In 2001, British artist MARK SPREX, a well known drummer and double bass player, moved over to Belgium. Originally from Weymouth, England, Mark is known as the original drummer of The Houserockers and Playboys. Over the years both on the 'Rockin'-Scene' and in the 'Mainstream' music fields, he has worked with many other top-rated bands and famous faces such as "Toby Tomanov", ex-drummer of "Primal Scream", etc...!

Mark did often session work at Hemsby Rock'n'roll weekenders, Americana Weekenders and Rockers Reunion, backing stars like Ray Campi, Janis Martin, Dale Hawkins, Rip Masters, legendary "SUN" recording artist "Sonny Burgess", Graham Fenton from "Matchbox", Bloodshot Bill, British 60's rocker "Tommy Bruce"... just to name a few!

Since 2001 up till now, he is often employed as a session player with differant bands in Belgium, Holland, England.... In 2009 he recorded an album with "Smooth and The Bully Boys" and an album with "Mark and the Slum Dogs" featuring Mark Penington of The Caravans.

In 2010, apart from being busy with the Rhumba Kings, Mark played drums at the Americana for Ray Campi for the umpteenth time again and did a couple shows on bass with James Intveld and with John Lewis.

As from end 2011 Mark is working for the organisation of UK's welknown rock'n'roll weekender, Hemsby as the Hemsby - housebandleader, which includes working for certain acts at Rockers Reunion and Americana festival in UK. In 2012, he performed with Ray Campi again at the Rockers Reunion and Americana festival in UK, also with Gene Summers, Robin Luke, Lee Dresser and Al Ferrier at the Hemsby Weekender in UK.

In 2013 he backed up Jimmy Cavallo and Marcel Riesco. In october Mark will be playing at Hemsby with Sonny Burgess, Rosie Flores, King Size Taylor and Ray Campi.

"THE RHUMBA KINGS" got formed by Mark in 2003 with him taking centre stage as front man, singer and double bassist.

Their live show is always very dynamic and though the band has changed personnel over the years, they've all been top-notch musicians and great guys working alongside with Mark.

The band specialises in originals from Mark and some covers that shows their influences.

The style of the band has quite a range of influences as each musician has different tastes and musical backgrounds. This ranges from early 50's blues and rockabilly through early 60's British rock'n'roll, white rock.

These early roots influences are carefully mixed into a very modern sound, with much influence coming from the early 80's neo-rockabilly revival and psychobilly sound.

So, the final result is a power packed, high energy, wild rock'n'roll trio that should please the ears of everyone with their diverse and experienced range of rock'n'roll musicianship and showmanship.

If you want to give them a 'label' then THE RHUMBA KINGS are simply and proudly a ROCK 'N' ROLL band!!

A mini album is released in september 2004 in conjunction with the band's debut appearance at the world's premier rock'n'roll festival at HEMSBY in England, where they had a lot of success! The Rhumba Kings played there again on the main stage after "Levi Dexter" in may 2008

In july 2005 they were support act for Stray Cats drummer "SLIM JIM PHANTOM" and in november 2005 they did a tour with Stray Cats fantastic "Bulletproof doghouse bassplayer" LEE ROCKER.

In November 2006, They were support act of the legendary king of the surf "DICK DALE".

In february 2007, they were supporting LEE ROCKER again. Since then, they've supported THE JETS, THE QUAKES, CRAZY CAVAN....

Still now, the very good comments about Mark and his band keep on coming.

The Rhumba Kings are working well composing licks and arrangements mixed with Mark's talent of writing, lyrics, song structures and concepts.

The band has a lot of own written material. The Rhumba Kings recorded a full CD that is produced by Mark Pennington of The Caravans.

So far, they've played a lot of gigs at various bars, clubs, cafes, festivals and private parties in Belgium, Holland, England, France, Switserland....

They are also currently working on a new CD. Watch this space...

TO BE CONTINUED………