28th June 2011:
Following the recording session on BBC RADIO 2 on 13th June we are pleased to tell you that Bad Influence are the featured band on Monday July 11th at 7pm. The band (including extra member Roger Cotton on keys) recorded 5 tracks and some will be on that night and the others on later programmes. Paul Jones Show 88-91FM...Tune in!!! (Session photos to follow)

Featured gigs!!!... Bob Brookes' JOOK HOUSE in Worthing on Saturday 9th July. We've heard some great things about this venue so fancy a night at the coast?

Another new venue for the TRIO will be RED ROOSTER BLUES CLUB at the Chequers Inn, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8DB. on Fri. 29th July. Thats Val, Richard and Pete.

Don't forget the CAMBRIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL on Sunday 7th August and a little further into the year... BLUES IN TOWN - Chelmsford in aid of J's Hospice (tickets available now!...www.thejshospice.org.uk/events) on Sat. 22nd Oct. There are 12 acts on the day from Noon to Midnight and for a brilliant cause.

These gigs cover quite a wide range of areas but if you have a decent venue near you that need Bad Influence...point them in our direction!!

Summer is here! Have a good one!!!!



1st June 2011:
We will be playing at the Cambridge Rock festival on Sunday 7th August. This is a weekend OR day event. Check out the event www.cambridgerockfestival.co.uk. We will be on Stage 2 at around 5pm and tickets may also be purchased through us here!
 

9th May 2011: Check out a great interview with Val and Richard in the May issue of Blues In Britain (Out Now!!) Here's a sample of the issue with the Cover (right) and the Centre Pages (below). To subscribe to Blues In Britain now visit: www.blueprint-blues.co.uk

4th May 2011:
Pre 25th Anniversary gig at Boom Boom Club - Fri. 4th March 2011 by Blake Powell





31st March 2011:
What a fantastic turnout at the Boom Boom at the start of this month. Thanks for all your support. So where now? Well we just keep going of course!! A new Radio 2 show being recorded in May, plus the cover of Blues in Britain and an interview -also May. Subscribe now!! www.blueprint-blues.co.uk. Plus we've been booked for the Cambridge Rock Festival in the summer! Keep on rocking!!


4th February 2011:
2011 is Bad Influence's 25th Anniversary year and we will be marking it with a special gig at the Boom Boom Club in Sutton (see gigs page) on Friday 4th March. Listening to our back catalogue of songs has been quite a journey and you can expect to hear a selection on the night. So many memories... Hopefully we can coax down a few ex-members of B.I. That would mean quite a few guests!! Hope to see you there.

1st April 2010:

Congratulations to our very own Val who has come joint first (with Connie Lush) for Best Female Singer in the Digital Blues Awards

3rd March 2010

I think its safe to surface now Spring looks like it could be in the air... 2010!!

Thank you everyone for your great comments about "Carousel". It means a lot and if you would like to vote for your favourite musicians in this year's British Blues Awards go to www.nottinghambluessociety.com.

Val will be doing some more gigs with Sam Kelly's Primo Blue Band throughout the year The Banbury Festival , Guisborough RnB Festival and Blues at the Farm amongst others...
 

16th December 2009:

Val, Richard, Harry and Pete would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2010 and thanks for your ongoing support and good wishes!!

16th November 2009:
Val and Richard will be doing an interview for RADIO MARSDEN who are on FM radio 87.7 for the month of November. 10pm-12. The session with Findlay MacPherson will include tracks from the new album "Carousel" and chat about the history of B.I.. You can also listen online by typing clicking HERE...on Wedneday 18th November.


24th September 2009:
Val, Richard, Harry and Pete would like to give a big thankyou to everyone who came to our album launch last Friday at the Boom Boom Club. What a fantastic turnout!


9th September 2009:
We are pleased to announce the release of our new album "Carousel" which will be launched on Friday 18th September at the Boom Boom Club@Sutton United , Gander Green Lane, Sutton. Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 on the day. This will be the first time you can buy the album. We look forward to seeing many of you and thankyou for your support as always....


3rd June 2009:
The new B.I. album is recorded! 11 original and 2 cover tracks! Mixing starts next week. Coming soon!!!!...........

