Dragons are Real is the brainchild of Russell Mabbutt, aka Rusty Mahone, who has been involved in the music and entertainment industry since the early ’80s. Russell started front-of-house mixing with a Northampton-based company in 1983. Their clients included Mud, Showaddywaddy, HMV Stores, and TOA Audio. In the ’90s, he switched to playing music rather than amplifying it, among many things he was the accordion player with Mark Radcliffe’s Family Mahone and still works with Mark today. Following a leukaemia diagnosis in 2002 and a serious illness in 2010 Russell now avoids jobs with lifting or climbing involved due to limited mobility. That being said, he is familiar with most of the digital desks around today and is still comfortable on an analogue board.
Beth McJury-Mabbutt acts as gig photographer and roadie! She is a proud Yorkshire lass, has two Criminology degrees and is passionate about music, film, and nature.
