Back at the Shire Hall by popular demand this superb band transport you effortlessly to a time and place where T Rex still love to boogie. Add to the ambience and come decked out in ’70′s fancy dress. Its not compulsary but we will look at you wistfully if you come along and you’re not togged up. This concert sold out in 2012 so please book early to avoid disappointment.
TooREX (featuring the incredible Bobby T as Marc Bolan) bring back the Glam Rock era of the early seventies with a spell binding show that covers most of Marc Bolan’s career from the early hippy period of Tyrannosaurus Rex to the megastar, chart topping days of T-Rex. Complete with full costume changes, retro live equipment, glitter, and more than a dash of star quality, TooREX come incredibly close to the real thing.
This full nostalgic rock concert usually includes some early singles such as “Deborah”, “One Inch Rock” and “Ride A White Swan” to the big hits “Get It On”,“Telegram Sam”, “Hot Love”, “Metal Guru”, “Jeepster” and “Children of the Revolution”, to some of the fondly remembered album material.
The show can also feature a selection of T-Rex tracks such as (“I Love to Boogie”, Cosmic Dancer” etc) that were featured in the Award winning box-office smash movie Billy Elliot!!
With sell-out shows, and a Glam revival in full blossom, there’s never been a better time to grab your spaceball-shoes and feather boas and relive the legend of Marc Bolan and T-Rex.
PAUL LIDDELL
+Hudson Arc and Stevie Mould
SATURDAY APRIL 27th £8
Paul Liddell is a working musician/singer/songwriter/recording artist based by the sea in the North East of England. His current album, the excellent ‘Milestones And Motorways’ is a proudly home-made and independent release.
Paul is an experienced live performer with an unstoppable work ethic, clocking up on average 20 gigs a month both solo and with his band ‘Delphians’. Live, his singularly unique voice and unpretentious delivery combine with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies to provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine. Paul has toured in America, whipping up a storm in several little coffee houses across California. While there he performed on a TV show filmed in Time Warner studios in Hollywood, and got his song ‘Brighter Lights’ placed on a nationally distributed and TV advertised folk compilation CD.
Other live highlights include a show-stopping performance on the main stage at the Beverley Folk Festival, and a memorable show at the Piperine Free Festival in Milan. Other artists Paul has shared billing with include Billy Bragg, Turin Brakes, Beth Rowley, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Karine Polwart, Polly Paulusma, Calvin Harris, Nick Harper, Nerina Pallot, and Florence And The Machine.
Other notable achievements include making it through to the final 10 of Q Magazine’s Glastonbury competition, being named as the hardest working, most gigging songwriter of 2009 by the PRS, and selling over 3000 albums and EPs solely at live performances.
Paul is currently unsigned and unrepresented, building a cottage industry into something more in a purely independent, DIY fashion.
Hudson Arc is the brainchild of singer/composer/producer Gareth Hudson, who comes with an impressive career behind him producing and recording with award-winning artists including The Hilltop Hoods, The Last Kinection, Amy Vee and The Buddy Knox Blues Band. Hudson teams up with renowned Tadijana Ilicic (violin) tonight. rather than the full trio ensemble. The end result is a marriage of lush string lines, driving rhythms, intense dynamics and a diverse mix of styles resulting in expertly crafted, honest and real compositions stamped with their own unique sound.
Having carved out a career in the industry behind the desk, recording and producing albums for Last Kinection and a little known hip hop outfit Hilltop Hoods, Gareth Hudson decided to get out from behind the desk and start recording his own compositions. Enlisting the help of Newcastle three piece string ensemble, Ensemble Arc, Hudson has found the vehicle to make his complex arrangements come to life. In an Ocean of Sacrifice is a wonderful display of musicianship, from writing, performance, arrangement, and production.
The album can be best categorized as Melancholy Pop. The string arrangements add the sense of sadness and reflection to songs that, played any other way, would be seen as indie folk/pop. Hudson has a voice that is strangely familiar, yet you can’t quite pin down a direct similarity. His use of quirky loops, especially in more upbeat tracks such as in “Happy Happy Joy Joy” (old Ren & Stimpy reference, perhaps!?) and the lighter moments in the album give a good balance to the more sombre tracks. To use a clique term, ‘light and shade’ really does apply to Hudson Arc’s music. “1000 Hearts” carries a longing emotion. “Somewhere, Somehow, Someday” is more mechanical and stark, with the use of auto tuned vocals and piano loops – it’s darker and feels more sinister, especially compared to rock flavourings of “Crazy About The End”, which could easily end up on any radio rotation.
Stevie Mould is a 16 year old Singer/Songwriter from Beverley. Stevie has always had a love for singing but in 2010, she started to attend the Hull City Council Creative Voice music sessions. From this Stevie has been given the opportunity to perform and build her confidence, whilst performing with other young people. Stevie’s first opportunity was to sing in the 2010 Freedom Festival, at Fruit Humber Street. This was a whole new scene singing to an audience but she loved it, Stevie even went to gather more crowds by singing on her own at the top of Humber Street. Stevie was becoming a little more confident and played at various other gigs such as The Coolture event held at the City Hall, The Pickering Park (Hull) 100th year celebration, Creative Voice sessions at The Lamp and on two occasions she performed with other young people in the Musicport event held at Bridlington Spa. In 2010 Stevie joined her school gospel choir, and is still a keen member. Stevie also decided to teach herself the guitar, and then took to taking lessons at school. I think the past year for Stevie has been a year of Festivals, taking part in the Beverley Folk Festival with young people from her school. Stevie also took part in the Trinity Festival 2011 and the Freedom Festival 2011. Stevie’s next gig was Tribfest in the under 18’s Acoustic tent, organised by Freedom Road Creative Arts. As well as school and gigs Stevie had started to attend an open Mic night, which is held at George’s Bar Driffield and organised by Singer/Songwriter Edwina Hayes. Dreams soon became reality when Edwina asked Stevie to support her, at a gig in The Old Courthouse Thirsk. Stevie’s first professional gig and to support Edwina Hayes, what more could a 15 year old girl ask for? 2012 has been an excellent year performing at many venues and festivals including Hull Folk and Maritime Festival, Humber Sesh, Trinity Festival, Filey Folk Festival, Tribfest, Queens Gardens and also the open Mic nights at The Ship Inn Sewerby run by the Whiskey Dogs.
LIVEWIRE
SATURDAY APRIL 6th £12.50
Live/Wire is The AC/DC Tribute show. The unique six man tribute to rock music’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls and over two hours of High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras of AC/DC are included in the same show, with two very individual singers treading the boards.
Jon portrays the legendary front man, Bon Scott, who was AC/DC’s original vocalist and a wild man of rock and roll, whose untimely death shocked the world in 1980. His death came at a time when the band was sampling global success for the first time.
Pete, then dons the flat cap as Geordie vocalist, Brian Johnson, whom AC/DC turned to in order to fill the void left by Bon.
Brian’s searing vocals iced Back in Black, one of the best selling hard rock albums of all time! Pete brings the Live/Wire show bang up to date with classic ‘Brian’ songs and includes some tracks from AC/DC’s recent and hugely successful new album, Black Ice.
Meanwhile, the frenzied schoolboy antics of Angus Young, on lead guitar are faithfully reproduced by Lorne, dressed in Angus’s signature school uniform. Armed with the famous Gibson SG guitar and playing with superb style and feel, he duck-walks and rocks his way through the show, getting the crowd on their feet and rocking.
All this is backed up by a thundering freight train of a rhythm section, with Dean, as the metronomic Malcolm Young, on rhythm guitar; Ed, as Cliff Williams, on bass and the monster behind the drums; Daz, as Phil Rudd and Chris Slade, rolled into one.
The ‘Rising Power’ Tour 2010 saw the band performing in theatres, art centres and established rock venues all over the country, giving fans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience the bands energetic, authentic and dynamic full on AC/DC show. Packing the classics like ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, ‘Highway To Hell’, ‘Thunderstruck’ & ‘Back In Black’ into a 2 hour plus rock extravaganza and throwing in a few surprises for hardcore (and not so hardcore) fans to savour!
As any AC/DC fan will tell you, there is only one AC/DC.
An evening with:THE BUFFALO SKINNERS & HOLY MOLY AND THE CRACKERS
SATURDAY MARCH 23rd 2013 £6
Since the sad demise of the Doghouse Skiffle Group we here at Howden Live have been searching to the ends of the earth for a band who could step into their illustrious shoes. We think that search has now come to fruition with the very first appearence at the Shire Hall of THE BUFFALO SKINNERS. ‘Nuff said really (for now)
We quite like that introduction and would like to embellish it further by including HOLY MOLY AND THE CRACKERS on the bill too, all for the amazing entrance fee of six paltry pounds!
“Robbie Thompson plays the bass like a man kayaking for his life above the gaping maw of drowned oblivion. He lays down steady riffs like oarbeats as the song pulls him towards the fiddle licks which race up the alley like brushfire and dive down steep corners like twisted bodies pulled from exciting wreckage. James Nicholls’ bow is arson, he is an arsonist. He charms the salt from his hundred-year-old violin and throws it into the frozen streets so people can dance on the melting ice. Pete Seccombe is a washboard smashing, boot-stomping, shape-shifting coyote who stops traffic with his shouting. He is a wild man with humongous gestures and hearty slaps on the back. Lawrence Menard perches amongst half-full Guinness glasses, the bellows of his accordion hanging low like noise of a bar fight in winter air, and asks of tonight’s bachelor party “I ain’t gonna marry? I ain’t gonna settle down, Lord!” Robin Fisher turns everything into drums. Everything. Their music is a triumph over technology, a reinvention of old rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and folk standards. Skif-folk-N-Roll, they call it. It is a tornado. They are cacophonous and can be heard from miles. They are street level. They are the dirt-under the nails one finds in digging to the roots of live-music. They are The Buffalo Skinners.”
