acts like Hendrix, The Who, and early Pink Floyd), Mark sharpened his chops through acoustic sessions and plenty of Sunday jams.
When the pandemic ended, opportunity struck again. Mark joined Late to the Party, a band born from the pub scene. His very first gig with them was at the local fireworks festival in 2021. He laughs now about how his face went white when he learned how many people would be there. “Everyone wanted to get out after lockdown,” he recalls, with thousands attending the event. By the time the fireworks finished, about 1,000 people had gathered in front of the stage to hear the band’s set. It was nerve-wracking — but he pulled it off, and the story is still retold with a grin among his bandmates.
Mark holding down the groove with Late To The Party - circa 2024
Since then, Mark has played numerous gigs with Late to the Party and branched into new projects, including working with a female vocalist and guitarist on acoustic numbers, and stepping out of his comfort zone with a group that plays jazz standards backed by keys and drums. He’s also exploring walking bass and jazz styles more deeply, proving that learning never really stops.
Mark Besley playing Baby I'm A Fool by Melody Gardot with Zen Avenue
For Mark, motivation comes from one place: the fear of letting the band down. That drive keeps him practicing old material to refine it and pushing forward with new songs. His advice to others? “Get playing with others. That is the best motivation and inspiration.”
Quickfire Q&A with Mark
Where are you based?
Farnham, Surrey, England.
How long have you been playing bass?
About 7 years.
Who are your musical influences?
John Entwistle. Just listen to The Real Me if you have any doubts.
Favorite band?
The Who
First song you learned on bass?
Yellow by Coldplay — nice and easy. Followed quickly by The Only Living Boy in New York, which I played live about 12 weeks after starting bass. Definitely not easy!
Current band/project?
I play in a local band called Late to the Party. I’ve also been working with a singer and pianist on some jazzy numbers, and more recently stepped into backing jazz standards with keys and drums.
"Fear of letting the band down keeps me motivated to practice and improve."
-Mark Besley
What’s your next goal with bass?
To explore jazz and walking bass in more depth.
How has Bass Lab PLUS helped you so far?
I’m early in that journey, but having material available in a logical and organized format is really useful — it beats the random approach I’d been taking.
Any message for the community?
Get playing with others. That’s the best motivation and inspiration.
Stay in touch
A big thank you to Mark for sharing his journey in this edition of Student Spotlight! From a pub bet and early nerves to gigging with Late to the Party and exploring jazz standards, Mark’s story is a great reminder that music is about connection, courage, and having fun along the way.
We’re proud to celebrate players like Mark who bring heart and dedication to the Bass Lab PLUS community. See you next time… who will be featured in the next Student Spotlight? Could it be you?
Keep groovin’!
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