Hello & Goodbye.....
20th June 2009

After some long and hard soul searching, Steve has departed the Band to concentrate on his health without potentially putting it at risk by prolonged periods of gigging/touring both home and away.

He did not want to get to a point where he felt this might let the Band down or hold them back and the Band certainly did not want to contribute to the increasing rheumatic problems he has been bravely coping with in both his left and right hands.

This was a very hard decision for all of us yet so typical of Steve's selfless attitude and it goes without saying that he is wished all the very best by the Band and Blue on Black fans alike.

Although Steve will be missed, he remains a very close and best friend and plans are already underway for at least an annual get together with Keith & Alan to gig with this lineup.

So far the guys are looking at putting a set together for this years "Helstonbury" charity Festival in late July so watch this space for further details.

We will keep you up to date with Steve's developments as and when they happen, because like Alan, we know he will be back on stage in the near future (he's far too good a player not to be laying down that solid, sledgehammer of a bass line for another outfit).

Meanwhile.....(In through the Out Door)

After some considerable searching, the Band has been lucky enough to find a new Bass player in Paul Arnott.

Paul is a great player in his own right (a different style from Steve as you might expect) and after previous stints with various R&B, Blues and Soul Bands in the South East and Outer London, moved to Cornwall, playing with "Witchdoctor Blues Band" and "The Regulators" to name but a few

Paul brings his own style and personality into the Band as it looks to move onwards and upwards.

His playing experience and empathy for the Band's music is both passionate and infectious, please come along and hear/see it for yourself.

Details of Paul's history, influences and the gear he uses, will soon be made available via the Bands website which brings us to some more good news.

The Bands new website is well underway and looking great.

It is hoped to launch the site very soon so please bare with us in the meantime.

And Finally....some gig news!

We're pleased to announce some new gig dates for your diaries: Sunday 05/07/09 Bridge in Wool - Wadebridge, The Platt, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7AQ Tel 01208 812750 21.30 till late - Free admission.
This is the Bands first gig since last june and with the new line up, not to be missed !

Saturday 11/07/09 "Newt Beer Festival" - Taunton Ticket price via the website. http://www.newtbeerfest.com
The Band is due on the main stage at 21.00 check the website for more details

Saturday or Sunday (Exact day and time TBC) 25th or 26th/07/09 "Helstonbury Festival" - The Blue Anchor (home of Spingo Real Ale) 50 Coinagehall St. Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8EL Tel: 01326 562821.
This is a great Two Day, Charity based Music Festival with many great live acts on both the Electric and Acoustic Stages.
This is a special reunion gig featuring Keith Alan and Steve. This is the first time these guys have played together in almost two years and promises to be a great set from the original Blue on Black lineup.

Saturday 08/08/09 The Old Pier Tavern - Burnham on Sea, Somerset, TA8 1BT Tel: 01236 987456 21.30 till late - Free admission.
This is the Bands first gig at this venue which regularly hosts some great live acts so they are really looking forward to it.