“I should explain to your Lordship what is meant by Crackers … they are a lawless set of rascals on the frontiers of Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, and Georgia, who often change their places of abode”A letter to the Earl of Dartmouth, 18th century Holy Moly and the Crackers, a Newcastle folk-indie outfit, signed to Northern Lights Music in January 2012. After only a year of playing concerts in and around Newcastle the band are already making a name for themselves: chosen personally by pop festival heavy weight Vince Powers, Holy Moly and the Crackers were announced as winners of a national competition – organised by promoters Supajam – to play the main Bread and Roses stage at Hopfarm Festival (headlining – Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Ray Davis etc.) where they drew in the crowds and the accolades. They pre-released their debut album, First Avenue, in June 2012, before being distributed in October. The album has been described as “an eclectic hotchpotch of stomping folk, bluesy lullaby and gypsy madness” (Alex Wright, Belt Up Theatre) From Edinburgh to Kent, they have spent the summer touring the album around the country, including a prestigious lunchtime concert at the American Olympic Safehouse in London. Holy Moly and the Crackers have a busy schedule of live performances ahead, with tours in Ireland and Europe being planned for 2013/14.Holy Moly and the Crackers are influenced by a wide range of styles and artists; the honest grit and gravel of Woody Guthrie, the gypsy bone-cage burlesque of Gogol Bordello, the spectral clarity of Joni Mitchell. As such they play a lively, moonshine mix of Romani, Americana and contemporary British folk music.”Holy Moly and the Crackers are a young quartet from the Bohemian Quarter of Newcastle and remind me of the early days of the Waterboys, Pogues and The Men They Couldn’t Hang and they have all the qualities to be as big as all of them.” Alan Harrison, Do Depression.
HEART OF GLASS
SATURDAY MARCH 9th £10
This ‘Back by popular demand’ malarky keeps throwing up the best nights out you could possibly imagine at the Shire Hall! Back with us after a lengthy absence are not only one of the best tribute bands ever to appear here but, without doubt, the best Blondie tribute in the land.
Heart of Glass are the foremost Blondie Tribute band in the UK and the only one that is fully professional. Lead singer Denise daniels who has put together a stunning replication of a ‘Blondie’ show with all the favourite classics plus a lot more.
Denise prides herself on authenticity and does 6 costume changes during a show, each reflecting upon the various songs. There is no finer exponent of the songs, style and raw energy of Deborah Harry and Blondie. This will be a real treat to see this band – it will be like experiencing the real Blondie in 1978!
Bring your dancing shoes and delight to renditions of: Heart of Glass, Atomic, One Way Or Another, Call Me, Picture This and Denis. All of this and more hits plus superb versions of album tracks will leave you roaring for more at the end. Book early to avoid disappointment!
THE ZZ TOPS
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9th £10
THE ZZ TOPS are The ZZ Top Tribute show.
The unique three man tribute to rock music’s best known Texan boogie band , are back to “Tear the house down !” in 2013, bringing a tour with more Tone,Taste and Tenacity than ever before. Complete with their Real Beards !, the Crazy Guitars, the moves and over two hours of Hot Rodded Rock ‘n’ Roll !.
All eras of ZZ Top are included in the same show, in two very individual sets..Nik Ryan (Billy Bigguns) portrays the legendary front man, Billy Gibbons,in his looks and his playing,
incorporating superb tone ,style and feel with a sense of humour as he rocks his way through the show, getting the crowd on their feet as well as tearin`it up!
Meanwhile, the Hillbilly Cowboy antics of Dusty Hill, on Bass guitar are faithfully reproduced
by Col Gray who nails the sound and unique vocal style of “The Dust” whilst holdin` down
the lowdown and turning every venue into one hell of a house party!
All this is backed up by Powerhouse Tub Whacking courtesy of Matt Jones (Franks Weird) taking on the role of Frank Beard (The Man With no beard !)
The “Lil `Ol Band From Devon” Tour 2012 will see the band performing in theatres, art centres ,Festivals and established rock venues in the UK and Europe, giving fans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience the bands entertaining, authentic and dynamic full on ZZ Top show.
There are thirteen vids on this link, just click the forward arrow or just wait for the one you are watching to finish for the next one…Enjoy!
We did have a Blondie tribute booked for tonight, so apologies to anyone who might have been looking forward to that. However, here we have the real deal, THE STRAWBS playing an acoustic gig with Dave Cousins, Chas Cronk and Dave Lambert. The front-line of the classic 1970s line-up of Britain’s most successful international folk-rock band, and who tour regularly as Acoustic Strawbs.
As Strawbs move gracefully into their fifth decade of music making, it is still difficult to categorise the unique sound that has made them Britain’s most successful international progressive folk-rock band. David Cousins, who leads the group, has been described by the influential All Music Guide as: “the most talented Dylan influenced songwriter to come out of England”. Strawbs are often mentioned in the same breath as progressive rock bands like Yes, King Crimson, and the Moody Blues. It is well documented that Rick Wakeman left Strawbs to join Yes but returned to appear at Strawbs 40th Anniversary Celebration. However, beyond progressive rock, Strawbs have another key component in their in their complex and intricate songs, in that they emerged out of the British Folk movement of the mid-1960s. The band started life as the Strawberry Hill Boys playing bluegrass, before moving into the mainstream by making the first Strawbs album with Sandy Denny in 1967, a year before she recorded her first album with Fairport Convention. The recording with Sandy attracted the attention of A&M Records in Los Angeles who signed Strawbs as the first British band on the label! Strawbs has a devoted fan base that continues to grow on the strength of albums like Grave New World, Bursting At The Seams, Hero And Heroine, and Ghosts, and classic songs such as Lay Down, A Glimpse Of Heaven, and Benedictus. Acoustic Strawbs comprise David Cousins, along with lead guitarist Dave Lambert, and the astonishingly versatile Chas Cronk, who together formed the front-line of the classic 1970s line-up of the band.
Jilly Riley is a solo artist from South Elmsall, West Yorkshire, making music inspired by the people, for the people. She’s here to deliver a brand new sound of freedom to your ears and souls, like you’ve never heard before! With a passion to fight for what’s good and right ( in a non violent, musically harmonious way), this lass is on a mission to bring freedom and peace back to the people, where it belongs.
HOWDEN CARNIVAL 2012!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd
Following on from the tremendous success of last years inaugural event, proceedings will commence with FREE percussion workshops starting at 130pm in the Shire Hall run by Sam Pirt and Gary Hammond aka THE HUT PEOPLE with places limited to 35. The results of which, i.e. the participants of the workshops transformed into a fully trained marching band, will lead the parade from the new Coop car park into Hailgate, cutting across to Bridgegate and in to the specially closed off Market Place.
The parade will also consist of various ‘walking floats’ Children in costume, local scouts and anyone else who would care to come along and get dressed up, either individually or as a group. There are still places available for the workshops and parade so please contact Mark on 01430 431512 if you would like to take part.
Once the parade has wound to its conclusion in the market place a full programme of entertainment will take place involving the Academy Of Theatre Studies performing a dance section, street entertainment, a Punch and Judy show a mass Zumba and live music featuring musicians who will be playing in local venues later in the evening. Local shops will be staying open late and outdoor food outlets in the shape of Hog roast, barbeque, pancakes and even Yorkshire puddings will providing necessary sustenance. There will be programmes detailing the specific artistes and times available on the day.
The outdoor entertainment will take place between 4 and 8pm and conclude with a spectacular fire eating display! Then the indoor fun starts!
THE STEVE FULSHAM BAND will be providing a tremendous free concert in the Shire Hall from 8pm to get the evening entertainment rolling and from 4pm there will be live music in The Minster View with the HARRI WATTS BAND along with a hog roast and Mikes Karaoke later on in the evening, this will also be the Minsters first event in their latest round of charity fundraising. The Bowmans will feature East Riding R&B legends THE ALLIGATORS from 9p.m.,There is an acoustic open mike session at The Wellington, this is open to anyone who can hold a tune to pop along to as well as some resident talent holding it all together, again, 9pm.
VAL MARSHALL. who has featured on the Bob Harris show on Radio 2 along with JOHN COX will appear at the Bridge after 9pm when everyone has finished their meal. The Board Inn presents Robbo’s disco from 7.30pm, and 9.15pm sees PAISLEY ROAD and DB5 at Howden Working Men’s Club. The Band with no name are at The White Horse from 9pm and The Wheatsheaf have the fantastic RICHARD ADAMS & TOM TOWNSEND, again from 9pm.
Local shops will be staying open late and outdoor food outlets in the shape of Hog roast, barbeque, pancakes and even Yorkshire puddings will providing necessary sustenance.
The whole event has been organised by Howden Live and Howden Town Council and would not have been possible without the sponsorship of: Howden Live, the Town Council, Longs Garage, Howden Rotary, Drax, St Cuthberts Lodge the Press Association and Hoveden Homes..
