The Spitfires / The Keepers / Bedford Esquires – Sat 17th Feb

The Spitfires return to Bedford Esquires on Saturday 17th February having absolutely torn the roof off the building a couple of years ago!

The band are led by lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Billy Sullivan, Sam Long on bass and vocals, George Moorhouse on keyboards and vocals and Matt Johnson on drums.

The Spitfires might not see themselves as a political band, but their kitchen-sink dramas of disillusionment with modern society speak for themselves, and for the countless young people around the world who feel their voices and struggles are not being heard.

Taking influences from the likes of The Clash, Billy Bragg and The Jam through to Soul, Reggae and Ska, the band have released two albums to date. ‘A Thousand Times’ (2016) was the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut ‘Response’ (2015) which saw the band enter high in the UK Album Charts and reach #6 in both the independent and vinyl charts, with the single ‘So Long’ charting at #1 in UK Vinyl Singles Chart.

Their work ethic and powerful song-writing, mixed with their acute social commentary and lack of mainstream industry support, has made this fiercely independent band one of the most popular underground success stories in the UK today. This DIY attitude and

independent spirit has earned them a dedicated following and sold out shows across the whole of the UK and Europe.

With over 400 gigs under their belt, the band have built up a passionate following that travel over land and sea and this enables gigs to be more an ‘event’.

DJ’s Gary Crowley (BBC London), Steve Lamacq (BBC6Music) and Rodney Bingenheimer (KROQ) are fans and they’ve supported the likes of Paul Weller and The Specials.

The band recently signed to leading independent label, Hatch Records, who will release their third album in 2018.

What the press said about The Spitfires:

“Spiky, rebellious rock ‘n’ roll delivered with no small degree of street smarts and style” – Clash Magazine

“The fight-back from the beaten generation starts here” – Daily Mirror

“Insurgent energy…demands and then holds your attention” – Shindig! Magazine [4/5]

“A Thousand Times manages not only to capture the band’s momentum of the past year but expand their sound into new areas” – Vive Le Rock [8/10]

“A masterpiece, songwriting genius” – Original Rock [9/10]

Support comes from the excellent Northants lads The Keepers.

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This is a 14+ ages show – Tickets are available online now:
https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-spitfires/bedford-esquires-bedford/1172528