Blues veterans The Blues Band are set to play Sage, Gateshead, on 28th October.

Formed in 1979 by ex-Manfred Mann members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness as a band “just to play the blues”, The Blues Band are today regarded as one of the best purveyors of rhythm and blues music in Britain.

The group also includes slide guitarist Dave Kelly, who has played with blues greats such as Son House, Howlin Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy.

Dave said, “I’ve been very lucky to play with many of my heroes. Mainly, what I drew from all of them was that you should go for it. Always put everything you can into your music, don’t hold back, don’t coast.”

“Son House was the most intense performer I’ve ever seen. I think he was in his early eighties when I toured with him; he was incredible, every night, wonderful.”

Over the years, The Blues Band have released more than 20 albums, supported Dire Straits, toured relentlessly, wowed festival audiences and made headline appearances at Glastonbury.

While honouring their blues roots, the band haven’t been afraid of a little experimentation. Their 1994 album Wireless is completely acoustic whilst 1999’s Brassed Up has a bigger, horn-influenced sound. 2002’s Stepping Out presents a more basic, five-piece take on the blues and features the ‘double-barrelled’ approach of using two lead vocalists.

Speaking of the band’s many albums, Dave Kelly said, “I like them all. Variety is the spice of life. It’s nice to ring the changes.”

Dave also said that live the band “keep things fresh by not constructing a set list. We only have a vague idea of what we’re going to do. Whoever sings the song just calls out what they fancy doing. There’s a very large chunk of work we can slip in and out of quite easily.”

You can read a full interview with Dave Kelly of the Blues Band here.

The Blues Band play Sage, Gateshead on 28th October at 8.00 pm.


Get Newcastle Magazine direct to your inbox.

* indicates required

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here