Hard working band The Revolutionaires have slammed Britain's sky-high fuel prices.

The Durham-based four-piece travel thousands of miles to gigs each year, and with diesel prices nudging 114p a litre, they say their earnings are fast disappearing into their van's fuel tank.

"We are feeling the pinch," says front man Ed Stephenson (pictured right). "We are based 15 miles south of Newcastle and have to do a lot of travelling for work.   At one point when the diesel was at its highest it was costing us up to £30 for 100 miles.   So for one gig in the Midlands it would cost over £100 on diesel which is quite a chunk of your money before you pay the band and accommodation.

"Obviously the further south we drive the more it costs.   London gigs are a 500-mile round trip for us.   Any festivals on the South coast are pushing on 700 miles.   Last year I spent £6,000 on diesel alone.   Basically we always try and get a run of gigs so you are not travelling a long way just for one gig but sometimes it doesn't work out like that.   We are a full time band and rely purely on playing 1950s music to make a living, therefore if a gig comes in we take it.   We have had to increase our fee but it's not going in our pockets.   It's straight in the diesel tank!"

Bills

o

The show at the Troxy Theatre in East London on November 28th has been scrapped.   His gig in Sheffield has been put back to December 3rd.   The duck-walking 83-year-old rock'n'roll veteran is to play 12 dates starting on November 21st at the Liverpool Olympia Theatre.   The tour also takes in Newcastle (22nd), Glasgow (23rd), Leeds (24th), Birmingham (25th), Oxford (26th), West London (27th), Southend (29th), Bournemouth (30th), Newport (December 1st) and Swansea (2nd).   Support bands include The Darts (Sheffield), the Rhythm Aces (Hammersmith) and Ben Waters (Southend and Bournemouth).

Venues will be mainly 2000-3000 seats, but the show at London's Hammersmith Town Hall has just 900 seats.   "This is the smallest venue on the tour," says Jim Driver, who's helping to promote the gig.   "But it's the only one that's purely rock'n'roll.   It will be a mix of seated and standing with 800 seats and 150 standing/dancing."

Asked if Berry can still hack it on stage, Jim said: "I'd say no one need attend if they have any worries about the performance, though a good percentage of people seem to go to events like this to have a good old moan.   He's a wry, sprightly 83.   My opinion is that he's also Chuck Berry and the glimpses of his genius are worth the ticket price and more!"

o More details of dates and venues are on the Planet Jive gig guide.

		Newsbytes
		• The Senti-Mentals have brought out their first CD for 11 years. • London jive night Hula Boogie has been shortlisted for an easyJet inflight magazine readers' award. • Record hops have started on Wednesday nights at Moortown Social Club, Cramer Gardens, Leeds LS15 5LA   Admission £2 • Oo-popped the question?   Oo-Bop-Sh'Bam singer Jackson Sloan has become engaged to girlfriend Emma Partridge. • Trevor Dodson, who founded Taunton R'n'R Club in 1997 before moving to London, returned on October 23rd with his Elvis tribute show. • Kai's Cats, led by American songstress Kai Hoffman, are playing at a a new Italian-themed swing dance night at The Forge in Camden Town, North London. • Regulars at LeRoc in Dorking, Surrey have raised £1557 to send blind toddler Harvey Jones to China for pioneering stem cell treatment.

A new rock'n'roll club is to 'rise from the ashes' of Manchester's Nifty 50s.

East Lancs R'n'R Club plans to launch at Lowton Labour Club on December 30th with a gig by Texas Speed Combo.   Another six bands have been booked for 2010.   Gigs are scheduled for the last Saturday of each month.   Organiser is Eddie Arrowsmith, a lifelong regular at Nifty 50s.   Eddie says it was only when he and his wife recently attended a party at the Labour Club that he discovered it was under new management.

With a new entertainment licence, the venue was once again ready to host r'n'r gigs.   "I can't wait to get started," said Eddie.

Nifty 50s closed after 30 years this summer when Lowton Labour Club fell foul of licensing rules.   A gig by The Revolutionaires on August 15th was cancelled at the last minute amid negotiations between the venue and Wigan Council, but organisers thought the issues had been resolved.   Days later it was announced that all gigs for the rest of the year had been scrapped.   Bands due to play the Labour Club were Wildwind, The Roomates, Rhythm Aces and Crown Top Kings.

Club boss Noelene Doran believed she had found a permanent and affordable home at Lowton, with hire fees as low as £20 for a night compared to £350 at other venues.   Nifty 50s left its previous base at the Irish Club in Cheetham Hill, North Manchester following a management change and also experimented with gigs at the Monaco Ballroom in Hindley and Lowton Civic Hall.   Despite the low costs at Lowton Labour Club, it's understood that Nifty 50s had been running at a loss and could not afford any return to a more expensive location.   At the start of 2008 there was unexpected competition from a rival r'n'r club operating at the same venue, but it closed within months.