Finally! Sorry about the delay and this last minute inclusion but we only finalised all the people appearing in the outdoor slots last night, so please see below full details of everything that is happening between 4 and 8pm. Timings will doubtless be approximate………
4pm Parade.
4.20pm Percussion workshop performance.
4.35pm Dance performance.
4.45pm The Hut People.
Punch & Judy.
5.00pm Mass Zumba.
5.15pm Charlie’s hula hoop extravaganza.
5.25pm Pete’s suitcase.
5.55pm Charlie’s hula hoop extravaganza II.
6.00pm Punch & Judy.
Tom Smith & The Band With No Name.
6.15pm Charlie’s hula hoop workshop.
Sulu Babylon
6.30pm Pete’s suitcase II
7.00pm Charlie’s Hula hoop extravaganza III
7.00pm Catch up!
7.45pm Fire eating finale
8.00pm FREE! Concert in the Shire Hall with THE STEVE FULSHAM BAND
The Thin Lizzy Experience formed in the Christmas of 2007 when friends Simon Kaviani (Vocals/Bass) and Chris Gill (Guitar/Vocals) randomly bumped into a long-haired rocker at a Black Sabbath concert, who was sporting a huge tattoo of Phil Lynott on his right arm. Simon went over to congratulate him on his awesome tattoo and taste in music and after the man introduced himself as John Rodgers (Guitar/Vocals), the three got talking about forming a Thin Lizzy tribute band and with the addition of drummer Chris Reynolds, The Thin Lizzy Experience was born.
With their mantra of bringing back the raw essence, power and energy of Lizzys’ live performances along with Simons’ spitting image of Phil, it wasn’t long before The Thin Lizzy Experience got heads turning and tongues wagging. The last year especially has seen the bands’ audience increase dramatically, helped along nicely by the renewed interest in the reformed Thin Lizzy.
With a sets that can last up to two and a half hours straight through, not only does this band deliver a great show with all the lights and pyrotechnics, but amazing value for money! This band has brought grown men in their fifties to tears with their true to life rendition of the classic song ‘Still In Love With You’, as well as many of their other hits like ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’, ‘Emerald’, ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Dancing In The Moonllight’ to name a few.
See these boys live and you’ll not walk away thinking you’d just seen a tribute band…you’ll be wondering whether you were seeing things – if Phil Lynott had come back to life and whether you had just seen the real Thin Lizzy.
SATURDAY MAY 12th SOLD OUT….SOLD OUT….SOLD OUT…. If you want to take a risk and pop along to see if there are any returns you are very welcome………
TooREX £12.50
TheUk Definitive Marc Bolan /T-REX Rock Tribute…
STOP PRESS:STOP PRESS: We are delighted to announce that the support band for the evening wil be the very wonderful ………CREEK CATS………..
TooREX (featuring the incredible Bobby T as Marc Bolan) bring back the Glam Rock era of the early seventies with a spell binding show that covers most of Marc Bolan’s career from the early hippy period of Tyrannosaurus Rex to the megastar, chart topping days of T-Rex. Complete with full costume changes, retro live equipment, glitter, and more than a dash of star quality, TooREX come incredibly close to the real thing.
This full nostalgic rock concert usually includes some early singles such as “Deborah”, “One Inch Rock” and “Ride A White Swan” to the big hits “Get It On”,“Telegram Sam”, “Hot Love”, “Metal Guru”, “Jeepster” and “Children of the Revolution”, to some of the fondly remembered album material.
The show can also feature a selection of T-Rex tracks such as (“I Love to Boogie”, Cosmic Dancer” etc) that were featured in the Award winning box-office smash movie Billy Elliot!!
With sell-out shows, and a Glam revival in full blossom, there’s never been a better time to grab your spaceball-shoes and feather boas and relive the legend of Marc Bolan and T-Rex.
“Marc was one of my best mates and when I work with TooREX it brings a lump to my throat – it reminds me of some fab memories- great band!” – Alvin Stardust
THE CREEK CATS; This trio offer you a totally individual mixture of genres you cannot resist but stomp your foot to, accompanied by a live performance you will never forget! With rockabilly slap bass, Monroe-style mandolin and hell-fer-leather guitar thrashing, brought together by powerful vocals and 3 part-harmonies these Cats bring you country music in it’s rawest form, with songs about alcohol, murder, trains, pigs and even vampires!
The 14th fundraising concert for The Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal (formally Cookridge) reg charity no 1075308. Over £30,000 has been raised for the appeal so far, help us add to that tonight!
FRIDAY MAY 18
Tim Kliphuis Trio
“Grappelli and Vivaldi” £10
Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis and his trio bring the Shire Hall to life with their high-energy brand of gypsy swing and jazzed up classical tunes: a “deliciously effervescent mix” (The Herald) featuring Scotland’s outstanding musicians, Nigel Clark (guitar) and Roy Percy (double bass) as heard on BBC’s Radio 3.
“Winningly playful but technically brilliant” – Scotsman
Tim’s trio take Django’s Gypsy Swing several masterful leaps forward by blending it with strands of Vivaldi, Jobim and the Chieftains, and to top it off a few Stéphane Grappelli gems.
“Fearsomely fast and fun” – Time Out
Recently, they wowed 10.000 listeners at the Amsterdam Canal concert, debuted at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival, revisited Edinburgh and Brecon Jazz Festivals and played their music with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra.
“The legitimate heir to Grappelli’s crown” – Acoustic Magazine
Tim Kliphuis first made his name playing with the fiery European gypsies but soon developed a crossover style that has taken him to classical, jazz and folk venues across the world. He has since shared the stage with Les Paul, Richard Galliano and Frankie Gavin.
Nigel Clark is ‘Scotland’s premier guitarist’ (Glasgow Herald). A true virtuoso with a unique sound, he has worked with an array of stars including jazz singer Carol Kidd, Russian gypsy group Koshka and rock band Hue and Cry as well as pursuing a succesful solo career.
Roy Percy’s bass sound is rooted in New Orleans, injecting the Trio with raw street rhythms, barn-storming swing and infectious grooves. He has worked with American swing stars Duke Heitger, Evan Christopher and Marty Grosz.
FRIDAY APRIL 6th
LIVE/WIRE (AC/DC tribute) £12.50
A real coup for Howden Live to get this band, they played at Hull City Hall last October to 1000+ people. The week before this they are playing at a venue in York which isn’t particularly rock friendly, why pay that much for a ticket, plus parking, plus city prices, when you can come to Howden for a fraction of the cost at a more intimate, atmospheric venue?
Live/Wire is The AC/DC Tribute show. The unique six man tribute to rock music’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls and over two hours of High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll.Both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras of AC/DC are included in the same show, with two very individual singers treading the boards.Jon portrays the legendary front man, Bon Scott, who was AC/DC’s original vocalist and a wild man of rock and roll, whose untimely death shocked the world in 1980. His death came at a time when the band was sampling global success for the first time.Pete, then dons the flat cap as Geordie vocalist, Brian Johnson, whom AC/DC turned to in order to fill the void left by Bon.Brian’s searing vocals iced Back in Black, one of the best selling hard rock albums of all time! Pete brings the Live/Wire show bang up to date with classic ‘Brian’ songs and includes some tracks from AC/DC’s recent and hugely successful new album, Black Ice.Meanwhile, the frenzied schoolboy antics of Angus Young, on lead guitar are faithfully reproduced by Lorne, dressed in Angus’s signature school uniform. Armed with the famous Gibson SG guitar and playing with superb style and feel, he duck-walks and rocks his way through the show, getting the crowd on their feet and rocking.All this is backed up by a thundering freight train of a rhythm section, with Dean, as the metronomic Malcolm Young, on rhythm guitar; Ed, as Cliff Williams, on bass and the monster behind the drums; Daz, as Phil Rudd and Chris Slade, rolled into one.The ‘Rising Power’ Tour 2010 saw the band performing in theatres, art centres and established rock venues all over the country, giving fans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience the bands energetic, authentic and dynamic full on AC/DC show. Packing the classics like ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, ‘Highway To Hell’, ‘Thunderstruck’ & ‘Back In Black’ into a 2 hour plus rock extravaganza and throwing in a few surprises for hardcore (and not so hardcore) fans to savour!As any AC/DC fan will tell you, there is only one AC/DC.And as any Live/Wire fan will tell you, there is only one complete AC/DC show – and that is Live/Wire!!
SATURDAY MARCH 24th
THE TEA BAND £6
Four likely lads hailing from Goole (and Thorne), The Tea Band are no strangers to the Shire Hall, having supported many of the big names to have played here in the past – Wilko Johnson and Midge Ure to name just two. Over the years, the lads have variously played in such local bands as Thin Red Line, Crawling King Snake, Holiday on Mars, Watching the Clock, Spongehead, The Sewer Rats, and Ricky Rebound and the Magic Bastards. Just recently, Martyn has been recording an album with legendary musician Wild Willy Barrett.
Tonight they’ll be supporting themselves in a show of two halves: singer and guitarist Martyn Barker kicks off the evening with a few solo numbers, demonstrating his unique acoustic finger style, before the rest of the band join him for a lively acoustic set – a style for which they’ve become well known over the past couple of years, with John Drakeley’s acoustic bass and Tom Butler’s nylon-strung guitar adding to the raw and earthy sound.
After the break, the band promise a set of electric R’n’B with a touch of punk, comprising a selection of energetic original songs punctuated by the odd cover.
And why The Tea Band? Well, it’s simple. They like tea.
Although they’re quite keen on beer too, just so you know.
