Pop Standen & the Prince of Promises

Born on the Atherton Tableland up in the rainforest covered mountains above Cairns, Pop left school at 15 to become a Butcher. While completing his apprenticeship he bought his first guitar and 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 successful couple of years playing rugby league 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."