The Blues Band facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Blues Band
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| Background information | |
| Genres | Blues, Rhythm ´n Blues, Bluesrock |
| Years active | 1979 -present |
| Associated acts | Dave Kelly Band, The Manfreds |
| Members | Paul Jones (harp, vocals) Tom McGuinness (guitar), Dave Kelly (guitar, vocals), Gary Fletcher (bass), Rob Townsend (drums) |
| Past members | Hughie Flint (drums) |
The Blues Band is a cool British music group. They play a type of music called blues. This band started in 1979. It was formed by experienced musicians. These musicians had played British blues music since the 1960s.
Contents
The Blues Band Story
The Blues Band officially started in 1979. Five talented musicians came together to form the group.
Who Started The Band?
Here are the original members who formed The Blues Band: class="wikitable " Before The Blues Band, these musicians were already famous. Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness played in a band called Manfred Mann in the 1960s. Paul Jones also worked as an actor. He was a radio DJ too. He played harmonica with many blues legends. These included Memphis Slim and John Lee Hooker. Hughie Flint was the drummer for John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Later, he and Tom McGuinness formed McGuinness Flint. They had a hit song called "When I'm Dead and Gone." Dave Kelly played guitar in the John Dummer Blues Band. He also toured with famous blues artists. These included Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker.
How They Started Playing
The musicians mostly played together for fun. They would meet in London pubs. They loved playing rhythm and blues music.
First Album and Success
Their first album was called "The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album". At first, no record companies were interested. So, the band sold it at their concerts. They also sold it by mail order. The album had a great mix of blues songs. It included both classic blues and their own new songs. Later, a record company named Arista signed them. The album then became very popular. It reached number 40 on the music charts.
Changes in the Band
In 1982, Hughie Flint left the band. Rob Townsend took his place as the new drummer. The band took a break in 1983. But they soon got back together.
Other Projects and Touring
When they are not playing with The Blues Band, some members play in other groups. Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness, and Rob Townsend play with "The Manfreds." This band is like the 1960s Manfred Mann band. Dave Kelly often plays with his own group. It is called "The Dave Kelly Band."
The Blues Band has played many concerts. They have performed all over Europe. This helped them gain many fans. They still have a lot of fans today. They have recorded over 20 albums so far. People say that three generations of families come to their concerts. This means grandparents, parents, and kids all enjoy their music!
Albums and Songs
The Blues Band has released many albums and singles. Here are some of their most popular ones.
Studio Albums
- 1980: The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album
- 1980: Ready
- 1981: Itchy Feet
- 1982: Brand Loyalty
- 1983: Bye Bye Blues (Live)
- 1986: These Kind of Blues
- 1989: Back for More
- 1991: Fat City
- 1993: Homage
- 1995: Wireless
- 1996: Live at the BBC
- 1997: 18 Years Old & Alive
- 1999: The Best of the Blues Band (USA)
- 2000: Brassed Up
- 2001: Scratchin' on My Screen
- 2002: Stepping Out
- 2004: Be My Guest
- 2004: The Official Gary Fletcher Bootleg Album (demos)
- 2005: Blues Band Box (4-CD-Kompilation)
- 2005: These Kind of Blues
- 2006: Thank You Brother Ray
- 2009: Live!
- 2009: Wire Less
Singles (Popular Songs)
- Come on in/The Blues Band Song (1980)
- Find yourself another Fool/SUS Blues (1980)
- Nadine/That's all right (1980)
- Who's right, who's wrong?/Itchy Feet (1981)
- Come on/Green Stuff (1981)
- Take me Home/So bad (1982)
- Hey Hey Little Girl/SUS Blues (1982) - limited live single
- Seemed like a good Idea/Rolling Log (1982)
- Blue Collar/Duisburg Blues (1989)
DVDs
- Across Borders -Live (2004)
- Steppin' Out on Main (2005)
What They Say
Gary Fletcher from the band once said:
- "The music industry doesn’t bother us and we don’t bother them."* This means they focus on their music. They don't worry too much about the big music business.
You can learn more about the band in the book:
- Roy Bainton: Talk to Me Baby - The Story of the Blues Band, Firebird Books, ISBN: 1-85314201-8
