Outside The Original
MEET THE BAND
Gerry Phimister
Lead Vocals
Gerry, OTO's frontman has been a band member from its inception.
Having worked with James, singing and writing lyrics for the musical project "If" over 30 years ago, remaining close friends ever since, he was instantly the one James turned to when the OTO idea developed from an instrumental prog combo to "this would be much better with a singer".
And a better singer the band couldn't ask for. Gerry performs the uniquely different vocals of Gabriel, Anderson, Lake, Wetton and Gilmour with emotional integrity and control.
Fun fact - Gerry once sang drunken Karaoke with Justin Currie from Del Amitri - although Justin was perfectly sober at the time!
James Finnigan
Lead Guitar
The original idea for OTO lies with bandleader James.
James has been a musician all his life working in the early days as bass guitarist touring extensively across Europe and the US with Hue and Cry and Stiltskin. Before returning to his roots in Scotland to open the Glasgow Guitar Academy then moving on to become an instrumental instructor in local education.
OTO has brought him full circle back to his musical roots, playing Prog in his first bedroom band. His passion for the music that defined a generation is heard through every note played at every gig.
Fun fact - James' time with Stiltskin saw him collaborating with Ray Wilson who later took on lead vocals with Genesis for a period of time!
Suzanne McKenzie
Keyboards and backing vocals
Suzanne is a multi instrumentalist, involved in the music industry all her life. She specialises in keyboards, flute and vocals; and is an exceptional player, teacher, performer with many years experience.
Suzanne began piano training age 11 and by the age of 12 was the chief organist for all services at her local church. She studied classical music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, later going on to gain a degree in commercial music.
Suzanne has enjoyed a career throughout the years playing many genres in duets, wedding and corporate bands as well as a variety of tribute bands and is now really enjoying the challenge of performing amazing music by the greats including Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Tony Banks.
Fun fact - OTO recently met Rick Wakeman in rehearsals and turned into typical fans. While asking for selfies, Rick turned and handed Suzanne his coffee cup thinking she was the tea lady. Unbeknown to him she was in the studio next door playing his pieces!
George Falconer
Drums and backing vocals
In 2023 after years of playing with various jazz, fusion, blues and rock bands, drummer, percussionist and synth geek George finally got the opportunity to play his first love - progressive rock, when he joined OTO.
"I've waited all my adult life to play this music, and here we are. Prog bliss! Really stoked to be playing with these incredible musicians to bring this amazing music to audiences young and old. Let's see some air drumming!"
Since then George has become a fully established member of the OTO team sharing his knowledge, with enthusiasm and humour, of all things prog and drumming with his OTO band mates.
Fun fact - George was chatting to Katie Melua at an event in Cannes and stood heavily on her wee toe just as she was called to perform on stage to hundreds of music industry people. She limped on stage and sang her heart out. But seemed to be in constant pain...
Kizzy Yeudall
Saxophone and additional keyboard
OTO welcomed Kizzy as a full band member early in 2025, following a no. of gigs playing sax on a sessional basis.
Kizzy studied at the Glasgow Academy of Performing Arts and is a graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Playing a wide variety of genres from rock, pop to jazz, boogie woogie and funk, she has performed globally with many revered musicians, including BB King, James Gadson and Nile Rodgers.
Kizzy brings a wealth of experience in both saxophone and keys and OTO were delighted to have her join the team.
Fun fact - James Gadson once described Kizzy's playing as 'greasy' which she initially took as an insult but it turned out to be a huge compliment!
George Glen
Bass Guitar and Guitar
George/GG is the latest addition to the OTO team and fittingly completes the six piece line up, providing the complex melodic basslines required to showcase the Rutherford, Squire, Lake, Wetton and Waters pieces.
GG is a talented and experienced bassist with superb attention for detail. He has a huge passion for the artists we play and adds not just bass guitars, but acoustic and 12-string guitars along with earth shattering bass pedals to our gigs!
Fun fact - GG always has his finger on the pulse and records every rehearsal to remind us of the details!