Presented by GP Music Promotions, Bad Influence and Connolly Hayes are two of the UK’s finest blues bands, and feature a certain family connection.
A double bill features Bad Influence, led by Val and Richard Hayes, before their daughter Jess Hayes comes to the stage alongside Frankie Connolly in Connolly Hayes.
Bad Influence are a four-piece rock and blues band who have played the live music circuit consistently since 1986.
Formed by Val Cowell (‘The Voice’, rhythm guitar) and Richard Hayes (lead/slide guitars), they are joined on bass guitar by Pete Stroud (Papa George, Buddy Whittington, Peter Green) and drummers including Peter Stroud, Jonny Brister, Clive Jenner, and Brendan O’Neill.
Bad Influence headlined London’s Marquee Club 11 times and featured on BBC Radio 2 in the studio and on live shows. They have recorded seven albums (available on online forums) and had three major management deals, continuing to gig and play all sizes of venues throughout their career.
Reviews of their shows include: “Val’s is a tidal wave of a voice with built-in bump and grind that can take on the mantle of our greatest singers.”
Another review said: “The band’s version of ‘Rather Go Blind’ knocks others into the bargain rack and Richard Hayes’ solo wept and swooned like a pedal steel. His playing is a joy.”
UK Blues Awards 2024 Emerging Act of The Year nominee, Connolly Hayes, comprises Jess Hayes, Frankie Connolly, Richard Clarke, Beau Barnard, and Andy Wilder. They are five long-time friends playing a carefully curated blend of blues/rock/soul.
Jess and Frankie had already been making waves on the UK blues scene with their respective own projects. In the summer of 2023, following a performance at the Isle of Wight Festival, they decided to combine bands and start writing and recording new original music.
April 2024 will see the release of their eagerly anticipated debut EP. Fans can expect a warm combination of gritty blues, smooth soul, and crunching rock.
The band already has a stellar reputation for live performances with the blend of two of the most soulful voices around, guitar wizardry from both sides of the stage, and the grooviest rhythm section going.
Connolly Hayes’ name is already appearing on many of the UK’s festival listings this year and they are due to tour Europe in the autumn.
Get on board early, you won’t want to miss out. It should be quite the ride!
The Civic Centre and Luxfords Restaurant location:
The Civic Centre
Uckfield, East Sussex,
TN22 1AE
Telephone:
01825 762774
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Luxfords Restaurant
T: 01825 761659
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