5th September 2008:
As many of you know Bob Skeat from Wishbone Ash comes in on Bass very now and again so  Bad Influence have been asked to support Wishbone Ash at their annual convention in Chesterfield on Saturday 27th September. Pete Stroud will be bassman as usual.   Anyone fancy it?


4th July 2008:
Following a conversation with the Coach and Horses in Hounslow, the guvnor, Colin is interested in putting on the bands from the Globe at his place so our July 24th gig has been re-located to there. See gig list...


3rd July 2008:
This last month saw Richard and Val guesting at a Charity night hosted by ROBIN BIBI at the Grey Horse in Kingston which
raised monies for the Chinese and Burmese disasters! Many great guests! PAUL COX< The LOUDSHIRTS<ANDY CORTEZ and many others!!
Unfortunately Val and Richard played the last gig at the Globe in Brentford last Sunday which is being turned into another gastro pub!!
The band would like to thank Charlie and Beatha for many years of a great music venue!! We shall miss it!!
Finally, holiday time is fast approaching and we won't be around much in August but keep checking the gigs page! Bye for now....


8th May 2008:
Val says... I flew to the Isle of Man with the Primo Blues band last Friday.. That is.. Sam Kelly, TJ, Spy and Paul. The Big Wheel Blues Festival was on it's 10th year and gave us a very warm welcome. Michael Roach was on first, then me with Primo and Hamilton Loomis from Texas who was great! Check him out! He had a sax player from the states with him called Stratton and a rhythm section from here, Roger and Jamie who excelled!!! Thanks to all involved for taking care of me so well (especially the barman) who made the J.D. flow!!! (head wasn't too clever on the flight next day). Papa George and I literally passed each other at the terminal and he did same spot on Saturday with Primo. I think everyone was suitably knocked out and hopefully it will be B.I.'s turn next year!

We have quite a few new venues coming up . Barley Mow in Shepperton, Lock Stock and Barrel in Newbury , a couple of Pete Feentra's venues, The Beaverwood and the Bull and Butcher in Whetstone!! Hope to see some old Torrington fans there in North London!! Also Dorchester Arts Centre , Dorset,

Duke of Edinburgh in Maidstone (finally) and a Littlehampton venue called the Cob and Pen which looks to be a great Sunday afternoon!! Finally, we are doing a gig for Dave Richardson of the Swampcats in Malden , Essex called "Beatroots" at the end of July which will take us up to our hols. California here I come, right back where I started from........Mostly pleasure, but a bit of business but I'll tell you about that later..... Enjoy the sunshine!!!!


8th April 2008:
PETE returns from a triumphant tour with the excellent BUDDY WHITTINGTON (John Mayall). Guests on the tour included
Gary Moore, Alan Glen and Val see http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=suWJOVqyqmo 

HARRY and THUNDER played in March for the Childline Rocks Charity at 02 with an All Star line-up including Roger Daltrey, Lulu, Ian Paice, Glenn Hughes etc. etc. ...... Harry is doing the next MAGNUM tour and you can also see him with BAD COMPANY... see Harry James website on our links page....

A BIG thanks go out to our stand ins while the boys are away... BOB SKEAT (Wishbone Ash) and CHAS CRONK (Strawbs) and more recently PETER REESE (Gary Moore) on bass guitar and on drums, JOHNNY MILLER (The Yards), PETE STROUD (Gary Brewer), CLIVE JENNER (Groove Armada) and more recently DARBY TODD (Papa George). All fantastic players, very incestuous business!!!!

RICHARD is selling his FENDER Custom shop 59 Esquire. Tweed case etc... and Bill Nash Telecaster... all enquires to website...