PAUL LIDDELL £8
& Ethan Morley
Following a superb support slot with Jim Diamond and Snake Davis at the Yorkshire Cancer centre concert last year it was only a matter of time before he appeared at the Shire Hall headlining in his own right.Paul Liddell is a working musician/singer/songwriter/recording artist based by the sea in the North East of England. So far he has released two solo albums and 3 EPs. His first album ‘A Lighthouse Keeper’s Diary’ was released on his own label ‘Regulus Music’ and was distributed in stores around the UK by Universal/Absolute, and his current album, the excellent ‘Milestones And Motorways’ is a proudly home-made and independent release.
Paul is an experienced live performer with an unstoppable work ethic, clocking up on average 20 gigs a month both solo and with his band ‘Delphians’ for the past three years. Live, his singularly unique voice and unpretentious delivery combine with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies to provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine. Paul has also toured in America, whipping up a storm in several little coffee houses across California. While there he performed on a TV show filmed in Time Warner studios in Hollywood, and got his song ‘Brighter Lights’ placed on a nationally distributed and TV advertised folk compilation CD.
Other live highlights include a show-stopping performance on the main stage at the Beverley Folk Festival, and a memorable show at the Piperine Free Festival in Milan. Other artists Paul has shared billing with include Beth Rowley, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Karine Polwart, Polly Paulusma, Kathryn Tickell, Nick Harper, Amy Wadge,Nerina Pallot, Billy Bragg and Florence And The Machine.
Paul’s songwriting and performance have been recognised throughout the industry, claiming awards for ‘Best Male Artist’ at the International Acoustic Music Awards, a finalists place at the Independent Music Awards, and a winning place in the International Songwriting Competition.
Other notable achievements include making it through to the final 10 of Q Magazine’s Glastonbury competition, being named as the hardest working, most gigging songwriter of 2009 by the PRS, and selling over 3000 albums and EPs solely at live performances.
Paul is currently unsigned and unrepresented, building a cottage industry into something more in a purely independent, DIY fashion.
“A very good album from a highly talented singer/songwriter/musician” – Maverick Magazine
“Glittering nuggets of irresistible folk-pop gold” – The Crack Magazine
ETHAN MORLEY is an 18 year old indie-folk singer songwriter (as if the world didn’t have enough already) born and bred in Leeds and currently living in Goole. He has been playing gigs alone and with his band (Dead Money) for the last 3 years and have no intention of stopping anytime soon. His music is simplistic and catchy with intelligent lyrics and unique vocals, it is influenced by everything from The Kinks to Kate Nash.
If you’re a rock and metal fan it’s never been easy to go out and hear your favourite tunes being played live: the average rock covers band doesn’t play them, because the average punter doesn’t want to hear anything too heavy, so you’re stuck with ‘Classic Rock’ bands churning out the same old, tired old, stuff. If you want to hear something with a bit more kick, the only option has been to wait for tribute acts to come to town, and, while there’s nothing wrong with this, Firewall wanted to provide the opportunity for lovers of hard ‘n’ heavy music to hear a band covering a selection of their favourites.
So, Firewall play tunes that you confirmed rockers and metalheads know and love, and they play ‘em as they were intended: loud, heavy and with attitude. No compromise. Their setlist spans the last 30 years or so, and includes songs by the likes of:Alice In Chains, Black Sabbath, Disturbed, Drowning Pool, Faith No More, Megadeth, Metallica, Motorhead, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Queens Of The Stone Age, Rammstein, Sepultura, Slayer, Slipknot, Soundgarden and System Of A Down.
So, before you head out, let’s just have a quick run-down of your essentials for the evening:Machine gun drumming: check.Growling basslines: check.Crunching guitar riffs and 100mph shredding: checkPowerhouse vocals: checkIt’s probably safe to assume that Firewall are going to kick The Shire Hall’s backside like it’s never been kicked before on January 28th.Howden: brace yourself!FREEDOM TO DISOBEY are a 4 piece covers/original band from Howden. Originally formed by guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Harrison Puckering whilst still in school the band has had various incarnations until finally settling on singer Brad Redford and drummer Tommy Lishman to form the rest of FTD. To this day they have played around 20+ shows with this line up and are continuing to grow as a band, being influenced by their rock, funk and metal backgrounds…the future is bright for Freedom To Disobey.
After seeing Forro Porro at the Shire Hall on February 18th, I realised that this was the 5th or 6th time that I had watched a performance put on by the Howden-Live volunteers. In each case I had previously known nothing about the band, singer or group yet at the end of the evening realised along with the rest of the audience that we had been entertained extremely well.
Forro Porro is a Brazilian/Colombian musically influenced group (who incidentally are all English and local) and produces the most exciting sound with a variety of percussive and melodic instruments too many to mention.
Antonio Carlos Jobim Bossa Nova
Forro Porro is full of noise and exuberance played by musicians who have really mastered their art.
The first number started off slowly and melodically and we were left wondering…….…. then it lit up with a demonstration of intricate rhythms and musical skill that put smiles on our faces.
Forro
A fascinating and exciting evening’s entertainment played by a most accomplished musical group. If you missed it – then you missed a treat.
is a Brazilian dance music that developed from various European styles of traditional folk music and has a killer rhythm that keeps the feet tapping continuously. It is impossible to single out any of the four players for individual praise as they are so skilled on their own instruments. It is enough for me to say that they have won a BBC award and featured at many of the UK’s major festivals in the Jazz, Folk and World Music scenes. type music it is not.
After seeing Forro Porro at the Shire Hall on February 18th, I realised that this was the 5th or 6th time that I had watched a performance put on by the Howden-Live volunteers. In each case I had previously known nothing about the band, singer or group yet at the end of the evening realised along with the rest of the audience that we had been entertained extremely well.
Forro Porro is a Brazilian/Colombian musically influenced group (who incidentally are all English and local) and produces the most exciting sound with a variety of percussive and melodic instruments too many to mention.
Antonio Carlos Jobim Bossa Nova
type music it is not.
Forro Porro is full of noise and exuberance played by musicians who have really mastered their art.
The first number started off slowly and melodically and we were left wondering…….…. then it lit up with a demonstration of intricate rhythms and musical skill that put smiles on our faces.
Forro
is a Brazilian dance music that developed from various European styles of traditional folk music and has a killer rhythm that keeps the feet tapping continuously. It is impossible to single out any of the four players for individual praise as they are so skilled on their own instruments. It is enough for me to say that they have won a BBC award and featured at many of the UK’s major festivals in the Jazz, Folk and World Music scenes.
A fascinating and exciting evening’s entertainment played by a most accomplished musical group. If you missed it – then you missed a treat.
FRIDAY JANUARY 28th
….THE EVENT…. £5
Ft:
SULU BABYLON
SOLITUDE
THE FIRES I MADE
FREEDOM TO DISOBEY
Most of the talent Howden has to offer plus some from Goole and Selby too….
Plus…The resurrection of Lyyne Scatch Perry.
The first musical soiree of the year at the Shire Hall in Howden gets under way on Friday January 28th with the arrival of THE EVENT No less than four hugely talented young local bands will be rocking the night away. Gooles very own SULU BABYLON, from Selby, SOLITUDE and two real home towners from Howden, THE FIRES I MADE and FREEDOM TO DISOBEY. Things will be rounded off very nicely indeed with the resurrection of Lynne Scratch Perry.
Sulu Babylon never disappoint with their high energy rock laced with electronic sounds and keys and the odd touch of Editors and Kasabian to liven things up further. They are one of the most exciting bands in the area and their Shire Hall appearance is very eagerly anticipated indeed.
Solitude is a classic/hard rock band based in North Yorkshire. The music is a vibrant but powerful blend based on the cream of 1970′s classic rock such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, as well as colourful 80′s hard rock such as Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses.
One of the first appearances with their new lineup for The Fires I Made with their pumped up, high energy rock.
Freedom To Disobey’s influences vary a lot and come from a variety of backgrounds from classic stuff such as Hendrix, AC/DC, Guns N Roses and Green Day to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avenged Sevenfold and Asking Alexandria.
Loath to be described as a disco, Lynne Scratch Perry will be spinning a smorgasbord of danceable ditties old and new.
SATURDAY JANUARY 15th 2011
Samuel Becketts classic masterpiece.
East Yorkshire-based Other Lives Productions take to the stage with their most ambitious play when they open with Waiting for Godot in an eight-venue East Riding tour, ending at Hull Truck Theatre (from Saturday 15th January 2011).
Samuel Beckett’s play, which was first published in 1952, features two tramps, Vladimir (Neil King) and Estragon (Mike Burton), sitting by the roadside waiting for a man called Godot. They think they have been there before to wait for him, but they have no sense of time, even though the subject of time obsesses them.
To pass the time while they wait, they play word games, taunt each other, think about hanging themselves and consider aspects of life and the universe. The arrival of the two other characters, the brutal Pozzo and his servant Lucky, provides an entertaining diversion, but by the end of Act I they are still waiting for Godot.
Theatre critics have said that although Samuel Beckett could be obscure and offbeat, audiences can certainly see in this production how he was influenced as much by the Marx Brothers as by James Joyce, and that he would appear to be as much an influence on sitcom writers such as Galton and Simpson (Hancock, Steptoe and Son) as on Harold Pinter and Sir Tom Stoppard.
Other Lives, led by Neil King and Richard Avery, decided to stage Godot after the idea was raised by a member of the audience during the company’s East Riding pre-Christmas tour in 2009.
