BANDS

Bands confirmed so far to appear over the weekend include:-

MATCHBOX: originally formed back in 1971 with a line-up that included both Steve and Fred. Graham joined them from the Hellraisers in 1977, but it was their amalgamation a little later with Jimmy and Gordon from the Cruisers that formed the band we know today. Their big breakthrough came soon after when they were selected to back Bo Diddley and support Carl Perkins on a sell-out European tour. Following reviews in the music press, they were approached by Magnet Records and offered their first major recording contract.
The rest, as they say, is history... The release of Buzz Buzz saw the band get enormous airplay as it crept to a respectable position in the charts. The next one, Rockabilly Rebel, became a worldwide hit, quickly followed by When You Ask About Love, Midnight Dynamos and Over The Rainbow. Over 5 Million records were sold in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, etc. Numerous TV shows and tours with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry and many more, established the band as a major headline attraction. Throughout this period, Matchbox always remained true to their roots.

THE STARGAZERS:  Founding fathers of the Swing-Jive revival almost 25 years ago, and still the "bench-mark" act by which the hundreds of groups populating this ever-expanding scene are measured. The Stargazers are undeniably the hottest exponents of the genre to emerge since the 1950's.
From humble backgrounds playing the hard "pub/club" scene of 70's London, this group of individuals formed a new outfit with a sound unlike any other. Sure, it was Rock'n'Roll, but not the primitive crash-bang-wallop Rockabilly hybrid that their audiences were familiar with. This had style, it had finesse. It was a perfect blend of powerhouse vocals, exquisite melodies and hypnotic rhythms. The Stargazers had come up with an astonishingly potent form of Big-Beat, which proved as popular with discerning listeners as it was with the jumpin', jivin', dance-floor animals! The boys were heavily influenced by pre-war Jazz guitar heroes Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian, plus big R'n'B talents like Louis Jordan, and cross-over "Lounge" artistes such as the brilliant Louis Prima. The biggest influences of all however, were the pioneers of Rock and Roll. Indeed, The Stargazers have worked alongside some of the most important innovators of mid 20th century music. Though justly recognized as the creators of a unique sound, The Stargazers have always been thought of as England's answer to Bill Haley and The Comets.

PETER DONEGAN & THE LONNIE DONEGAN BAND
Peter is not only a talented performer but also a talented songwriter. Having developed his own style, Peter accompanied by the Lonnie Donegan Band will  perform some of Lonnie's classics such as "Putting On The Style", "Have a Drink On Me", "Rock Island Line", and "Pick a Bale of Cotton" to name just a few. But they also delve into some of Lonnie's lesser, known recordings. This combined with original numbers written by Peter adds up to a great night of Skiffle, Blues, Jazz and a lot of foot-stomping fun!

THE KINGCATS:

DOWNTOWN DADDYOS: Based in Bristol, UK The Downtown Daddyo's  perform songs from the 1950's from memorable artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Carl Perkins, Johnny Preston, Bobby Darin, Johnny Ray and Louis Prima to name a few. With a wealth of knowledge on rock'n'roll music the band endeavour to play their songs with the intention of making you either tap your feet or get up on the dance floor and jive the night away whilst enjoying the music of a much appreciated and well followed era. Formed in January 2010 'The Downtown Daddyo's' have already received much acclaim from rock'n'roll clubs, weekend festivals, and allday events where they have played and have had superb reviews in the rock'n'roll music press with comments of 'What a brilliant night ,the band are a breath of fresh air on the circuit', 'Loved all the material you played, and the vocal harmonies were excellent. Can't wait to see you guys again, The dance floor was heaving, and I can't remember when I danced so much'. What a fantastic night of rock'n'roll music !

This band is truly one of the top bands on the circuit, real Rock'n'Roll as it should be!

HICKSVILLE BOMBERS: are a rockin' trio from Lincoln, England, who play rockabilly, rockin' blues country and rock'n'roll music in a wild and energetic 50's style.Since forming in 1992, they have released two EP’s and Five CD albums.