New venues coming up are: Barley Mow, Shepperton, Lock, Stock and Barrel-Newbury (in June) and Dorchester Blues Club see www.bluesnights.co.uk 


3rd February 2008:
Hello everyone and Happy New Year!. The end of 2007 saw Val performing with the very groovy Primo Blues Band. Look out for further dates...... Whilst Richard plays with Ian Hunt , March sees our Pete Stroud doing a little tourette with Buddy Whittington who is John Mayall's guitarist. Don't miss this guy. He is great. Buddy noticed Pete's fantastic playing when he was with Peter Green.( Our mate Bob Skeat of Wishbone Ash will be filling in.) Harry of course does his regular tours with Thunder!!
Having said all that, we all come back together , Bad Influence lives on and we are working on our new cd! Long process I KNOW but these things take time and you can see how busy we all are!
We had a great reception ooop Nawth in Darlington, were really well looked after and will be re-visiting again ! The Boogaloo Blues weekends have been great (on so many levels). Ask us.!?! The Crawdaddy in Essex and Boarhunt Blues Club in Hampshire are also new venues that have asked us back!! Just keep checking that gigs page!
Finally, 2007 saw the passing of our friend MIKE JACKSON and unfortunately MAYFEST won't be happening this year but his partners Trevor and Richard will be carrying on with Walkern Music in Stevenage and have another venue opening too!
Watch this space.
Thanks for your endless support people and hope to continue seeing you all through 2008.


13th October 2007: 
MARSHA'S DAY at the Winning Post was a great success. The band had a great time. Really enjoyed Paul Brady and all the brilliant musicians who turned out for this worthy cause. Especially liked meeting up with Robbie Macintosh again (guitarist extraordinaire from Paul McCartney, Pretenders, Norah Jones and now the wonderful John Mayer) and Mark Feltham (Harmonica, now with Nine Below Zero and a band list as long as your arm), Brendan O Neil (also from Nine Below Zero and ex-Rory Gallagher). Brendan played drums for his daughters' band the Slummin Angels who we enjoyed immensely. Clannad lead vocalist had everyone spellbound. X Factor's Ben Mills was another special guest who did an excellent set and a very decent chap he is too! Denny Laine from Wings guested as did others but we were backstage quaffing wine then so didn't catch everyone!!

14th September 2007: 
Marsha's Funday on September 22nd looks to be a great day in memory of Marsha McDonnell in aid of The Shooting Stars Children's Hospice. Being held at the Winning Post in Twickenham, the event begins with a children's funday afternoon in the car park from 2-5pm.
The doors open at 5.45 and the live music kicks off with the Slummin Angels at 6.30. BAD INFLUENCE are on from 7.15 for about 45 minutes, then Ben Waters, Paul Brady and Jeff Allen Allstars Soul Review finish off the evening. Bar to 1am. There will be many celebrity guests. Please come and support this wonderful charity.




3rd May 2007: 

To mark the passing of Bad Influence's 20th Anniversary we thought that we would release a few memorable pictures which have been sent to in to us by original drummer Chris Sharley, pictured left of Val with Ray Knott (Bass guitar). This was before we went on stage at the Marquee (probably Wardour st. in 1989). Click here to see all the photos!!

26th January 2007: 
The session Val did for the Barcodes new album "With Friends Like These" goes out on Thurs. 15th Feb. between 8 and 9 pm on RADIO 2!! Friends include...Papa George, Paul Cox, Zoot Money Gypie Mayo, Jim Mullen, Roger Cotton amongst others and Val sings a Taj Mahal song ..."Paint My Mailbox Blue" - Tune in!!


5th January 2007: 
Kathryn Lay of the South Wales Evening Post has done a fantastic review of the band's show at the The Tawe Delta Blues Christmas Party on the19th December 2006. Check it out at http://www.swanseablues.co.uk/


8th December 2006: 
Following the success of the Barcodes album launch at the 606 Club in Chelsea (featuring Val amongst MANY others) they are recording a BBC Radio 2 show for Paul Jones on 9th January.   
VAL has also been asked to do a gig with Sam Kelly's Primo Blues Band on Sun. 4th Feb. at The Grey Horse in Kingston, thats 3-5pm.!!
Two new venues coming up for Bad Influence in Feb. are The Soundbox@The Duke's Head, Hampton on 2nd - Band and my God, we are travelling further ooop North to Leicestershire, The Vic. Bikers Pub in Coalville on Sat. 10th.- Full band,  Rest of Feb. to come later  .....
P.S. Don't forget to go out and buy THUNDER'S new single this week to get it high up the charts!!!!


