Meet the band members
Chris van den Berg
Guitar, lead vocals and songwriter
Born: 1 April 1989 in Pretoria, South Africa I started playing guitar in 2003 and took professional lessons from Bulgarian born guitarist, Ivo Kelov. I have been involved with a few experimental bands and have been writing songs for the last 2 years.
My singing also took off in November 2007 when I realised the amount of talent we got in our newly formed band ‘Better off Blind’.
I have also played with our church band and a great influence and critique was (and still is) my musician father. My great influences are Rock, Blues, Metal and Alternative music.
e-mail Chris at Chris@betteroffblind.co.za
Ryan Clark
Lead guitar, backing vocals and songwriter
Born 15 February 1987 in Capetown South Africa. I started playing guitar since 2002 and played with a few friends in some experimental bands. I am very passionate about music and anything related to music. My taste varies between Metal, Jazz and Blues of which Rock is by far my favourite. Besides playing lead guitar, I can also play bass and drums. I met Chris at a house party where he invited me to join up with him and Francois. The rest is history.
e-mail Ryan at Ryan@betteroffblind.co.za
Francois Meyer
Bass, backing vocals and songwriter
Born: 13 April 1989 I started my music career by playing electric guitar and in 2004 switched over to play bass as I found it more fulfilling. I played in 3 bands before meeting up with Chris in 2005.
Since then we have been playing with various other musicians until we invited Ryan and Fred to join us to form ‘Better off Blind’
Fred Helliwell
Drums
Born: 27 November 1989
I got taught by well known South African drummer, Teuns Botha. I am influenced by Rock, Jazz and Blues. I have also been playing regularly in a youth band with a number of talented musicians.
After hearing me play at a school concert, Chris and Francois approached me to join up with them. This was the beginning of a new experience for me.
