Garyswordz

The opening night offers a trio of tribute bands whose music still endures and whose legacy has shaped the sounds of other bands for years to come. Take a look at who will be on stage, not listed in order of appearance.

State of Quo date back to 1995, now comprising Rhythm Guitar/Vocals Paul Carr, Lead Guitar/Vocals Ian Hill, Bass Guitar Brian Smith, and Drums Dave Owen, the band gig tirelessly faithfully and lovingly recreating Quo’s “ heads down, no nonsense, mindless boogie” from the early days of “Pictures of Matchstick Men” onwards.

Free at Last were formed in 1982 under the name Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam featured three of the current members, Jak (guitar/vocals), Shane (guitar) and Mick (drums) until Dave joined on bass in 1994.

Uncle Sam’s set contained a few original songs plus covers by such classic acts as ZZ Top, Pat Travers and of course Free. All the guys in the band have always had a great passion for the music of Free, so in 1996 when deciding to create a tribute there was only one choice who it would be.

Since then they have gone from strength to strength headlining at Bill Flynn’s Free Convention and playing many of the top venues around the country, universally agreed to be the best Free and Bad Company tribute around.

With the original Bad Company reforming to promote their Anthology 2cd set, Paul Rodgers releasing solo albums and joining Queen as their singer for a world tour, it only serves to prove sustained interest in what the band are trying to recreate.

Renegades Lizzy pay homage to the great Phil Lynnot and his music. In 1969, Irish rock band Thin Lizzy played its first gig in their home city of Dublin. In 1986, after massive success around the globe, their superstar charismatic leader Phil Lynott passed away suddenly. But the band’s music and his legacy lives on – and will do so for ever. Especially while such talented musicians as Keith Buck, Tony Staniforth, Dave Jacobs and Mick Stafford are paying their ultra classy tribute to those timeless songs under the guise of Renegades – The Very Best of Thin Lizzy. Four mega-talented, Midlands-based musicians with one thing in common; an undying love of the timeless and unforgettable music of Irish superstar rock band Thin Lizzy.

The quartet locked themselves away in the rehearsal studios for almost 12 months to nail note for note renditions of the famed twin guitar fronted, legendary band’s evergreen repertoire before they would attempt to play in public. But when they were ready to rock, boy oh boy oh boy did they rock? Now, a few months down the line, the band have a handful of sizzling gigs under their belt and have speedily built up a solid reputation; as THE band to watch if you are a fan of Lizzy’s music. If you can get in, that is!

After their packed to the rafters debut gig at the Lady Jane at Whitwick, on their home turf in Leicestershire, the fearless foursome returned triumphant to that same venue and filled it a second time. Since then they have played “house full” gigs across the Midlands. This summer they will rock a few festivals and further establish themselves as a musical force to be reckoned with.

The guys aptly adopted the name Renegades, based around the Lizzy track Renegade of course, and selected a couple of dozen of Lizzy’s very best songs from their album tracks, hit singles and popular live numbers to kick off their live performances. They have gradually added even more of Lizzy’s songs to their set, and numbers associated with the solo career of the late and great Gary Moore. So you can either stay in at home on the 11th and listen to Live and Dangerous on record, or come down to “The Dog” and hear the real thing!

All this will leave you panting for more, and there is on Saturday night!

Tickets are just £20 per person, per night, available in advance by Electronic Transfer Sort Code 20-15-96 Account Number 33588009 Reference DD6 plus INITIALS + SURNAME Any questions or to pay by cheque, email georgysgigs@msn.com

Derby Demo 6 Saturday Night

Having savoured the best sounds from Status Quo, Free/Bad Company and Thin Lizzy, Saturday night offers a four course helping of music as follows, not listed in order of appearance.

Rock Buffet comprise Vocals, Steve “the vicar” Fletcher,Drums, Phil “the ginger prince” Bowdler,Lead Guitars Colin “iron grip” Weightman, Rhythm Guitars, Steve “the hermit” Wylde and Bass, Eddy “the legend” Lush. A rock covers powerhouse band from Derby they were formed in 2009, and play mainly in and around Derby in the pubs and clubs and we play the biggest songs so that the audience know the vast majority of them and can sing and air guitar along, doing it for the love of it and to keep them in strings and sticks!

The Legends of AOR comprise Jimi Anderson – Lead Vocals, Matt Pearce – Guitars & BVs, Julia Krajewska – Keys & BVs, Mel Gabbitas – Bass & Hair, Tony Piper – Drums. They specialise in big American guitar rock with soaring harmonies. The band is the brainchild of Jimi Anderson. Born In Rigside, Lanarkshire, Scotland . Jimi’s first Rock band was in 1978, singing mainly Rush & Deep Purple songs & so his passion for ‘Classic Rock’ had begun.

The next few years brought many hours of practise & to Paul Rogers, David Coverdale & Ronnie James Dio for Inspiration.

He began writing songs and formed the Rock band ‘Sahara’ whilst spending any spare time attending a gazzillion gigs at the Legendary ‘Glasgow Apollo’ till it closed in 1985.

