Once the core of long running and popular skiffle band, The Ugly Dog Skiffle Combo, Rob John (Banjo & Vocals), Steve Mason (Double Bass & Vocals) and Wayne Beauchamp (Guitar/Manolin & Vocals) started playing smaller venues where an 8 piece band (Ugly Dog) wouldn’t fit or wasn’t appropriate. Since late 2016 when they started, the Hillbilly Goats Gruff went on to play many gigs and regularly invite other, like minded, musicians to join in on performances depending on circumstances and space. Regularly having the addition of the drummer Geoff Cooper as well as several other fiddle, mandolin and guitar players.