Born on the Atherton Tableland up in the rainforest covered mountains above Cairns, POP left school at 15 to become a Butcher. While completin his apprenticeship he bought his first guitarand started to teach himself the basics. He played for a short while in some small groups, in and around the Tablelands without getting too serious. After completing his apprenticeship and a health (successful) couple of years playing rugby leaugue in the North he got the travel bug and headed for the "big lights".

POP has lived in almost every State and capital city, his guitar was put on hold for a few years while he pursued other interests but he still played rugby league resulting in representing the State of Western Australia and receiving the State Award (The Brice Trophy). In the late 1970's he found himself in Western Queensland, for a short time, and was involved in a country 4 piece band for about 12 months. His passion for the guitar subsided for many years until at the tender age of fifty the passion was reignited by a fellow worker on a building site. An invite to a Blues Festival on the Gold Coast led to renewing a friendship with Brian Fraser (three times Chain Award winner). Brian then suggested a Queensland tour together. After 300 shows with Brian, the guidance and influence from Brian can now beseen in POP's solo performances. POP's nickname came when he was 2 years old and his father would rock him on his knee singing "Pop goes the Weasel." 

The Prince of Promises came about when a Building Supplier asked... "Whats ya name"... He answered POP. ..."Whats that short for, Prince of Promises"... A work colleague close by shouted out ..."Thats your new stage name mate".

 

When asked musical influences POP says that he doesn't so much have influences, more that he hears sounds that he likes and then interprets those sound in his own music. To quote POP, "Music is like a recipe, you have your ingredients that you cook to your tastes but the better it tastes, the more other people will enjoy it". In POP's recording career he has the privilege of playing and recording with Brian Fraser on "The Fraser and Standen" CD (2008). POP's new solo CD produced by Brian Fraser released in April 2010 features Brian Fraser on guitar and on harmonica Geoff "gerka" Donaldson (ex Muddy Puddles and Chubby Rae and the Elevators.) POP has played alongside othr artists that includes; Phil Emmanuel, Bo Jenkins, Doc Span, Dallas Frasca, Mykl Lozin, Mason Rack Band, Hatz Fitz, Leon Tioke and many more. The oportunity to play with artists like the above has fast tracked POP's musical career and career highlights thus far include: