"...... The rain had poured down all day in the North East so the mood was somewhat dreary as we ventured to The Studio in Hartlepool. The Studio is a very intimate but cracking little venue, with superb stage and sound. With a big ska event happening just up the road in Newcastle we were pleased that there was a generous crowd to greet The Skabilly Rebels onstage.

I have seen the band a number of times since its creation and can safely say that the current outfit recruited by Roddy Byers are without a doubt the tightest. The set, which consisted of plenty of original Skabilly material from the much awaited debut album, interspersed with a number of Specials tracks, was definitely the best I've heard and seen and drew many accolades from those attending. A powerful blend of Ska, Rock, Country and Blues were blasted out to perfection and were relished by one and all. Skabilly classics such as "Man With No Name" (A truly fantastic track), "Blues Attack", "Blue Angel", "Johhny" , "Forgive N Forget and "Black Zodiac" were played at full tilt and greeted with hearty cheers from the up-and-dancing crowd. "Keep On Learning" and "Tears In My Beer" from the 90s Specials days and of course the Radiation legends of "Rat Race", "Concrete Jungle" and "Hey Little Rich Girl" sounded great alongside versions of "Little Bitch", "Gangsters" and "Do Nothing" which the Skabillies have tweaked with their own unique stamp.

A combination of good band-to-crowd banter, a warm Hartlepool crowd and the swilling of copious amounts of beer made an intimate gig and rocking night out. The band are flying at the moment and long may it continue. Forget the tribute night down the local, get out and see Roddy and the lads - real music by real musicians, moving forward...."


Paul Willo
SF Promotions

More Info www.myspace.com/skabillyrebels1