|
‘Route 666’ - A brief history
‘Route 666’ was formed in October 1998, when Mark Evans (bass/vocals) and Simon Noble (guitar/vocals) pooled their considerable talents with the aim of creating a kick-ass blues rock trio. They soon succeeded, utilising the services of numerous drummers to get them on the road, settling with full-time ‘skin basher’ Steve Russell in 2004. Steve departed from the band in 2006 to concentrate on a bourgeoning property portfolio, with his place taken by long-term friend of the band Grahame Caine, who had already been a regular stand-in drummer during the previous few years. A seamless transition meant the band could continue on their nationwide quest to get ‘Route 666’ heard throughout the UK.
The bands repertoire in those early days consisted mainly of blues rock covers, though the band never set out to recreate the sound of the original performer, choosing instead to put the ‘Route 666’ stamp on everything they did. Original material was soon drafted into the set, this helping to set the band apart from other bands on the circuit.
Since 1998, gig numbers have increased year on year, and the band are now regulars at circuit venues and festivals throughout the UK. Their current offering on cd from 2006, ‘Money, Murder, Love’, a collection of 11 all-original tracks, has had airplay on UK radio, and web based blues-rock stations. It is unquestionably their best work to date, and a credit to their song writing talents. However, a new batch of 13 original songs is set for release in late 2007, and the lads are confident that this will take them to the deserved next level.
Not ones to rest on their laurels, the band plan to take their own brand of high-octane rockin’ blues to Europe in 2008 and continue to build on a growing reputation back in the UK. Plans for a ‘live’ album that captures the essence of what the band is about should also come to fruition in 2008, to coincide with the bands 10th anniversary year.
Having seen the band regularly from the outset, we’ve become firm friends over the years and I feel privileged to have been asked to write this short biography. A lot more has happened in those last eight years than a few short paragraphs can tell, so I’ll save that for the book!
May I finish off by recommending you take every opportunity to see and hear them in action. The effort and energy that goes into every ‘Route 666’ show is a lesson to all that ‘live’ music is thriving You just need to know where to look for it.
Keep rockin’ guys, I can’t wait for the next gig!
Hugh Jaars September 2007
Route 666 are…….
Mark Evans aka ‘Mad Jack McMad’ – Vocals, Bass guitar & Harmonica Simon Noble aka ‘Lord Simon Axemeister’- Vocals, Guitars & keyboards Grahame Caine aka ‘Earl Grey’ – Drums & Percussion
|