40 years since Nine Below Zero first offered a rhythm & blues alternative to the punk-pop of the mainstream, the south Londoners announce their ‘Are We There Yet?’ tour. With a reputation as “one of the best blues bands around today” for their scintillating live performances, this tour will not disappoint – expect a fearsome, supercharged set from start to finish.
“Nine Below Zero are back, re-united and with a big sound”- Blues in Britain
“one of the finest R and B acts around” – Louder Than War
Founding members Dennis Greaves (guitar & vocals) and Mark Feltham (harmonica & vocals) will be joined by Dennis’ son Sonny Greaves on drums, Ben Willis on bass, Tom Monks on keys and the impressive female vocals of Charlie Austen. Starting in Dartford on October 5th the tour will coincide with the release of ‘Avalanche’, the band’s 20th album on October 4th.
“Superbly executed, highly infectious” Record Collector
Formed in 1979 the band took their musical cues from the R&B greats of the 60s, with a harder-edged sound more akin to contemporaries Dr Feelgood with a strong dose of The Yardbirds. In a meteoric rise to prominence on the British blues scene, Nine Below Zero signed to A&M Records in 1980 and released the seminal ‘Live At The Marquee album’. By the end of that year, they had moved from selling out the Marquee to selling out Hammersmith Odeon (now Apollo). High profile tours with The Who and The Kinks followed, as well as regular TV performances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and The South Bank Show and a guest appearance on The Young Ones. However, although their musicianship was reaching new heights, 1982’s album Third Degree was the last album released by the classic line-up.
In recent years their diverse live act ranges from a classic 4-piece line-up to the stripped-down acoustic duo of Dennis & Mark and their 8-piece Big Band format – most recently with Squeeze on their UK tour – and this virtuosic 6-piece line-up. This 40th anniversary tour is set to be a ‘celebration of all things Nine Below Zero’ – from the adrenaline rush of ‘Doghouse’ through to the soulful stomp of ‘Don’t Play That Song’ and new live favourites like ‘Ter Wit Ter Woo’. The band will be returning to familiar venues from recent tours, places not visited for a while and even some locations that will be new to band and fans alike.
“Who knew this band was such a splendid live proposition? I certainly didn’t, but now I’ll be making plans to catch them in a headlining capacity. I’m only around 37 years late, but hey, I made it eventually.” God Is In The TV Zine
The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal 25th October 2019 Tickets here: ents24.com
Old Fire Station, Carlisle 26th October 2019 Tickets here: ents24.com
