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Review: Beat Generation at Blackpool Cricket Club

Last Saturday I shuffled down to Blackpool Cricket Club to take advantage of a cheap bar and watch the live version of the extremely popular local Cowbell Radio Show – Beat Generation.

The radio show is hosted by Norman and Gaz who have one of the leading shows on Cowbell and engage a huge audience through their love of all things Mod. Their energy and commitment has witnessed them popping up in a variety of venues to the delight of new and seasoned audiences.  Their most recent event also celebrated Gaz’s Birthday.

It’s great to see the Cricket Club continually attracting existing and new interest and, since its swanky new refurbishment, it now hosts a new bar area with guest ales and dance floor with stage and ambient lighting to capture that all important atmosphere. The party was in full swing as we arrived.  Unfortunately, I missed the first act The Cycle Paths but luckily got to see The Getsettes.

To find out more about The Getsettes and their throwback sound, reminiscent of 90’s Mod sounds, I asked them a few questions. The band is a four piece, made up of Mark Berwick on vocals and guitar, Craig Bunney on drums and backing vocals, Tony Chaloner on lead guitar and Dan Page on bass. Their style was melodic and fun, sometime melancholy, with songs such as The Drudgery of Being Wed.

The band members are seasoned and have played within a number of other local acts and met while playing around Blackpool. The Getsettes said, “There aren’t a great deal of bands around so everyone kind of knows each other. This particular line up has been together for about eight months. We’ve had a few different line ups, but as four mates and four musicians, this one feels the best.”

They told me their influences stem from listening to lots of Northern Soul and Motown, 60s, R&B and 90s Brit-Pop. They told me in no uncertain terms that they don’t wish to emulate any of the above, but there are certainly elements that The Getsettes feel influenced them. Their year has been pretty packed out so far. They told me their last twelve months have been pretty enjoyable. They have recorded their first demo, which led to a BBC introducing session on Radio Lancashire, they’ve played several gigs across the country, including Factory Record, Manchester, 53 Degrees, Preston and the Stag & Hounds in Bristol. They were even the first Blackpool band to play on the glass at the top of Blackpool tower.
The Beat Generation crew always put on a good night and it’s something not to be missed with guest bands and plenty of favourite records played out in an accessible, friendly and relaxed environment where a good time is promised and laughs and fun are aplenty.

 

Images courtesy of C J Griffiths Photgraphy.

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