Neil says: “We had to wait for this play to be available but it’s been worth it. We found the rights difficult to obtain on account of the London production which ran during 2009 and 2010, but were delighted to hear that we had secured the professional rights for January 2011.”
Richard, who is directing the production, adds: “It is one of the great plays of the twentieth century and, if performed right, is both moving and very funny. To say too much of what happens would be to deprive audiences new to the play of a voyage of discovery.”
The decision has been made to do a limited run of 13 performances in carefully-chosen venues in Hull and the East Riding and, if the production is successful, it may be revived at a later date outside the area.
HOWDEN RiBFEST III 2010
A dramatic revamp of the format of the RiBFest (No…its not a butchers convention……)See’s free music at six different venues in Howden on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of October.
At the Shire Hall..the only ticket purchase required, but a paltry £3…..the very wonderful… BLACK PEARLS….Featuring Ched of Doghouse Skiffle Group fame. Superb raucus electro-acoustic songs. Take a measure of Bluegrass, a measure of Celtic and Folk,add a lump of rock, a splash of pop,ragtime gospel and blues.Shake it until it fizzes, then serve it with blistering banjo,melodic mandolin, finger pickin’ guitar, scintillating slide, low down bass, howling harmonica, vibrant vocals and dynamite drums. Top it off with layers of harmony.With Bernie Laverick, lead vocals and guitar, Gus Ridley, bass and vocals, Paul Harrison, guitar and vocals, Karl Smally, drums and percussion and Ched, mandolin, banjo, guitar, slide guitar, harmonica and vocals. They are more than ably supported by young local band The Fires I Made.. 8pm start.
At the Bowmans…..THE ALLIGATORS….THE ALLIGATORS consist of Tony underwood on guitar and vocals,Mike Ollerenshaw on lead vocals and bass and Mark Sedgwick on drums.They are definitely a band best captured in a live situation with a set consisting of some strong originals and covers by legends such as Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Ry Cooder, the Stones, as well as the great Stevie Ray Vaughan. They hope that because they put so much into what they’re playing that their good feeling is picked up by their audiences…..
+ another young local band FREEDOM TO DISOBEY
We have also come up with a ‘buddy system’for artists playing in other venues. VINNIE AND THE STARS will be playing at Jay Jays and the Weatsheaf,”Vinnie and the stars” are a completely differing outfit, it’s rap and blues rock…for once really, this is something slightly different than anything you will have heard in recent memory, along with the fantastic Jilly Riley who is a solo artist from South Elmsall, West Yorkshire, making music inspired by the people, for the people. She’s here to deliver a brand new sound of freedom to your ears and souls, like you’ve never heard before!
Rounding things off nicely is the hugely talented LUKE PARKER.
VAL MARSHALL will be at the White Horse then going down to the Barnes Wallis to join John Cox and Dave Holly after their set there, Val started songwriting and playing at Open Mics and Festivals on her own in Hull about four years ago. She currently does regular gigs and festivals in the Leeds/York/Hull/Sheffield area. Her first self released CD entitled “If I had my time again” came out in January 2007 and received air play on the Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 show , Radio Leeds , Radio Humberside and Radio Lancashire, ” It all sounds SO good!”…. BOB HARRIS (RADIO 2) about Val’s new CD… STEVE FULSHAM will be headlining at the White Horse, Straight ahead blues and classic rock from an artist well known to Howden audiences…simple..
And as a focal point for everyone there will be an open mic night at The Minster View hosted by the redoubtable Mark Pollard..who? I hear you say…come along and you won’t forget him in a hurry..Holding the musical theme together will be the very wonderful..Mr Gary C.. Acoustic pop with panache, playing up-tempo and up-beat tunes…the kind of music you can tap your feet and click your fingers to.
A more diluted programme the following day with sessions at Jay Jay’s once more and the open mic continuing at the Minster.
In these days of economic constraint I’m afraid we couldn’t really do much better than FREE so please come along and support live music.
Please keep an eye on this page as it will be updated as and when we confirm/add arists…maybe even other venues.
Local Band Night: ..Tractor Factory..59 Violets..Quintissential..
Friday 8th December 2006
Martin Turners Wishbone Ash.
Saturday December 2nd.
Roseanna Vitro and her trio.
The accompanying group of Robin Aspland, piano, Simon Woolf, bass and Martin Drew, drums gave wonderful support to this New York-based diva. But the accolade must go to Roseanna Vitro herself, an artist of the very highest order. The warmth and quality of her performance was immediately obvious. Her unique style and vibrant energy quickly captured the hearts and minds of an appreciative and knowledgeable audience.
An evening which offered everything, from sophisticated scat to earthy, down-home blues. May Ms Vitro soon return.
Saturday November 25th.
Last Nights Fun & John McGrory.
Saturday November 11th 2006.
Stony & Dave Stubbs.
Saturday 4th November.
Danny Moss & Roy Williams with The Graham Hearn Trio.
From the start it was obvious that this was going to be a very special night. Danny Moss, although looking frail from his illness, quickly showed that he was in exuberent form. Tearing into his first solo of the evening he left the audience in no doubt as to his intentions. Roy Williams and the trio immediately picked up on his vibe and stayed with it throughout a thoroughly satisfying concert. Graham Hearn, piano, Zolton Dekaney, bass and Ronny Bottomley, drums, gave the two frontline perfectionists the support they deserved. One of the most exciting jazz events of the year.
Friday November 3rd.
‘Doo Cot’ presents ‘Fold Your Own’
Saturday October 28th.
BILLY MITCHELL & BOB FOX.
A mysteriously low turn out was treated to a wonderful evening from two talented musicians with pedigrees longer than both your arms.
Humour permeated throughout (it needed to with the technical gremlins!) mostly with Billy n’ Bob singing together and the odd solo slot, a night of memorable northern song was indeed produced!
Saturday October 21st.
OEDIPUS. . . . .ACTORS OF DIONYSUS. .
This classic story translated and adapted to modern language was masterfully delivered with support from the physical movement of the production which bordered beautifully on choreography. Sophocles’ skill of play-writing and Tamsin Sasha’s modern directing carried the audience along with the actors towards the inevitable and tragic discovery that Oedipus has fulfilled his prophecy and un-wittingly killed his father and married his mother! The actors managed to keep the pace fast and spirits up, even managing to elicit a few moments of laughter from the audience amid the horror! Dripping with dramatic irony and subtly hinting at the connections with the self-certainty of certain modern day politicians this performance didn’t disappoint those who ventured out to witness it.
We should take this opportunity to thank the students from Wyke college who performed three pre-production monologues in the bar.We are interested in reaching out in new areas and it was great to see that this interesting collaboration was well received by the audience.
Saturday 14th October.
Adrian Byron Burns, Martyn Barker.
Friday 13th October.
Local Band night with: The Tractor Factory, 59 Violets & Quintessential.
A conflicting gig in Goole affected the potential turnout for the evening but those present had a fine old time. First up Quintessential, you wouldn’t have thought it was the drummers first gig with the band, they funked it up in an almighty way, it wasn’t difficult to find Vinnie anywhere, you just had to follow the underwear trail. Next up 59 Violets, tremendous stuff! they even pulled people out of the bar, a reflection on their driving, energetic, original material.
Then The Tractor Factory, an excellent set with Mike Redford being all enigmatic at the centre of it all. We hope to look at a similar lineup for earlyish in the new year that doesn’t clash with another event, watch this space!
Sunday October 8th.
Them With Tails
October 7th
The Esther Miller Quintet
Esther delighted her audience with a well chosen mixture of popular
standards and jazz tunes. She sang with great confidence and stage
presence. Her well knit quintet playing fine arrangments by pianist Gerry Spencer featured a strong team of musicians. Karen Sharpe on tenor sax and Bryan Corbett on trumpet were particularly inspirational and last minute dep’ Steve Berry was especially effective on bass.
(No concert snap unfortunately. . .operator error!)
SEPTEMBER 30th
SLACK ALICE.
First up were The Element, their progress between gigs at the Shire Hall continues apace, assured, confident, talented and chuffed to bits.
Then the main turn of the night, all of the rumours about Slack Alice are true,a band who play R&B of the sort when R&B meant rythm n’ blues. A storming, rocking set born of years of experience, talent and an ongoing enthusiasm for the music, makes you wonder why they never quite made it, perhaps they still could?
(odd lack of regulars in the crowd, were you all on your hols?)
SEPTEMBER 29TH.
CARA DILLON
The evening kicked off with Cara Dillon and Sam Lakeman and a set of emotive, athmospheric songs, followed by John Smith with some very original stuff, a singer with a voice reminicent of the vocalist from Gomez. The first half was then finished off by the charming and talented Lori Watson.
The second half saw all four musicians performing together to great effect, at times you could hear a pin drop so enthralling their combined talents. Yet another Nu-Routes success!
JULY 7TH.
HEART OF GLASS.
This second presentation in association with Howden Infant and junior schools was a sell out success. All of the rumours about how good this band are were all true!
Two and a half hours of wall to wall Blondie hits, it says something for a back catalogue when you know every song and did Heart Of Glass do the business? Yes indeedy they did!
Roll on next year for their already confirmed return.
MIDGE URE June 3rd 2006.
The seventh Cookridge fundraiser saw the arrival of a man who is no stranger to a bit of money raising himself. Following tremendous support slots from Martyn Barker and Gina Dootson, Midge Ure took to the stage. An enthusiastic audience lapped up all his solo hits and wonderful, emotive covers like Man Of The World, all of that and nearly four grand for the appeal too!