Various incarnations of the band ensued until they were picked up by ‘Wet Wet Wet’s manager Elliott Davis and offered a management contract on the strength of a Demo Tape.

Showcasing his phenominal voice, 5 years of recording demo’s, touring, notable sell out gigs at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, London’s ‘Borderline Club’ and a support to ‘The Wets in front of 30,000 people at Glasgow Green.

Unfortunately line-up changes of the band, mainly guitar players proved their undoing.

Jimi continued writing, performing and recording, appearing on Michael Barrymore’s shows ‘ My Kind of People’ & ‘Barrymore’ in 1997/98 and went on to sing at concerts & festivals in Romania, Turkey and Holland

Living now in York, Jimi has continued writing and has had a spell singing with a local covers band ” Invitro”.

Having spent two years as Lead vocalist with Tribute Band ‘A Foreigners Journey ‘ he toured extensively in the UK and Rhodes. Meeting new friends along the way and his voice has never been better and the next adventure begins.

After recently recording an EP of original songs at FML studios in Scotland with Sandy Jones and Greame Duffin he is looking now for a new challenge and take his own music out to people……….Any great musicians get in touch.

His latest project is a tribute to great American Melodic Rock with some great musicians and friends “Legends of AOR” debut gig was in Spain in front of a crowd of Rhodes Rockers, safe to say it was so emotional that tears were shed.

From melodic American rock we then cross back to melodic English pop with The Pepper Hearts who play the best of Beatles, and Beatles era, sounds.

Garry Barrett is on Bass Guitar / Vocals. Garry is a well respected musician and has been on the York music scene for many years now (despite his youthful looks!) He has been involved with numerous bands including: Nerve Senta, Watch with Mother, Overload, and Stone Cold Sober amongst many others. His dedication to music has taken him to many parts of the world, including Greece, Florida in the USA, Holland, Austria and France. Garry is a prolific song-writer and has penned many songs for the various original bands he has played in. Garry is a true pro and continues to gig as often as possible.

Geoff Locker plays Drums / Vocals. Like Garry, Geoff is also a former member of Nerve Senta. Geoff was also a drummer with other bands including Aldo’s Orphans and High n Dry – which featured Garry’s younger brother Gavin on Vocals. Geoff is a dedicated and reliable musician who keeps perfect time holding down a steady and unwavering tempo.

Dave Powell performs on Lead guitar / Ukulele/ Vocals.Dave’s Mum and dad bought him his first guitar from Bulmers (a famous York second hand shop) when he was 11 yrs old ( Dave says “I know that’s a bloody long time ago!”) he still owns it, even though it’s virtually unplayable! Dave is self taught and has owned various guitars over the years some of which Dave says that he wishes that he still had. In 1974 he bought a Fender Stratocaster which he still uses today. Dave started playing in bands when he was still at school and has played in a variety of bands including: Midnight,( later renamed The Envoys ) Spellbound, Airport, One Night Stand, Wavelength and Flaming Pie with former Pepper Hearter Paul Leatham. Mr Powell has played many clubs over the years and supported acts like Roy “Chubby” Brown, Dougy Brown, Stan Richards, Paper Lace, Nookie Bear and too many more to mention!

Mark Payne plays Keyboards and percussion.Mark studied the piano from aged 8 which led to a BA music. He has toured both the UK and Europe with Guys and Dolls and Ricky Valance. Now living in Selby Mark divides his time between playing and sound engineering. Mark adds both keyboards and percussion to the band and has helped to expand the range of The Beatles, Wings and sixties songs that the band play at their live gigs.

A fine, good time live band, they are sure to entertain and evoke the oldest of memories.

To close the night Aynt Skynyrd will take the stage. Aynt Skynyrd are committed to paying tribute to that legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. For eight years, they have played the length and breadth of Britain to passionate fans of this music paying the ultimate respect to a band that defined a whole music genre and generation and epitomise the best in Confederacy Rock. Aynt Skynyrd have a passion for recreating the songs of the greatest Southern rock ‘n roll band the world has ever seen – and their philosophy is simple… Don’t play it, FEEL it !

The band comprises:Mike Sawyer – Lead Vocals,John Crosby – Lead Guitar,Nick West – Guitar,Tony Batchelor – Drummer,Angela & Emma Hartley – Vocals,Dave Barker – Keyboard

Lynyrd Skynyrd were never about making hit records, although they seemed to be very good at it! That’s because they played honest southern rock which your average Joe could relate to. There was no pretence in the message or the music. I was fortunate enough to see the band in their heyday,pre Street Survivors from the third row at the Rainbow Theatre in London, a night seared in my gig going consciousness forever, e are fortunate that Aynt Skynyrd keep the music alive.

As per Friday, Gary RokJok LLewis will be compering and djing between for what promises to be a fabulous night, for tickets at £20 per person per night . Electronic Transfer Sort Code 20-15-96 Account Number 33588009 Reference DD6 plus INITIALS + SURNAME Any questions or to pay by cheque, email georgysgigs@msn.com for details.

