Rockabella Rhythm & Blues Club – inaugural gig

STAN Webb’s Chicken Shack will be headlining the inaugural gig for the Rockabella Rhythm and Blues Club, supported by Jamie Thyer’s The Worried Men.

The club was formed with the aim of providing an evening of professional music entertainment in the Beckington, Rode and Frome area. The club has been formed by Kevin Southam and Mike Salmon, who both live locally and are keen blues fans.

Beckington Memorial Hall (BA11 6SJ) has been booked for Rockabella’s first gig on Saturday 28th March. The hall is equipped with a well stocked bar, and has ample car parking.

Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack have released 24 albums and had two singles in the UK charts top 40 during 1969 – their cover of Etta James’ ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ making it to number 14.

Chicken Shack’s membership has gone through many changes since first formed in 1965 by Stan, David Yeates and Andy Silvester, who went on to form fellow blues band, Big Town Playboys. Between 1976 and 1998, Stan was the only regular of the band, with members being rotated between big names in British blues music, such as ex-Ten Years After drummer Ric Lee, and Keef Hartley.

Former members have also included Christine McVie, who went on to play in Fleetwood Mac, and Chris Wood, a founder member of rock band Traffic.

Jamie Thyer’s The Worried Men have entertained audiences for some 30 years with a bold, unique and expressive guitar playing style. They have played alongside the likes of Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Robert Cray, Jefferson Starship, Motorhead, Johnny Winter, and they look forward to being re-united with Stan.

Jamie has given over 3000 performances of hard gigging and recording, from pub back rooms to festival stages. So, it is no surprise to learn that Jamie’s loyal audience is still growing.

When an artist has survived the music industry’s whimsical fortunes merely by being themselves, adjectives like charisma, integrity and endurance are obviously appropriate.

Stan and Jamie look forward to playing Beckington Memorial Hall for Rocabella’s inaugural gig on Saturday 28th March. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets, costing £15, are available on www.rockabella.org.