Coming of age in South London in the 70s & 80s, Jon was exposed to a diverse sound palette with influences: blues, 50s rock ‘n roll, Motown, Rock Steady, British Pub Rock and first wave punk rock. 

Jon’s first foray into the U.S. music scene was in the late 80s, playing bass with British punk/hip hop fusion band Lightning Strike at CBGBs and other clubs. This planted a seed that landed Jon in San Francisco in the early 90s, where he joined with The Music Lovers and teamed up with future 'Gulls keyboard player Isaac Bonnell. 

For Isaac Bonnell (Matthew Edwards and the Futurists, The Vivants) musical conversion therapy came early when he first heard the keyboard solo on Del Shannon's 'Runaway.' The sound ran down his juvenile spine like lightning & he was hooked! 

Geri “Don’t F*ck With Me” Vahey, (The Minks, Skint), caught a Seagulls show 7 years ago and was so inspired by Jon's infectious tunes that she dusted off her vintage Ludwig kit after a verrry long hiatus and jumped back on her rightful throne.

Rob Vastano (The Lewd, The Control Freaks) adds fresh sonic diversity to The Seagulls' and allows us to bring some layers listeners could only find in our studio records to our live shows.

Jen has been bringing the low end to the Bay Area soul explosion This Train Don't Stop and heads up her own shanty-fueled trio Cape Fury; played keys in reggae supergroup The Titan Ups, and is now bringing the rumble to The Seagulls. Fun fact -- she's got yer back if you need a mechanic for  vintage motorcycles!