The Blues Band

This show finished on: 16 May 2012

Paul Jones ~ Dave Kelly ~ Rob Townsend ~ Gary Fletcher ~ Tom McGuinness
The Blues Band was formed in 1979, by ex Manfred Mann group members, Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, originally to play a few pub gigs on Paul Jones’ nights off from his then full time career as an actor in London’s West end.

Tom’s first band – The Roosters - also included a young Eric Clapton. They (Paul & Tom) called on Tom’s old McGuinness Flint friend Hughie flint to play drums. Hughie had of course been the drummer with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers during the classic Clapton era. Their next port of call was for another singer and guitarist, they approached the renowned slide guitarist Dave Kelly, who brought in Gary Fletcher on bass. Hughie retired from The Blues Band late in 1981, and Medicine Head and Family stalwart Rob Townsend joined on drums.

Nineteen or is it twenty albums/cds later they are still going strong. 2010 saw them make their seventh appearance at The Glastonbury Festival and they are favourites on the European Festival scene.

In October 2011 their new studio album FEW SHORT LINES was released on Repertoire Records, featuring a number of special guests: Supersession keyboardist Al Kooper, Paul sings a duet with Linda Lewis and Dave a storming rocker with soul diva Maggie Bell, Springteen's old buddy Southside Johnny sings one track and plays harp on another plus Pete Wingfield, Mike Sanchez.