Sean Welch

Sean Welch (born April 12 1965 in Enfield, England) was the bassist for The Beautiful South and previously roadie for The Housemartins.

During his childhood, he played in a number of school bands, but unlike many budding musicians he was dismissed for his lack of musical skill. By the time he was twenty years of age he was on the dole and wondered what to do with his life.

When he heard John Peel play "Flag Day" on the radio, he wrote to the Housemartins to ask them if they would play in Norfolk. Although his first reply said that they had never played there but hoped to, another reply shortly afterwards said that they would soon be playing in Norwich.

When he arrived, he found the place deserted. Paul Heaton was playing with a ball, and Paul asked Sean if he wanted to go to the pub with him. Sean agreed, and Paul asked him to become the tour bus driver and part of the "A-team" for the Housemartins; Sean accepted.

Sean often showed off his bass skills while working for the Housemartins, so it was no surprise that, when the Beautiful South was formed, he was one of the first to be asked to join.

Sean currently lives in Kingston upon Hull with partner, Lisa Hill, daughter Ruby and twin sons Tommy and Alfie.