The rhythmic anchor and melodic counterweight of Kula Shaker, Alonza Bevan is widely recognized as one of the most inventive and fluid bass players to emerge from the 1990s UK rock scene.
Early Days & Meeting Crispian
Born in Hounslow, Middlesex, Alonza's musical journey crossed paths with Crispian Mills in the late 1980s while attending Richmond College. Sharing a mutual love for the psychedelic power trios of the 1960s—particularly Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience—the duo began writing together under early monikers such as The Kays, laying the foundational chemistry that would soon evolve into Kula Shaker.
The Groove of Kula Shaker
Bevan’s bass playing is defined by deep, syncopated grooves. His fluid playing gives classic tracks like "Tattva", "Grateful When You're Dead", and "Hey Dude" their driving momentum and psychedelic weight.
Beyond his bass work, Alonza is a crucial co-writer, fantastic backing singer, multi-instrumentalist (frequently playing acoustic guitars, keyboards, and recorders), and producer across the band's whole back catalogue.
Johnny Marr & The Healers and Other Projects
Following Kula Shaker’s initial split in late 1999, Bevan’s reputation as an elite bass player led him straight to legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Joining as the bassist for Johnny Marr + The Healers alongside drummer Zak Starkey, the band released their debut album - Boomslang in 2003.
A true studio craftsman, Alonza has also produced and recorded for a variety of independent artists, and contributed session work across the British indie and psych circuits.
In 2011, Bevan formed Tumblewild with his wife and former Mediæval Bæbes singer Audrey Evans. The duo released their debut 7" and digital download single, "Sinnerman", in July 2011, followed by their first album, When The World Had Four Corners, released via MondoTunes in 2014.