Circa: 1984 – 2000
Home town: Harare
Members:
- Gary Clark – Lead vocals & rhythm guitar
- Cliff Webb – Lead guitar & vocals
- Shaffer Khan – Bass & vocals
- Paul Rigby – Drums
- Richie Yiend – Replaced Cliff Webb in 1985.
The return of Gary Clark (ex-IVYDALE WALK II) in 1984 initiated the creation of SILKWOOD. In forming the new group the band placed huge emphasis on the need for the band’s members to be 
strong vocalists. The reason for this was that they intended covering a lot of material by such bands as the Eagles and CSN&Y. Scouring the Harare music scene they recruited two of the city’s outstanding talents into their ranks. These were Shaffer Khan and Richie Yiend who was an aspiring Stevie Ray Vaughan-influenced guitarist. The band immediately took off and enjoyed an extremely busy first two years of existence, over and above their regular daytime occupations.
Such was the pressure of the band’s programme that it was decided to employ a manager to take care of the ever increasing administration load. This appointment came in the shape of Kevin John Rhodes. Kevin’s interest in the band was triggered after he’d heard them performing at Rosalind’s Night Club. Kevin helped the band finance new sound equipment and played keyboards for them at a couple of gigs. He also played on their single single, “All Night”, a Benny Miller production in 1986. This record were to #14 in the local charts.
The band’s first single was “I Can See The Sunrise” – also a Benny Miller production – but it wasn’t as successful as their second release.
In 1997, Richie Yiend took his leave of the band when he was transferred with his job to Mozambique. The band continued as a trip for three years after Yiend’s departure and played their last gig at New Year’s Eve 2000 at the Holiday Inn, Harare.
At the time of their demise in 2000, the band had kept the same personnel line-up for fifteen years, something of an accomplishment in the world of music!
Where Are They Now?
Paul Rigby – Left Zimbabwe in 2002 and is believed to be living somewhere in the south of England.
Gary Clark – Left Zimbabwe in 2001 and now lives in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Richard Yiend – Believed to still be in Mozambique.
Shaffer Khan and Steven Rhodes remain in Zimbabwe.
