Newcastle blues and rock band STAN have had their talents recognised nationally after winning a national competition.
The band played at the renowned Great British Rock and Blues Festival at Butlin’s Skegness earlier in January. Ironically however, despite their musical pedigree, the band appeared on the festival’s “Introducing Stage” where they battled with other “newcomer” bands for a place in 2019 for a slot on the main stage.
Vocalist Colin Burrows who grew up on Stanhope Street in Newcastle’s west end hence the name STAN was delighted that the audience at Butlin’s voted for the band.
“This was a great opportunity for the band to get a national audience and gain a few more fans. It’s great that we have brought our style of music to the masses and that we will be playing on the main stage next year.”
STAN were in good company at the festival with headliners Dr Feelgood, Roger Chapman, Nazareth, Lucky Peterson and Atomic Rooster and a host of other popular artists.
STAN comprises accomplished musicians from the North-East scene with Colin Burrows vocalist / guitar, punk / jazz drummer Dave Pipkin, who brought the four of them together, bass player Rob Tickell and ex 21 Strangers guitarist Dave Kennedy (previously managed by the late Chas Chandler of The Animals).
Drummer, Dave Pipkin said, “It was a pleasure and a privilege to represent the North East at this national festival”
We are absolutely delighted to have been voted the audience’s choice to come back and play on the Main Stage next year, especially out of such a strong line-up of bands. The performance itself was huge fun and it’s fantastic to have made a lot of new friends and get such great exposure for the band.”