For the sixth consecutive year midlands rock promoter Goldie Rox is holding the Derby Demo over two nights at the Hairy Dog , 1 Becket St, Derby DE1 1HT.

Offering seven bands over the two evenings, tickets are just £20 per person, per night, for some of the best tribute and original rock you are likely to hear live on stage.

Friday the 11th December boasts State of Quo, Renegades Lizzy, and Free at Last. Saturday 12th offers Rock Buffet, The Pepper Hearts, Aynt Skynyrd, and legends of AOR. Both nights are compered by DJ Gary RokJok Lewis.

Tickets are available in advance by Electronic Transfer Sort Code 20-15-96 Account Number 33588009 Reference DD6 plus INITIALS + SURNAME Any questions or to pay by cheque, email georgysgigs@msn.com .

The Hairy Dog is Derby’s premier live music pub regularly hosting household names and is ideal for enjoying rock. Located in the city centre a range of accommodation is within easy reach including the International Hotel 288 Burton Rd, Derby,DE23 6AD and East Midlands Guesthouse, 100A Douglas Street, Derby, DE23 8LJ.

Goldie is a veteran of the midlands rock circuit and regularly travels as a fan to the likes of Legends of Rock , Rhodes Rock, and RR Espana.

She commented; “ As both a promoter, and fan, I know what makes for a good rock event. A good venue and good music are a given, and I think I have delivered that with what promises to be the biggest and best Derby Demo yet. But more than that is required, bands with personality and showmanship are needed. Musicians committed not just to playing music, but to involving the fans in the event and creating a party atmosphere for all to enjoy.”

“ I watch around a hundred bands a year and take great pride in handpicking those bands who I think can deliver the best time to my loyal audience. If you have been before, you will know that booking tickets in advance is the best way to ensure entry, if you haven’t been before, book now and find out what you have been missing!”

Friday night is a must for rock devotees. State of Quo will ensure that there is plenty of boogie. Renegades Lizzy will serve up the best of Thin Lizzy untamed. Free at Last cover not only the best of that immortal Rodgers/Kossoff pairing, but also Rodger’s time at Bad Company.

Think you will have had enough? Well Goldie doesn’t! On Saturday, local Derbyshire covers band Rock Buffet ,fronted by Steve “the vicar” Fletcher will be dishing up some classic rock, followed by The Legends of AOR, a tribute to the glory days of American melodic rock music, big guitars, soaring keyboards & huge harmonies. The Pepper Hearts play the best of sixties Beatles and era faves, the evening closes with Aynt Skynyrd, faithfully recreating the sounds of the greatest southern rock band ever to come out of the Confederacy. They might even finish with “Freebird” if they are asked nicely!

For more details on the bands click on:
Friday Night Derby Demo 6
Saturday Night Derby Demo 6

The Second City on a Friday summer night is a vibrant thing. Brummies know how to have a good night out, and Colmore Row was buzzing with weekend revellers, England cricket fans celebrating a three day Ashes win, and England cricket fans with tickets for the fourth day drowning their sorrows. Inside the grand and imposing Old Joint Stock, the downstairs was packed with drinkers, the upstairs theatre packed to capacity for the debut performance of “Grimm Up North” by the Rachel Green Drama Queen Company, part of Birmingham Fest.

The pre- show theatre bar discussion was of exactly what it was we were about to see. No-one was quite sure, adding to the frisson of expectancy for curtain up ( if there had been one). As show time approached, a flat-capped Yorkshireman moved amongst the masses, handing out bingo cards and raffle tickets. This was to be no ordinary show.

To get everybody in the right ( northern) frame of mind, Bushy Brenda ( don’t ask!) delivered a prologue, making use of the bingo and raffle tickets only tangentially , to hand out prizes and abuse in equal measure. Northern Working Men’s clubs have a gritty, no-nonsense reputation, but in Brenda they would have found their match. Rachel as Brenda unleashed a formidable matriarchal persona, with a tongue so acid, and wit so quick, that it made Liverpool’s Lily Savage look like Florence Nightingale.

With Brenda’s credentials established, we were then treated to Brenda’s backstory- her abuse and murder of her hapless menfolk, for which she also multi-roles as Patsy Tipper. Her doomed love interests, Big Al and Tommy Tipper are engagingly played by Richard Nunn. Amidst the murderous mayhem Kirsty Mitchell innocently narrates from a high backed chair as favoured by storytellers in the children’s programme Jackanory.

 

 

 

 

Part stand up , part revue knockabout, and part macabre Grimm northern fairy tale, the show had the audience involved, and laughing, from start to finish. Rachel Green’s indefatigable energy and enthusiasm carried the show, ably supported by a talented cast. Her Doncaster roots were grimily evident as the grotesque Brenda careered around stage intoxicated by tinnies and an audience, always encouraged to participate, more than happy to feed her worst excesses. Although the tale itself is scripted, the rest is largely ad- libbed around a framework driven by Brenda.

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Rarely have I seen an audience leaving a show with broader smiles, or a cast more exhausted by their exertions. I do hope that it will now tour more widely, the format not only has considerable space to develop as is, but it also has potential to take Brenda to new places and challenges.