Neil Mercer has been Musical Director for the Living Archive theatre productions since his involvement with the documentary drama "Worker by Name" in the early 1990s. Other shows in which he has been involved include "The Pride of Wolverton", "Days of Pride", "Bigger, Brighter, Better" and "The Fabric of Milton Keynes". His musical career began in the 1960's folk music scene of the Lake District, but since then he has played rock, soul, jazz, country and brass band music (his motto is 'anything but opera').

A recording contract with Pete Townsend's Eel Pie Records encouraged his fruitless but unabandoned pursuit of fame. As well as the 'Living Archive Band', he plays with the country blues band 'Back To The Roots'.