They have played with a number of bands/musicians including rhythm and blues star Ruth Brown, Charlie Gracie, Lord Sutch, BR5-49, Kieran Kane, Dead Rekoning, Mike Henderson, Jack Scott, Jets, Matchbox, Dr Hook, Hayseed Dixie, Bill Wyman plus loads more.
The Bombers have performed at Hemsby Rock'n'Roll Weekenders, country shows, The Americana at Newark and toured Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Italy, and New York U.S.A..

In 1997, they were booked to support BR5-49 and Carl Perkins (one of the bands' biggest idols). Their first CD was voted most requested CD in December 1996 on a Seattle radio station. As a result of this they were booked to play a festival in Seattle, USA in September 1997.
In 1998, they released their fourth CD - 'Prettiest Girl In Town'. 2003 has seen a change of a Double Bass player with Guy Trigg replacing Paul. Another album was released 'The Devil made me do it' which has received some great reviews in 'Now dig this' magazine after thier release at Hemsby Rock'n'roll Weekender.

KATIE JANE & RIP IT UP:

20 FLIGHT ROCK:The band reformed for a New Years Eve gig 2009 after a 15 year break and have trimmed down to a trio to make it a more viable package. At one time there were five with two guitars, double bass, drums and singer. Having the guy at the front was always a trait of the band but in these lean times it was decided that the vocals would be shared and thats what we do as all three of us sing and play. The three of us have been knocking around in various bands over the years with so many great memories and exciting gigs. Some of the most memorable have been meeting and working with original Rock N' Roll artists of the early days such as The Comets, Charlie Gracie, Johnny Powers to name but a few. The main thing is we do this for kicks, the music is in our blood and each gig is a fix that we need at the end of the week after the daily slog. One thing you will get with this band is professionalism, we are masters of our craft and know how to deliver whether that be at a wedding or a biker gig. We can tailor our material to suit as long as it's within the realms of Rock N' Roll & Rockabilly with a lil bit of country thrown in for good measure.

PHIL HALEY & HIS COMMENTS: From the opening lines of “Shake Rattle and Roll”to the fond farewell of Rock around the Clock” the floor will be filled with young and old teaching and learning jiving. No room on the dance floor don’t worry sit with Grandma and she’ll teach you the hand jive.

Previous Clients Venues and what they have done before?
Individually Martyn Savage (Double Bass) is accredited as being one of the top “Double Bass” players in the country – once you’ve seen his amazing skills and party tricks I’m sure you will agree! He has supported and backed American legends such as Little Richard Stray Cats Johnny Powers Levi Dexter to name a few.
The guys have spent a lot of time together and have been too many memories to mention.

LIGHTS OUT:First formed in December 1996 at a Cotton family Xmas party, with brothers Craig and Lee and their cousins Daniel and Kyle making up the original BAD BOYS line up.

After appearing at the now famous Mereway Upper School concert and stealing the show, the

band featured in the Chronicle and Echo newspaper on the Captain Chron club page of which Kyle was a member, getting a full page article about Kyle and the BAD BOYS.
Sadly and very tragically, Kyle died in February 1998 soon after the newspaper article, at the start of a very talented life, aged just 10 years.
As a tribute to cousin Kyle, the BAD BOYS decided to carry on practising and performing, just as Kyle would have wished.
Craig Cotton : Guitar and Vocals : 18years
Lee Cotton : Drums and Vocals : 16years
Daniel Cotton : Bass and Vocals : 13years
The BAD BOYS have appeared in Spain in May 1998 in front of 350 people, Turkey in ‘99 and have more recently featured on the massive festivals such as, Southport, Camber Sands and the biggest of them all, Brean, to a crowd of 1500 people.
The Boys have also played support slots for their Dads, THE JETS at such famous clubs as the Tennessee in London. More dates supporting their Dads have been lined up for the future.

RUSTY STEEL: 50's and Rockin', we do it! The wealth of experience (records, radio, TV, personal appearances, etc.) of the band members promises a professional performance and their love and feel for 50's music gives the band an authentic, raunchy 50's sound fit to fill the dance floor "like bees 'round a hive"! The variety of material in our repertoir will please anyone who is into 50's music, whatever particular style they may be into.