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WATCH: 16 Tons of Jive Still Searching for the Young Soul Rebels
16 Tons of Jive are 6-piece Rhythm and Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Limerick
WATCH: 16 Tons of Jive Still Searching for the Young Soul Rebels
16 Tons of Jive, one of Limerick’s finest purveyors of soul, rhythm and blues infused rock’n’roll, are back in town.
The band play their first gig in their hometown in over three decades at the Commercial Bar in Catherine Street on Friday, September 28 (9pm/11pm).
Playing a distinctive and infectious dance-based rhythm and blues sound, the sextet’s influences range from Big Joe Turner through Dexys Midnight Runners to Gorrilaz
16 Tons have been rehearsing, training as they call it, since April and played their comeback gig in Lahinch in July.
“We enjoyed the experience of being back on the stage again and we got a fantastic reception in Lahinch, said vocalist and guitarist Chris Barry.
“The band have put a tremendous amount of effort into the set over the last number of months and we’re eagerly looking forward to playing in Limerick again.”
16 Tons were originally formed in the mid-1980s. Headlining regularly at the iconic Top Floor of the Savoy venue, they also gigged extensively throughout Ireland, building a considerable reputation playing original material as a rhythmic soul band.
“That was ten years before the Commitments arrived, added Barry.
”We played with many of the main acts of the era, Hothouse Flowers, The Blades, Those Handsome Devils and recorded a couple of sessions with the Dave Fanning which enhanced the band’s reputation.”
16 Tons of Jive have reformed with the original line-up and have vowed to once again unleash their unique blend of original high octane soul music along with some classics from Dexys, Graham Parker and more.
16 Tons of Jive Line-Up includes Chris Barry and Mike Kenny on Vocals and Guitar, Tom McLoughlin on Drums, Ralph Unsworth on Bass and Vocals, Mike MacLoughlin on Tenor Saxophone and Dermot Maloney on Alto Saxophone.
The band are also planning to play more regularly in Limerick before Christmas. Email bernard.oneill@oceanfree.net for more info.
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