Nifty 50s webmaster Mike Cookson said: "Noeline's decision was a long and painful one, and one that she didn't make lightly.   Over the years the club had had its ups and downs.   Noeline went said she had enjoyed the ride but she didn't want the stress of running the club, with the financial worry any more.   I would like to offer our thanks to all those who have frequented our club and we offer our sincere gratitude for your support over the years."


The KoolKatz say they've been thrown into "turmoil" by false rumours that they have split.

The band say clubs where they are booked to play have been getting phone calls telling them that the Essex trio have broken up.

The KoolKatz formed in 2007 and notched up over 35 gigs in their first year.   Lead singer Steve Ridgway and double bass player Terry Howse left in March and April this year.   The band's new lead singer Mike Ramsay said:   "Due to a few line up changes over the past few months things haven’t been going to plan.   The band were due to call it a day because a suitable bass player couldn’t be found, but finally we were able to find someone.   Everything seemed complete... or so we thought.   Over the past few weeks The KoolKatz have received a number of phone calls from various clubs and promoters that booked the band for 2010, saying how sorry they were to hear that the band had split, and if they ever reformed they would rebook them in the future.   This is confusing and completely untrue."

Mike added: "The KoolKatz are still together and going from strength to strength and have no intention on splitting up.   The band's reputation is now in turmoil all because of an unprovoked rumour, and we sincerely apologise to any clubs or promoters and fans who may have been misled."

Terry Howse said: "Two weeks ago I received three phone calls and an email from club promoters asking me, why they were not informed that Steve Ridgway and myself had left the band.   I explained that they should have been told all of this in March by Mike Ramsay.   Obviously they were not.   Under no circumstances was the word split used - apart from the fact myself and Steve were no longer members but The KoolKatz were still going out as a trio.   I had to inform the promoters this as it was the truth.   Neither was it stated that The Koolkatz had changed their name.   However, Steve and myself have decided to form a new band called The Rhythm Cats.   I would also like to say to any clubs or promoters and fans who may have been misled the rumours have not come from this end."

The KoolKatz are set to record their long awaited second album, So Far So Good.




Kav Kavanagh could rescue a Kent rock'n'roll club from closure.

The veteran DJ, promoter, compere and jive teacher is in talks to take over Cuxton R'n'R Club, which was set to close on New Year's Eve.   The club - now based at Hoo near Rochester - has run for ten years, but organiser Martin Griffiths says increased competition in the area has taken its toll on attendance figures.

Martin told Planet Jive: "It looks like Kav could carry on, but first we need to talk with the owner of the venue.   That will not happen until our next gig which is Saturday week.   If there is no solution there, Kav is thinking of transferring the club to a new venue and trying to maintain the Cuxton theme.   I don't really have a problem with that and may have some input in decisions."

Kav already runs nearby r'n'r nights at Erith, Higham and Farningham.   He said: "A tentative agreement has been reached, albeit a bit late.   But my takeover will purely be to reduce costs and not change anything at Cuxton."   The club has gigs on November 21st with the Rhythm Aces, December 19th with The Skyrockers plus special guests Porky and Johnny Fox, and New Years Eve with Rudy La Crioux & The All Stars.   Venue is Sturdee Sports & Social Club, Stoke Road, Ropers Lane, Hoo, Rochester ME3 9LT   More info on 01732 780076/07836 669349


The Jive Aces are joining forces with Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen for a tour of UK theatres.

The show, called Jazz Meets Jive, runs from November 2009 until May 2010.   Both bands will play their own sets and then link up for a jam session finale.   The tour was put together after the veteran British trumpeter and band leader shared the stage with the Jive Aces at a sell-out show to mark his 50 years in showbusiness.   Ball described the Jive Aces as "the hottest band to come of the UK for a long time".

Kenny Ball was given his first break by skiffle king Lonnie Donegan.   His early recordings controversially broke the 'dixieland' tradition in the UK and ushered in New Orleans style jazz.   His recordings of the 1960s, including Midnight in Moscow and Samantha, brought him worldwide fame.   His recent Decca compilation with Acker Bilk and Chris Barber hit the album top ten.

Tour dates and info at www.jiveaces.com/kenny

Northants band The Strollers have added a piano and sax to the line-up.

The new-look five-piece have a new album, Live And Five.

It's being launched at the band's free gig at The Harlequin, Stamford Road, Kettering on Friday 20th November.




A new club is bringing weekly r'n'r to Bournemouth.

