Classic rocking out with our very own Quireboys

A sound which is complete with edgy riffs, driving rhythms and frontman Spike’s unique voice, The Quireboys have never felt the need to slavishly copy their supposed idols.

Guaranteed a place in rock history, the Bedford-based band rose to fame boosted by their originality, charisma, and ability to craft bona fide rock anthems.

The Quireboys originally got together in late 1985, but really came into their own with the release of their debut album in 1989.

This first record, entitled A Bit Of What You Fancy, went into the UK album charts at number two and sold over 200,000 copies.

Over a million copies were sold worldwide, with the album going platinum in Canada - and like every self-respecting rock band they also sold well in Japan.

Six of their singles reached the UK top 40 and the band performed on Top Of The Pops twice.

Managed by the formidable Sharon Osbourne, the band spent 1989 to 1991 recording and touring.

During this time they opened high-profile shows for the likes of The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and David Bowie.

The band released their second album Bitter Sweet And Twisted in 1993.

But by this time grunge had arrived with a vengeance and the album didn’t do as well as expected.

They were asked by Axl Rose to support Guns n’ Roses on the Use Your Illusion tour but eventually, Disheartened, the band decided to call it a day.

But the break was not for long and The Quireboys reformed in 2001 when founder members Spike and Guy signed a new record deal with Sanctuary Records and released the band’s third album This Is Rock ’n’ Roll.

The band took up touring again and continued to do so ever since.

So if you fancy a piece of the action it might do you good?

The Quireboys will play at Bedford Esquires on Saturday, February 12.

Tickets cost £12 in advance and are available from www.musiccentre.co.uk

Doors open at 8pm. To find out more visit www.bedfordesquires.co.uk

THE beautiful, the marvellous Cherry Lee Mewis will play at the Ent Shed on Friday night (February 11).

Complete with her band The Blues Gems, Miss Mewis will play tracks from her second album Southbound Train as well as classic favourites from the blues scene.

The band will also be celebrating winning their heat in the prestigious New Brunswick Battle of the Blues competition.

Doors open at 8pm. Entry costs a credit crunch busting £3.

FORMED in 1973, Showaddywaddy got their lucky break on TV talent show New Faces, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Record companies raced to sign them up and their first single Hey Rock ‘n’ Roll went to number two in the UK charts. This was followed by another 22 chart hits with their own songs and pop versions of 1950s numbers such as Three Steps To Heaven and Heartbeat.

38 years on they’re still gigging and are looking forward to playing The Stables, in Wavendon later this month.

In 2007 Showaddywaddy released their highly prized self titled album.

The album, which was strictly limited to only 500 copies was a step away from the band’s former sell out glory and was meant as a thank you to their hardcore fans for their years of support.

Showaddywaddy will appear at The Stables on Friday, February 18 at 8pm.

True to their rocking nature the band will play in the venue’s Jim Marshall auditorium.

Tickets cost £21 in advance are available by calling the box office on 01908 280800.

To find out more about the event visit www.stables.org