May 18th
Chris Farlowe and The Norman Beaker Band.
Not much to say about this really, a band so sharp they could cut butter and a singing legend in the form of Chris Farlowe, superb stuff!
May 6th.
Liane Carroll.
Dynamic, delightful, a joy to see. Liane Carroll earned rave reviews at
Howden on Saturday, May 6. She kept the audience enthralled throughout her
two sets. Her seemingly effortless vocalising and keyboard skills, aptly
accompanied by bass guitar and drums, proved to be a tour-de-force
performance. From the moment she tore into her first number the audience
was aware that they were in for a rare treat. Ousing personality Liane
communicated with her audience immediately. If anyone didn’t know Liane
before the concert, they certainly do now. We look forward with
anticipation to her next visit.
May 5th.
God Only Knows Ten. feat. The Gina Dootson Band with Al Suggitt and his mystery pals.
29th April 2006.
Waterson:Carthy.
A blockbuster sequence of events continued apace tonight with the arrival of a group of musicians so at ease in their respective musical skins that they could be related! Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, Tim Van Eyken and Elisa Carthy, together and in various combinations, proceeded to demonstrate all that is vibrant, engaging and inspiring with folk music today. Pitch perfect harmonies and instrumental skills to die for, kitten juggling with the feet appeared to be an option at one point, a shortage of kittens did exclude that one though. One fantastic evening as evidenced by complimentary comment after complimentary comment from the audience as they were leaving, brilliant stuff!.
26th April.
Dave Kelly and Paul Jones.
Well! No set list, superlative singing, superlative guitar playing, superlative harp, anecdotes on everything from playing with blues legends to the iniquities of UK copyright.
A thoroughly entertaining evening in the company of two musicians who must rank amongst this countries very best practitioners of the blues.
April 22nd 2006.
Old Times: Harold Pinter.
15th April 2006.
STEVE ARVEY + BLUES MOVE.
What a blinding gig that was! The sore hands syndrome from clapping and a standing ovation at the end just summed proceedings up to a tee. Starting off with a short acoustic set Steve Arvey and Roger Innes, on a six string acoustic bass, set the ball rolling with self penned songs, tales of whiskey, women, the Misssissipi and,errrrm, chickens. They set the stage for the arrival of of the rest of Blues Move, Jools Grudgings on keyboards and Mike Hellier on drums.
What followed was a real tour de force of Chicago blues with a good measure of funk and a smattering of jazz, one fascinating highlight was Roger and Jools having a bass v. keyboard dual. Steve Arveys Howling Wolf growl was a delight to behold, a true masterclass of musicianship as evidenced by the audience response throughout.
April 1st 2006.
Andy Panayi and Mark Nightingale.
The Panayi Quartet played superbly, each member giving a master class in technique and swing. Andy himself on baritone, tenor and flute demonstrating why he is in such demand as a studio musician. Mark Nightingale played remarkably fluent trombone at sound barrier speed. Mike Smith on drums and Arnie Somagyi, bass, deputising for Steve Brown and Simon Woolf, were quite amazing. Smith’s timekeeping never wavered and Somogyi’s bass work was excellent. This ranks amongst the very best of jazz concerts ever heard at Howden
March 31st. God Only Knows XI. feat. The Element + Theech.
The first ever sell out GOK night saw young local heroes The Element prove that committment and practise really do pay off, you wouldn’t recognise this band from the nervous teenagers who last appeared here a relatively brief seven months ago. A confident set of covers by the likes of The Jam, Green Day and the Who supplemented by self penned numbers just goes to show what a little encouragement can do.
South Yorkshire four piece Theech then played a well recieved set of their own material and covers utilising the audiences enthusiasm to great effect.
The Element will be returning in a support slot for Slack Alice on September 30th, if their confidence and abilty increase proportionately in that time we should be in for something really good!
Wilco Johnson + The Martyn Barker Band. 25.3.06.
The specially formed, just for this event, Martyn Barker Band set proceedings off at a great pace with self penned numbers and covers like Ryan Adams Firecracker, tremendous stuff!
Then the main event, the much anticipated arrival of a man who can only be described as a legend, with a rythm section to die for. Norman Watt-Roy proceeded to give a master class in bass playing, ditto on drums former Blockhead Monti. What can you say about Wilco Johnson? superlatives abound, dynamic, powerful, exciting, the trademark stare and stage moves eliciting cheers and applause throughout the set, classic songs like She Does It Right, Back In The Night and Sneakin’ Suspicion. The measure of a good gig tends to be if you have sore hands from clapping at the end, an indication of how good this one was was sore hands three songs into the set, brilliant!
Marlene VerPlanck. 18.3.06
Marlene Ver Planck, vocal, Jim Osborne, piano, Jim Richardson, bass, Bobby Worth, drums.
Marlene delighted her fans, many of them having travelled a great distance to see their favourite singing star. Singing a selection of mostly modern songbook material she displayed a quality of style and technique that many young singers must envy. Her choice of songs was excellent and at least one member of the audience was heard to happily say how pleased he was to hear so many great songs that he had never heard before. A superb performance with a fine accompanying group.
ANITA WARDELL. 4.3.06.
The concert was entitled, ‘Inspired Improvisation’ and so it proved to be. Anita Wardell gave an inspirational performance. Many singers were in the audience, some having travelled long distances. They all went home inspired by Anita’s brilliance. Whether singing scat, vocalise or a simple ballad she excelled in each genre. Her rapport with the fine accompanying musicians was excellent. A superb concert.
THE IAN McMILLAN BIG FAMILY SHOW. 2.3.06.
A woefully small audience were treated to an evening of hilarity, starting off with Mike Smiths rythmic observations on modern life and moving on to the hilarious Ian McMillan, anecdotal humour based on real life experiences (he said) and relevant poetic interludes, one seemed to consist of just the word ‘Fish’.
The finale, with significant audience participation, saw the creation of ‘The legend of the Howden saucer’ which can now be seen in the Shire Hall bar.
It really is such a shame that more people didn’t take advantage of this tremendous entertainment, the reason unclear, was it the ‘poetry word’? Don’t know.
THE TWO TIMERS. 18.2.06.
A return visit for this tremendous duo, close your eyes and there was a four piece band up there, Gordon’s combination of electric and acoustic guitar along with the faithful old brown suitcase as a bass combined wonderfully with Sarah’s powerful, dynamic vocals and imaginative and varied percussion, excellent stuff!
Alan Barnes. 11.2.06.
Alan Barnes, alto sax, Steve Waterman, trumpet, John Donaldson, piano, Dave
Green, bass, Steve Brown, drums.
With a lineup such as this you expect excellence and on Saturday evening
excellence was what we got. A quintet playing as a unit giving their
interpretation of some of Horace Silver’s finest compositions. Alan Barnes
is without doubt one of the finest musicians in the world today. An
enthusiastic audience appreciated completely that they were hearing a great
jazz musician playing at his best, supported as he was with a superb group
that was totally absorbed in the joy of performance. An evening worth
savouring.
Ed Tudor-Pole plays God Only Knows with Al + Vinnie. 10.2.06
A new departure for a GOK night, a wonderully entertaining set from the icon/legend that is Ed Tudor-Pole. He is truly bonkers! Continuing our policy of promoting local talent he was ably supported by Al Suggitt and his mate Vinnie.
THE DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP. 28.1.06
For the fourth year in a row and to a sell out crowd, these skiffle meisters from Hull once more delivered the goods. You can tell they’ve got you when you can’t laugh any more and you are just taking heaving breaths with tears rolling down your cheeks, not just once , but several times. Roll on next year for their fifth visit.
JULIE EDWARDS. 21.1.06.
Quotes from happy punters on the night:
“Joyous.Unique.Lovely.Incredible.Emotional.Magic!
“Thoroughly enjoyable evening, worth the trip from Wakefield.”
“We came to be entertained and thats exactly what happened, a great performance by all.”
“Very warm atmosphere, sound/acoustics excellent, the performance superb!”
THE CADILLAC KINGS. 23.12.05.
Howden Live concluded 2005 with the Shire Hall crammed to catch the return, after two years, of the Cadillac Kings.
However, first on the bill, were The Cyclones, a four-piece outfit determined to cram everything and more into their 30-minute slot.The suits, shirts and ties, screamed professionalism..Any Chuck Berry number is a guaranteed success for a wedding reception or company knees-up, but the non-Berry bonus was I Fought the Law, although I’m sure that my treasured 45 by The Crickets, where the above-mentioned title, unfairly relegated to a B-side, wasn’t quite that fast.
The Cadillac Kings is a six-piece band whose attire resembles half a dozen school teachers setting off on a jolly boys’ outing in the days when there was a railway line to Withernsea. The music was a heady mixture of rhythm and blues, blues plus Cajun every now and again, although the band’s kick-start of inspiration appears to be the Louis Jordan small groups of the 40s.Vocalist Mike Thomas works hard and is a witty MC, although sadly under employing the slide guitar leaving those responsibilities to newcomer Del Van Dee who had understatement down to a real fine art.Gary Potts is a top-notch harmonica player and relief vocalist, while the subtle drumming of Roy Webber steered rather than drove.
Orlando Shearer never put a finger wrong on double bass and occasional vocal refrains, whilst pianist Mike Adcock added to the exotic feel with a couple of outings on accordion.