The Bournebeat R'n'R Club launches on November 6th with a gig by Memphis 56.   Venue is the Bourne Beat Hotel in Priory Road.   Organiser Vianna Renaud says: "With its magnificent music memorabilia collection, one could not be in a better musical environment to see a variety of exciting rock'n'roll entertainment, from bands to special acts."   Future Friday night gigs will feature Rockin' The Joint, Prairie Dogs Beat Combo, Sizzlin' Hot Trio, the Hightown Crows, OGRI & The Cafe Racers, and Jellyroll.   Admission is £4.   More info from Vianna on 07919 078919 and at www.myspace.com/bournebeatrockandroll and www.facebook.com/bournebeatrock

The Jive Aces played to packed houses on their first trip to Russia.

They sold out Moscow's B2 Club at a gig which British ex-pat Richard Hume helped to promote.   In the audience were some well known Russian musicians, a TV personality and a top promoter who was so impressed he wants the boys back in Russia as soon as possible.   The Jive Aces also performed in a famous theatre to 700 enthusiastic fans.

"We were surprised at the number of jivers there," said trombonist Alex Douglas.   "There must be quite a scene in Moscow.   It's amazing how wherever we go in the world there are always people who love the same music, clothes and lifestyle as us.   We made a lot of great new friends and can't wait to go back."

Worcester's only rock'n'roll record hop has closed because of what organisers describe as a "total lack of support".

DJ Colin Bennett said: "When Christopher Whitehead dances finished I was asked by loads of people to get a club up and running.   This I did from May this year when we started The Bop Shop in Drakes Broughton as a monthly £3 record hop.   We have had people come from as far afield as Wales, Nottinghamshire, Birmingham and even Kent.   But with regret that we are closing the doors with immediate effect due to lack of support.   I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past few months and sincerely apologise for being unable to continue.   We did not do this to make a profit but to give the locals somewhere to go once a month to meet up with friends and listen to real r'n'r music.   There is now nowhere to go at all and the local circuit has virtually gone."

Kettering's troubled Athletic R'n'R Club is to continue into 2010, despite losing £2,000 in the past four years.

Promoters Brian and Sarah Martin said: "We were going to close down in December but people keep telling us to give it one more go.   It's such a great venue with a big stage, big sprung dance floor and a cheap bar.   We have struck a deal with the club for Saturday nights and have managed to get the last Saturday of every month for most of the year.   We are now hiring the club ourselves so it is down to us to do the door and myself to do the DJ-ing.   All we are hoping now is that we get the support we need. Saturday night seems to be the best night and it all kicks off on January 30th with the Rhythm Aces and then on February 27th we have have Wildwind and The Strollers."   Entry next year will be £7.50.   More info on the club website or from Brian on 01536 510779

Marshall Lytle is to split from fellow Original Comets Joey Ambrose and Dick Richards.

"It is time to just move on," said the 76 year-old r'n'r veteran.   "Joe and Dick will continue on as The Comets with my best wishes."   Lytle is devoting himself to promoting his new book, Still Rockin' Around The Clock, despite reportedly having had his lower left leg amputated following complications caused by an aneurism.

There's a new rock'n'roll club in Kent.

Sheppey R'n'R Club is holding gigs every two months at Sheerness East Working Mens Club.   Organisers Dave and Jo Norris said: "We talked to people around Swale who like rock'n'roll/rockabilly but can't travel to see bands.   We soon realised there was a need for a venue with good r'n'r and rockabilly music which we are providing with our bi-monthly gigs, but we plan to increase to monthly after six months."

Michael King and Steve Halliday star in a new stage show, Elvis Presley Rocks.

Billed as "the most complete and professional Elvis musical theatre production available", the show has nine dates across England and Wales in October, and continues into the new year.   Details at www.elvispresleyrocks.co.uk

Two Elvis tribute artists entertained motorists stranded on a motorway.

Elvis Shmelvis (Martyn Dias) and Elvince (Vince Citrano) were driving home to St Albans in Hertfordshire after a gig at the Elvisly Yours shop in London's Baker Street to mark the anniversary of the King's death.   Grinding to a halt on the M1 in the wake of an accident, the quick-thinking Elvii - still in stage costumes - set up their sound gear for an impromtu performance.

As an air ambulance landed further along the motorway, dozens of motorists gathered round for a 15-minute rock'n'roll party on the carriageway.   Songs included GI Blues and The Wonder Of You.

Martyn said: “It was great fun.   We were still buzzing from all the attention the street party received, and, looking at the stationary traffic up ahead, we couldn’t resist ‘one for the road’.”   The show is believed to be the only Elvis gig ever to take place on a motorway.

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