10th November 2006: 
It is with regret that we have to announce that the Cartoon in Croydon will be closing down and our next gig on Sunday November 19th will be our last one (unless a miracle occurs). We have been playing there on and off for 20 years and have made many friends. A special thanks goes out to the present owner, Matt for keeping music live and Trish, Jo and all the staff for running 
a great venue, and of course the soundmen, Colin , Anna and Matt again! Please come down on the 19th and make our last gig a memorable one!


24th October 2006: 
There are still some rooms left at the Boogaloo Blues weekend at Cricket St. Thomas in Chard, Somerset on the weekend of Saturday 4th November. B.I. headline on the Saturday night (and Val and Richard doing an afternoon acoustic set). There is nonstop music from Fri. to Sunday in this Grade II listed building set in a wildlife park with superb indoor facilities. You can get the whole weekend, inc. half board for just £219 by quoting ref. RNB06  Call 0870 601 6012 to book.


5th September 2006: 
Forthcoming gigs to look out for.. CHARITY EVENT .Val and Richard will be doing a guest spot at the Winning Post in Twickenham on Saturday afternoon 16th Sept. between 4 and 5pm amongst many others including Strawbs, Steve Whalley and Nigel Hardy, Nine Below Zero, Ian Hunt, etc. etc. 2 Stages Details to follow....
A new Boogaloo Promotions Blues Weekend over the weekend Fri. 3rd to Mon. 6th November is at Cricket St. Thomas Hotel in Chard, Somerset. The band will be appearing on the Saturday (4th). The weekend costs £219.00 Half Board Phone 0870 601 6012 to book quoting code RNB06 or visit www.boogaloopromotions.com. Another Boogaloo gig is on Thurs. 23rd Nov. at Farnham Maltings with Pete Stroud on Bass and Sam Kelly guesting on drums.
In December B.I. will be doing a new venue, The Camphill Club in West Byfleet (on 1st) and will be returning to Wales to do Tawe Delta Blues Club's Xmas Party in Swansea on Tues. 19th (also with Sam Kelly)


26th June 2006: 
You've seen the picture, now watch the video....here's an exclusive message from SPINAL TAP keyboard player, Vic Savage to all the Bad Influence fans on the Word Wide Web!! Click the link below (you will need Windows Media Player to watch...):

Watch Vic's Video message!!


6th June 2006: 
The Barcodes session for Alan Glen at Roundel Studios on 10th May went really well with Val and Papa George presiding!! Look out for that new album soon with a Val Cowell/Paul Cox duet!!! (no hysterical vocals Alan!! ha ha and an ever smiling Roger Cotton!)
Blake on photos and chauffeuring!!! 
Thanks to all at MAYFEST, Trevor, Mike, Richard and spouses for making this a great and enjoyable event. (Got to do something about the church bells, birds and barking dogs at 6am though!!!?!!!?) ha ha. Photos coming very soon....
The SPINAL TAP keyboard player, Vic Savage has been coming to a few B.I. gigs on visits from his home in California. (See below photo)




8th May 2006: 
Bad Influence have arrived on MYSPACE - Spread the word!!!
The band have launched their official MySpace page at the following link:
http://www.myspace.com/badinfluenceorguk
Check out some tunes, pics, gigs dates and all the latest Bad Influence info here - and don't forget to add us to your MySpace friends list!  


3rd May 2006: 
NEWS!!
There are a few rooms left at The Gunton Hall Blues weekend in Lowestoft, 12th-15th May and if you quote Code RNB06 you can now book it for £129.00. 0870-601 6012
MORE NEWS!!!
After the great write ups and CD reviews, BAD INFLUENCE have a track on the Blues in Britain CD 2006 entitled Best of British Blues which is out with the May issue.............BAD DESIRE of course!!!! www.bluesinbritain.org. Also check out the CD review in BLUES MATTERS by Pete Sargeant!!!!
YES, THERE'S EVEN MORE...
Val is going down to Roger Cotton's studio ROUNDEL in Kent next week to perform on harmonica virtuoso ALAN GLEN'S new album, along with PAPA GEORGE and PAUL COX.
AND FINALLY, EVEN BIGGER NEWS!!!!
We are coming up to celebrating 20 years of BAD INFLUENCE so look out for new releases and a special event later in the year!!!