If Howden Live’s budget ever ran to hiring brass and reeds, in the Louis Jordan tradition, for the Cadillac Kings, the Shire Hall would have to launch a new roof appeal.
AJG.
THE WORM THAT SQUIRMED. 16.12.05.
Childrens theatre is always a delight. The rythm of audience reactions as
parents and children get hold of different parts of the tale is always an
experience. In particular it was refreshing to watch children show their
parents how to deal with some of the grimmer moments of traditional story
telling from this Indosian puppet theatre. A colourful and magical evening.
CHUMBAWAMBA. 10.12.05
This really was good stuff, pitch perfect harmonies, a stage presence born of a group of musicians who know each other very well indeed, songs taken mainly from their latest album A Sing Song and A Scrap like Bankrobber and You Can, the story of the mass trespass on Kinder Scout in 1932, an interpretation of Bella Ciao and others that perfectly demonstrate this bands continuing committment to illustrate social justice past, present and future, simply stunning!
A mysteriously small audience though, where were you folks?
MARTIN SIMPSON. 26.11.05.
Its easy to see why Martin Simpson has been described as one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world if tonights performance was anything to go by. Songs and styles from English folk to blues and bluegrass, all played in a very individual style and played oh so very well!
One facinating highlight was an instumental break involving a blue box with flashing lights being applied to the strings and producing one of those goose bumps on the arms moments. In a year full of highlights this evening must have been one of the best!
MIKE SMITH 17.11.05
An evening of performance poetry inspired by a working visit to Nigeria. Mike cleverly evoked the whole feel of a short time spent in Lagos, from desperate searches for a football match on the hotel TV, to innovative bartering techniques and the responsibility? large corporations should have to impoverished countries like Nigeria. A tremendous evening of imaginative, innovative tales which give a whole new perspective to the ‘poetry word’
THE BLUE BISHOPS. 12.11.05
“Just wanted to say we travelled over 100 miles each way last night to see The Blue Bishops for the first time. They were inspirational! What a great venue the Shire Hall at Howden is, such a brilliant friendly atmosphere! We loved it and will be looking to go again.
It was great to have such an intimate atmosphere at a gig, a nice contrast to the big venues where it’s all so impersonal.
Keep up the good work!”
LIGHTS OUT BY NINE. 15.10.05
You can keep your Commitments and your Blues Brothers tribute bands, sure they are entertaining, but Lights Out By Nine are the real deal. If you were not there you missed a real treat, make sure you catch them when they are passing by your town . . . and do not forget your dancing shoes!! G.B.
Syd and Fannys Christmas Turkey. Nov. ’04.
Initial perceptions of what was in store with Syd and Fanny proved reasonably accurate, ironic, surreal and an element of traditional entertainment , all rolled into one. From the lyrics of well known standards adapted to reflect a slightly embittered opinion of Paul Daniels, alleged thief of Syd and Fannys act back in 1964, to a tiny Aled Jones, to “close your eyes while Fanny levitates to the ceiling” and “bugger me, it’s Debbie McGee.” this evening’s, sorry afternoons, entertainment was an original and hilarious homeage to all things ‘magicomedy’ with just a smidgin of inspiration from Tommy Cooper. If you get the opportunity to see this show, don’t miss it.
ALAN BARNES and BRUCE ADAMS. ‘NOV. ’04.
A near capacity audience was thoroughly entertained by the dynamic duo. Both Alan and Bruce were in ‘happy mode’ and the resulting music perfectly illustrated that fact. It was exciting, exhilerating and good fun. They enjoyed themselves and consequently so did the audience. The rythm section of John Donaldson, piano, Arnie Somagyi, bass and Matt Home, drums, drove them along splendidly, fully joining in the general mood of the evening.
The Marcus Malone Band. Oct. ’04.
The forecast that this would be the best blues gig yet at the Shire Hall proved to be an accurate one. A slightly slow start in the first set saw Marcus Malone take the audience by storm in the second, to say this guy knows how to work a crowd would be the understatement of the century.(a crowd may be something of an understatement of it’s own, just over sixty souls had a priveleged evening, where are you folks?)
A set full of self-penned numbers was hard to fault with a band described by one audience member as “Just about the tightest blues band I have ever seen.”
Marcus dedicated ‘Blue Radio’ to the memory of John Peel, may I presume to dedicate the entire evening to someone who Nick Cave described as “one of the good one’s” ?
Commencing the evening entertainment was the Neumes, a local family group who surprised and delighted the audience with the skill and fluency of their playing.
Danny Moss played with his usual panache, whether backing Jeanni Lambe’s vocals or fronting the local rythm section his stature as an international star tenor player was immediately obvious.
Jeanni Lambe’s vivacious personality blended well with Danny’s full bodied tenor sound. Moss, a popular performer with the Howden jazz audience, quickly developed a rapport with the crowd and his playing at all tempos was immaculate.
KING ROLLO/Martyn Barker. OCTOBER 2004.
An excellent evening of acoustic blues was opened up by Gooles very own Martyn Barker. Is it an age thing or is his playing and singing getting better?
Hard on Martyns heels came King Rollo, all-round talented musician and good egg. He took the audience on a journey of self penned songs and standards by the likes of Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy, rounding things off nicely with a medley, or two? of songs like ‘I Hear You Knocking’ and ‘Mustang Sally’.
All in all yet another wonderful illustration of that diverse thing known as: ‘The Blues’
FLOOK. SEPTEMBER ’04.
Brian Finnigan on flute, Sarah Allen,flute and accordion, Ed Boyd, guitar,bouzouki and John Joe Kelly, bodhran, provided the audience on the first night of the autumn season with an almost telepathic interaction based on a very, very high level of musicianship and people who have met each other once or twice before.
Their personal rapport with the audience. a gentle sense of humour, as well as a wonderful combination of the traditional and the innovative left few feet un-tapping and not many people without a smile on their face.
GEGG WRIGHT. May ’04.
“Howden Live was the proud presenter of this amazing California based guitarist on his first visit to the Shire Hall. Gregg regularly does mini UK tours and will be back here next year.
Like many of the acts coming to play as part of H.L’s blues seasons, there were lots of the audience requesting a re-booking.” A.E.S
THE BLUE BISHOPS.
“So welcome back to the old stalwarts, Geoff, Justin, Martin and Simon and greetings to Ben.It would be terrific to see the next few performances of this terrific band to check progress and, as last time, the Shire Hall was treated to a stack of blues standards played so well and with so much feeling.” A.E.S
LINDISFARNE ACOUSTIC. APRIL ’04.
The fifth Cookridge Cancer Centre fundraiser saw the much anticipated, sold out, arrival of Rod Clements, Billy Mitchell and Dave Denholme-Hull at the Shire Hall.
Two sets of wonderfully presented, lesser known, songs, building to a climax, pre-encore, with Meet Me On The Corner. Perhaps there was an expectation that the encore would incorporate a couple more well known ditties, it didn’t but nontheless a fantastic evening and £2,500 for the appeal to boot.
An enormous pleasure to have had part of a national musical institution spend part of their ‘final fling’ in Howden.
STAN WEBBS CHICKEN SHACK. March ’04.
A superlative performance from ‘Stan the man’.
The only gripe being the volume level, apparantly Stans amp had been specially ‘tweaked’ by Marshall, which may have brought on one or two cases of tinnitus.
A small price to pay to be in the presence of genius though.
THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF MR BENN. MARCH ’04.
Let us take you back to your childhood…childhood.. well, Nuffield Southampton Theatre First managed to do just that.
A thouroughly entertaining representation of Mr Benn which was a delight for children and adults alike.
THE CADILLAC KINGS. FEBRUARY ’04.
Jump-jive, swing, rock ‘n’ roll, these guys are wonderful exponants of that and more. A high octane set of wonderful self penned stuff, mainly from the brilliant album ‘Lou Ann’ saw a significant proportion of the audience up and dancing and having the time of their lives. The band responded in kind and a great night was had by all.
THE DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP. FEB.’04.
Whatever your preconceptions are about skiffle please suspend them. These guys provide a rip-roarin’, funny, footappin’ night out which would be hard to rival anywhere, by anyone.
When they come to see us again, why don’t you come too?
WATERSON:CARTHY. JUNE ’03
The fourth Cookridge fundraiser saw these folk icons from two generations provide sublime renditions of what they do best. Wonderful harmonies,instrumantal dexterity and the sort of charm and gentle humour that comes from just being lovely.
Something which may not have been apparant to the audience, the slighty late start apart, was that a mis-reading of the tech. spec. meant that at one point we were several cables short of a full PA, some may say that is true of me most of the time anyway but it all came together nicely in the end.
The Bonnitts. November ’04.
It can only be a matter of time before “Hulls best unsigned band” becomes one of the city’s best signed ones. A high energy performance of self-penned songs provided ample evidence that there are are young talented musicians around who can cut the mustard. If a few more people turned out to see bands like the Bonnitts instead of patronising dross like Pop Idol, the world would indeed be a better place.
Pre and post performance a spot on presentation of all things eclectic by the God Only Knows boys managed to get the majority of the audience, and some of the bar staff, tripping the light fantastic on the dancefloor for the last hour or so of the evening.
This was a new departure for Howden Live and was so enthusiastically received that it is only a matter of time before this format becomes a regular feature, promoting new, local talent, watch this space ! !
November ’04.
MEMO GONZALEZ AND THE BLUESCASTERS.
