The Clan formed in summer 2010 as a vehicle to allow Guitarist/Vocalist Craig to promote his solo album "Pies, Pasties and Rock 'n' Roll".  
Initially gigging as the Craig McDonald Band the name was changed to Craig McDonald's Clan before finally we settled  on The Clan. We think it is much easier to say and remember yet still maintains Craig's Celtic roots. 

Who are the band?

Guitar/Vocals - Craig (Mac) McDonald

UK Rock guitarist Craig began his career during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) with his band Sinner  sharing stages alongside the likes of Iron Maiden and Saxon.

From the eighties onwards many other rock bands benefitted from being able to count Craig and his trusty Fender Stratocaster amongst their line-ups helping them to deliver crowd-pulling  performances.

In 2010 Craig released his first studio album “Pies, Pasties and Rock ‘n’ Roll” to favourable reviews from both the public and the rock press. The Clan was born, playing tracks from the album live alongside some of their favourite rock covers.

Citing his main influences as Marc Bolan/T.Rex and Ritchie Blackmore, Craig is a strong believer in trying to put on an entertaining fun show and simply having a good time playing live. As Craig always says "It's not brain surgery, If we have fun and the audience have fun then everyone goes home happy." 

Drums - James (Jim)  Coucher

Hailing originally from Norfolk, Jim considers himself to be a Yorkshireman having spent many years living and playing there before moving to the vibrant music scene of the North West.

Prior to joining The Clan, he has previously delivered his unique and highly-respected style of percussion in the acclaimed tribute band The UK Foo Fighters, and Yorkshire rockers Speedsta.

Jim is a phenomenal drummer with an extensive range of musical styles at his disposal, influenced by Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd. Allied with his great sense of humour,  Jim’s contribution is unquestionably more than keeping us all in time!

Guitar/Vocals - Roland Van Den Bossche

Hailing from The Netherlands where he played in a band called The Coolsingles for many years our good friend Roland moved to the UK over 20 years ago. He played in a couple of bands, Hairz of the Dog and Retrospect whilst also hosting a local radio Rock show.  

In late 2024/early 2025 he joined The Clan onstage for a few gigs . Seeing the advantages of having an additional guitar it was decided to expand the band to a permanent 4 piece line-up  and he  is now a fully fledged member of The band.

His influences are Rock, Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll so its an additional facet to the sound which together with his stage  presence is helping to increase our  fanbase. 

Bass - Steve Lewis

The latest addition to the Clan is Bass Player Steve Lewis. Not a total stranger as a long time ago  he played for a couple of years in the band “The Switch” with Craig. Steve's first rehearsal with the band on a Wednesday was followed on the Saturday by a short notice gig opening for  “The Alarm”  so he was thrown in at the deep end and stayed afloat admirably.  Its early days so we will add some more info about him as we get  to know him more. All we know currently is that he is an excellent  bass player  with a dry sense of humour. 

Bass/Vocals - Stephen  Farquhar (R.I.P)

 We will always remember Steve as he was a founder member of the Clan and an integral part of the band 's stage performances for 15 years. 

Having played in a number of bands previously, Steve and Craig first played together in the Rock covers band “Iron Horse”.

After providing the bass for Craig’s solo album it was only natural that Steve would become a founder member of The Clan and continue to  deliver the best possible entertainment to audiences across the U.K.

Sadly Steve passed away in June 2025  after a short illness,  Gone too soon but never forgotten.  Stephen “Steve” Farquhar 1965-2025