Ethan Allen

Back in my entertainer days, in fact, way back, I took my mum to see a country and western duo at our local pub. It was quite a coup for the landlady as these guys had had three number-one hits in the Country Music charts. They were called the Cheap Seats. John Pettifer was the guitarist who I knew from some friends in the business, but it wasn’t John who caught my eye that night. The singer had long hair tied in a ponytail (usually a turn-off for me), a beautiful voice, amazing stage presence, the cheekiest smile and tight leather trousers. That singer was the lovely Ethan Allen.

Our paths crossed again many years later and we have remained friends to this day. He still has a fabulous voice and cheeky grin, and only last year, I met his wife, Nicky, at the Wirral Life Awards, who turned out to be the sister of a client! Small world.

When COVID-19 isn’t in control, Ethan performs around the UK and has now presented a country music show on Liverpool Live 247.

How has the lockdown been for you?
Lockdown has been a challenging time for us, like everyone. Up until it happened, I was promoting concerts and running events, heading up the production team at Camp and Furnace and gigging regularly. So, it went from 1000 miles an hour to zero overnight. Obviously, the financial situation has been stressful because absolutely every part of this industry stopped on a dime. What has happened, though, is that I have re-evaluated how I want to continue living my life. I have given years to venues and businesses, missing out on so much family and personal time that I realise I don’t want to do that anymore. At the end of last year, I had a heart attack, and even though I really didn’t want to, I ended up going full speed again. The Covid lockdown forced me to reset. So, I guess I’m lucky and thankful.

Do you sing and play every day regardless of gigs?
Not so much in the way of sitting down and playing, but at some point in the day, I usually burst into song.

What drew you to radio?
I have done radio work before; back in the 90’s, I used to appear as a regular contributor on BBC Radio 5 live with Tim Grundy. I’d review music and talk all things Americana/Country. I then did a stint in a local community radio station learning the ropes. I’ve co-presented TV stuff years ago on TLC so I feel quite at home hosting. I had always thought about a Country show. Kenny Johnson was a lifelong friend, and I always thought it would be good to carry on a local show. I didn’t get the opportunity until now so when the owner of the station approached me, I felt the timing was right.

Who do you listen to in your spare time?
Tough question. I obviously listen to loads of the latest Country music, but I’m a massive fan of “Yacht Rock,” everything from Steely Dan, Bread, Hall and Oats, and Christopher Cross.

Where do you keep the Country Music Awards?
On the window ledge in my production studio at home.

Do any of your children show signs of being musical?
My Son plays the Trombone, but he’s more into computers and technology.
My Daughter is already playing UKE and singing beautifully. We recorded a song and a video for her during lockdown.
She definitely has the gift. https://youtu.be/hqLPmXhRjxM