Well! what a night that was, from the moment Memo Gonzalez took to the stage it was apparent the audience had a treat in store. The variety of musical styles on display had to be heard to be believed, from country blues to swing via rock ‘n’ roll and most points in between. Kai Strauss’s guitar pyrotechnics drew frequent rounds of applause mid song. Erkan Ozdemir on bass and Klaus Schnirring on drums provided a powerhouse of a rythm section, referred to by Memo as “the heartbeat of the band” definately no resuscitation needed here!
And then, the man himself! Memo Gonzalez’s tremendous stage presence built the evening up a treat, dedicating various songs to “those lovely ladies out there” and demonstrating harp playing skills to die for. It wasn’t too long into the second set before a fair proportion of the audience were on their feet and shaking their booties to some of the most danceable tunes heard in the Shire Hall for while. Something of a feat in itself given previous reluctance for Howden audiences to get vertical in the face of danceable ditties.
All in all a memorable night, roll on a re-booking!
Last Nights Fun. Dec. ’04.
One of the best audiences of the year turned out for these three wonderful performers, who provided a foot tapping, emotive and hilarious evening.There was even a surprise dancer on near the end. Ably supported by Rachel and Becky Unthank, this was evidence enough of a thriving, vibrant folk scene.
The Spikedrivers. December ’04.
A second visit to the hall for this delightful trio. Despite time off the road rehearsing for a new album this live outing proved, if proof were needed, that this band have it all. Self penned songs emotive of the delta and trains,even computers, brilliant covers like Gallows Pole, all delivered with skill and passion. What more could we ask for?
THE DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP. ‘Jan ’05.
What can we say about this lot? Their third visit to the Shire Hall and yet another evening of rip-roaring skiffle type fun. Never stale, always spontaneous and original, good sized audience, always room for more.
“They were really funny, they sang a song for me.” Sam. Age 6.
Paul Jones and Dave Kelly. Jan. ’05.
“Working loosely from a starting set list, Dave Kelly took his lead from the mood of the night to give us a tailor made blues event, playing exceptional guitar and leading vocals on some songs, whilst Paul Jones took lead vocals on others and played a fantastic solo effort accompanying himself which had us roaring for more.
The Shire Hall has become THE local place for us to see some of the wide variety of current blues, jazz and folk artistes.” AES
February 11th, 2005.
Well! we had hoped for a few extra bodies for the second God Only Knows outing and a very pleasing 90+ folk turned out for what promises to be an event which will run and run
SLEEPING DOGZ. feat. WILD WILLY BARRAT. 12.2.05.
A healthy turnout was treated to an eclectic evening, starting off with Gooles own Martyn Barker, overheard comment from Willy Barratt “He’s got a lot better.” Praise indeed.
Then to the main event, an innovative introduction saw the band being serenaded to the stage from the back of the hall by Howden Live’s own Joe Besch with his bagpipes.
There then followed a set which would be mighty hard to define, was it folk? was it contemporary?
Willy Barratt himself described the proceedings as ‘punk folk’That will have to suffice.
As large an array of interesting insruments as you are likely to come across anywhere, harmonium, fiddle, guitar, cello, uillian pipes, banjo, balalaika, djembe, flute, whistles and vocals, were all utilsed to present an innovative batch of songs. From The hilarious ‘Train Had Gone’ with possibly the shortest audience response ever utilised (oy!), to the wry humour of Please don’t throw Me To The Christians and the wonderfully emotive Gypsies Too. More than ably supported by Mary Holland and John Devine this stuff was a musical delight if your tastes are that bit left of centre, we were even treated to the joy of a guitar being sawn up in time to a ragtime number, the bane of Willys life apparantly.
All in all a gig to remember.
Please check out the Sleeping Dogz website for a further flavour of this lovely lot. http://www.sleepingdogz.co.uk
STEVE ARVEY AND BLUESMOVE. 26.2.05.
Steve Arvey has ‘star’ written all over him, the performance tonight was on the button, from the acoustic intro, to the gradual introduction of the rest of the band, Roger Innes on bass, Jools Grudgings, keyboards and Mike Hellier on drums. You really couldn’t have imagined a better performance from the whole band. One entertaining highlight was when Steve ambled off through the audience, still playing, out of the back doors, down to the bar, back on stage , drink in hand to delighted cheers, and it just went on, come back soon!
GREGG WRIGHT. 18.3.05.
A welcome return for for the mighty guitar talent that is Gregg Wright. Its easy to see why he got the gig with Michael Jackson on the ‘Thriller’ tour. We were treated to an evening of wonderful self penned stuff and driving, inspired covers which left everyone feeling they had been in the presence of greatness.
THE MATT WAITES SEXTET. 19.3.05.
FAMILY STYLE 26.3.05.
Three bands and an i-pod.
THE HOT BAND 2.4.05
A woefully small audience were treated to a tremendous evening from these wonderful exponants of country rock, slide guitar, accordian, guitar, bass and drums all contributed to an evening that deserved a much bigger crowd than it got, if you get a chance to see this band, do, they might even come back to Howden.
ESTHER MILLER. 9.4.05.
God Only Knows, feat. The Nuetralites, The Influence and Superscape. 29.4.05.
GENO WASHINGTON AND THE RAM JAM BAND.
A second set of soul classics scheduled for an hour turned into a celebration incorporating Everybody Needs Somebody, Spell On You, I Feel
Good and many others that lasted an enthralling hour and forty minutes.
What floor space there was, was constantly occupied, the raked seating has rarely, if ever, had so many people up on their feet on it for so long.
The crowd response to Washingtons exhortations were vocal and more than enthusiastic, needless to say the encore elicted the chant of ‘Geno’. .
..’Geno’ more and more people on their feet and then it was all over, what a
show!
SHEENA DAVIS. 14.5.05
Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri. 21.5.05
A fantastic treat this, its dead easy to see why Kiki Dee was the first British artist ever signed to Motown. Her voice in its power and representation of emotion has lost nothing over the years. An evening of well known stuff, the slowed down solo version of ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ was given a totally different meaning, the odd cover and newer material was perfectly complemented by Carmello Luggeri’s skilful touch with the guitar.
JIM DIAMOND AND SNAKE DAVIS + SOUNDSPHERE. 4th JUNE 2005.
This, Wishful Thinkings sixth fundraiser for the Cookridge Cancer Centre Appeal, was one hell of a night yet again! Starting off with Soundsphere’s wonderful a cappella set (their fourth year on the trot!) and moving on to Jim and Snakes tremendous interpretations of soul classics and Jims very own well known ditties. All that and £2,600 for the appeal, cant be bad!
BLACK UMFOLOZI 5. 1st July 2005.
After a morning and afternoon spent doing workshops at the Junior and Infant schools respectively, its a shame we couldn’t have sold tickets to that, the childrens response was heart warming and uplifting, the band presented a tremendous show at the Shire Hall in the evening. Inspired a cappella songs from Zimbabwe delivered with passion and enthusiasm, exiting choreography, the adults left the hall knowing exactly how the the children must have felt earlier in the day, inspirational might be one description!
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year celebration, Creative Voice sessions at The Lamp and on two occasions she performed with other young people in the Musicport event held at Bridlington Spa. In 2010 Stevie joined her school gospel choir, and is still a keen member. Stevie also decided to teach herself the guitar, and then took to taking lessons at school. I think the past year for Stevie has been a year of Festivals, taking part in the Beverley Folk Festival with young people from her school. Stevie also took part in the Trinity Festival 2011 and the Freedom Festival 2011. Stevie’s next gig was Tribfest in the under 18’s Acoustic tent, organised by Freedom Road Creative Arts. As well as school and gigs Stevie had started to attend an open Mic night, which is held at George’s Bar Driffield and organised by Singer/Songwriter Edwina Hayes. Dreams soon became reality when Edwina asked Stevie to support her, at a gig in The Old Courthouse Thirsk. Stevie’s first professional gig and to support Edwina Hayes, what more could a 15 year old girl ask for? 2012 has been an excellent year performing at many venues and festivals including Hull Folk and Maritime Festival, Humber Sesh, Trinity Festival, Filey Folk Festival, Tribfest, Queens Gardens and also the open Mic nights at The Ship Inn Sewerby run by the Whiskey Dogs.
The outdoor entertainment will take place between 4 and 8pm and conclude with a spectacular fire eating display! Then the indoor fun starts!
the early hippy period of Tyrannosaurus Rex to the megastar, chart topping days of T-Rex. Complete with full costume changes, retro live equipment, glitter, and more than a dash of star quality, TooREX come incredibly close to the real thing.
“Winningly playful but technically brilliant” – Scotsman
alone and with his band (Dead Money) for the last 3 years and have no intention of stopping anytime soon. His music is simplistic and catchy with intelligent lyrics and unique vocals, it is influenced by everything from The Kinks to Kate Nash.
because the average punter doesn’t want to hear anything too heavy, so you’re stuck with ‘Classic Rock’ bands churning out the same old, tired old, stuff. If you want to hear something with a bit more kick, the only option has been to wait for tribute acts to come to town, and, while there’s nothing wrong with this, Firewall wanted to provide the opportunity for lovers of hard ‘n’ heavy music to hear a band covering a selection of their favourites.
band has had various incarnations until finally settling on singer Brad Redford and drummer Tommy Lishman to form the rest of FTD. To this day they have played around 20+ shows with this line up and are continuing to grow as a band, being influenced by their rock, funk and metal backgrounds…the future is bright for Freedom To Disobey.
