After consulting with Val and Richard, this event was cancelled on Friday 13 March 2020 due to a significant number of people dropping out because they are feeling unwell and are self-isolating or don’t want to take the chance of being in a small environment with concerns about the Coronavirus. We hope to fit in a date later in the year.
One of the benefits of hosting regular House Gigs is that I get the chance to invite along some of my favourite artists. Bad Influence fall into that category. I’m absolutely delighted to say they will be playing at Billericay Rectory on Saturday 14 March 2020. I first heard them at the New Crawdaddy Blues Club in 2008 and their potent mix of rock and blues has been a firm favourite since – I have all their albums.
About Bad Influence
Originally formed in 1986, by Val Cowell (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), and Richard Hayes (lead and slide Guitar), Bad Influence has seen many line ups in the years since. Whilst Val and Richard have been the consistent driving force, the rhythm section has seen some changes. Their current experienced and tight rhythm section has long time drummer Harry James (Thunder/Magnum) and the more recent addition of bass player Pete Stroud (Peter Green Splinter Group/Buddy Whittington Band).
STOP PRESS 5 February 2020. Bad Influence will now be playing as a duo as Pete is going to spend two months in New Zealand. Tut! Tut! However, Val and Richard often play as a duo and will be equally good value together.
Ever since the beginning the band has toured constantly, playing in a wide variety of venues, including the now legendary Marquee Club (both Wardour St and Charing Cross Rd) on a great many occasions.
The band has existed for over 30 years and has received much critical acclaim for both their original songs and their strong covers of Tom Petty to Bonnie Raitt to Fleetwood Mac etc. Val has been described as having:
A tidal wave of a voice that can take on the mantle of our greatest singers.
While the band’s overall performances receive reports such as:
Bad Influence always leave their audiences handsomely entertained.
Bad Influence have definitely paid their ‘dues’ and are now considered by many to be one of the top acts in their field, delivering their sound of powerful vocals alongside classic guitar driven rock solid blues. They have appeared on all types of stage and radio and released six CDs and have been played on Paul Jones’ Radio 2 Show.
About House Gigs
A House Gig provides a unique experience for both artists and audience in an intimate setting and is quite unlike any other gig you will attend. That’s why artists are always asking to come back! Some of my most favourite gigs have taken place in my lounge!
A House Gig is a private invitation only to the Rectory from Paula and myself. You can contact me on revpacman@btinternet.com if you’d like to be considered for a place and I’ll get back to you to confirm your attendance. Maximum two tickets per person – spaces are limited! I usually receive more applicants than places but I do set up a reserve list.
Doors will open at 7.00 pm (or 6.45 pm if you’re so excited you can’t wait or you simply want more drinking time!) and Bad Influence will play two sets from 7.30 pm (ish!). We’ll provide some hot food during the interval (with a veggie option) all for the amazing price of £15 (payable in advance, please – I’ll give you details about how to pay when your invitation is confirmed). There will also be a reasonably priced honesty bar available!
A House Gig is a cosy (!?) affair and, whilst we provide seating for most people, some of you will be required to sit on the floor – we’ll provide a comfy cushion for you (we have plenty of these) – so you might want to dress accordingly! Just so you know, we always encourage folk to swap around for the second set!
Please remember a House Gig is a listening event rather than a talking event. Read Shhh … there’s a band playing!
revPACman 