3rd April 2006: 
Harry at the Albert Hall...
Our own Harry James played at the Albert Hall last Friday night as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust weekend. He was asked by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover of Deep Purple to join them in a set to raise money for this very worthy cause.


2nd February 2006:
Bad Influence have been asked to do MAYFEST - Brent Pelham this year on Sunday 28th May (obviously). This is a great
1 day festival with 2 stages and camping facilities. Bad Influence are on the mainstage and rumour has it that HAYSEED DIXIE are the headliners!!! Look out for further details!! The band have also been asked back to Swansea with the full band to play at Tawe Delta Blues Club on Tuesday 6th June. Hope to see you there!! In other news, Blues in Britain have added "Bad Desire" (from the latest Bad Influence CD, Closer) to their Best of British CD due out in the spring. More details as we have them...


7th December 2005:
Richard and Val have been invited to play at Tawe Delta Blues Club in Swansea, Wales next Tues. 13th December at their annual Christmas party, which includes amongst others the fabulous Papa George Band. The gig is run by Louise and Terry Williams who is the ex-Dire Straits drummer. Looks to be a great night!!!


19th October 2005:
Weekend news: A good time was had by all in the Isle of Wight this last weekend!! The gig was great (not to mention the jam session with Papa George, Pete Stroud and Sam Kelly on the Friday). Thanks to Monica for organisation and cheerfulness (even at 4am) plus because of her a lot of people have the new album "Closer" in their mits!!! On Sunday afternoon we went straight to the Cartoon and although jaded had a real corker of a gig!! Oh and thanks to Tim Aves who organised the jams in IOW (have diplomacy will travel).


26th September 2005:
We rocked Blues@theFort last Saturday night with 1300 leaping bods!! Thanks to Gerry, Larry, Alan and all who looked after
us so well throughout the day! Pics are on Blues@theFort site already and our own Les Linyard's pics. will be put up soon . We had a very enjoyable photo session as you will soon see.


11th September 2005:
Val and Richard's Live Xmas show for BBC Radio 2 from the Buttermarket, Shrewsbury called "Best Of British Blues" is being repeated on the Paul Jones Show on Thurs. 22nd Sept. 8-9pm.


7th September 2005:
Val and Richard have done an interview for the 'Blues in Britain' magazine, which is out this month (September issue). For more info check out www.bluesinbritain.org.


28th August 2005:
Last Wednesday, the track 'Tell Me' (from the fantastic new album 'Closer') was played by John Inverdale on Johnny Walker's Drive Time show on BBC Radio 2. For more info on the show check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/walker/ - why not leave a message on the message board requesting more of the band on the show??


5th August 2005:
Last week's gig at the Walnut Tree in Yalding was a big success! The show was broadcast Live by BBC Southern Counties Radio to no less than 7 Counties!! We have had some amazing feedback so far - keep it coming!!!


19th July 2005:
Val and the Boys would like to say a big thankyou for turning out from far and wide on Sunday for our Album launch and making it a great day. The positive reaction to the CD is fantastic! We hope to see you all again soon!!!!


17th July 2005:
Don't miss today's special album launch show at The Cartoon in Croydon for your first chance to pick up the brand new Bad Influence album, Closer! Click here to read more and to sample all the songs from the album!!  For those unable to make the show, make sure that you head over to Townsend Records tomorrow to order your copy online!!  A brand new Bad Influence T-Shirt is also available from the Buy page of this very site...


16th June 2005:
It's what you've all been waiting for... details of the official launch of Bad Influence's fantastic new album "Closer".
The launch will take place on Sunday 17th July, 3pm at the Cartoon in Croydon with Bad Influence and special guests. DON'T MISS IT!!


14th June 2005:
Album update from Val: "The date and venue for our Album Launch is imminent so keep watching this space!"


5th June 2005:
Newsflash from Val...
"Our new album entitled 'Closer' is now recorded and mixed, but the manufacturing is taking longer than expected. Sorry people, but we know it will be worth the wait! We can also tell you that we have a very special guest on it! Any guesses? Won't be long. Val x. "


3rd March 2005:
Part 2 of the BI xmas show from Shrewsbury goes out tonight on Paul Jones Show Radio 2, 88-91FM. You can listen again on the Radio 2 website - click here to go there!


13th February 2005:
NEWS UPDATE FROM THE BOSS...
"Hey guys, whilst Chris and Harry did their bit for the Tsunami appeal on the other side of London with Don Airey and The Illegal Eagles, Richard and I joined in an evening at the Grey Horse in Kingston with many other great artists. The night raised in excess of £3,000 so well done Richard (pub Guvnor) for putting it on and Robin Bibi for excellent organisation.
The Boogaloo blues weekend at Littlecote House Hungerford was a big success so book your tickets now for the weekend of October 15th in the Isle of Wight when we will be on the same weekend with our mate Papa George! It has been reported that band members can be caught dancing around at the all night jam sessions at around 5am!? And that alcohol is involved?! We are also doing Farnham Maltings for Boogaloo on Thursday 12th May! A great venue, click here to visit Boogaloo's website for more info.
Our long awaited album is coming on people. We are back in the studio this month. Look out!"


4th October 2004:
A special charity gig in aid of SEEABILITY has been organised featuring Bad Influence. The gig will take place on Saturday 27th November at the Ambassadors Club, Hangar Road, Tadley, Hants 7.30-11.30pm. Tickets cost £7.00 and are available from Gareth on 07793 411833 or 01189 821550.


20th September 2004:
Following the success of Boogaloo Promotions' Big Blues Weekend in Hayling Island, Bad Influence have been booked for two more events next year. The first is at Littlecote near Hungerford in January and later on the Isle of Wight in October 2005. Book now and get looking forward to a great weekend! Click here to visit Boogaloo's website for full details.


27th July 2004:
Ealing Blues festival was B. I. going down a storm to a few thousand bods!!
Had no idea it was so big! Thanks to Bob Hokum for thinking of us and saying Val was better than Beyonce and Madonna. ha ha
We've had a call from Beeb Radio 2 producer Richard Masters who has asked us to do a show in December in Shrewsbury entitled The Best of British Blues. We'll keep you all posted as to when it's going out.
Finally new album is work in progress. (if I had a pound for everyone that had asked me when???) We are aiming for winter release.
In the meantime, keep coming to the gigs!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Love Val


5th April 2004:
A few updates to the gigs page - keep checking in, things being added all the time.
News from Chris, he has released an album "The Stand". The Stand is centered around bass player Chris Childs and Illegal Eagles vocalist Ray Brown. Chris produced and co-wrote all the material playing bass, guitar and keyboards on the album. Full track listing for 'Moon And The Sun' is as follows:
Up To You . Peaceful Land . Don't Stop . Remember . Make A Man Of Me . I Want Your Love . Moon And The Sun . Queen . Tell Me . Song For Stephen
The album is available from Townsend and you can also visit The Stand website.


24th March 2004:
Lots of news from Val...
BI went down a storm at our first Blues Weekend on Sat 13th March at Hayling Island. After breaking the record for the most CD sales EVER at ones of these events, our warm host Monica Madgewick has invited us to play at the Farnham Maltings on Saturday 12th June. Check out the gigs page for more details. These Blues Weekends are run throughout the year and they're fantastic value. Special thanks from BI to Tim Aves from the Rocking Armadillos for running the jam sessions and for all his support.
For all you Welsh fans - Bad Influence are finally coming to Wales!! We will play at Talywain RFC on Saturday 12th June. Junction 24 off the M4 - is that near you!?
We will be doing Blues at the Fort in Portsmouth supporting Sherman Robertson on Friday 24th September - this is a big gig!! Details to follow on our gigs page.
Oh and last but not least Richard has a darts match down the local on Tuesday so wish him luck (ha ha ha!).
Love from Bad Influence
x


23rd February 2004:
Gigs updated: most importantly, from now on the Cartoon gigs will start at 3pm not 3.30pm. Don't be late!


9th February 2004:
Val will be appearing as a special guest, along with Marcus Malone, Alan Glen, Roger Cotton and many more, at the launch of Papa George Band's new album "Down at the Station".
All this takes place at the Bulls Head, Lonsdale Road, Barnes on Friday 19th March, 8.30pm start. Entrance is £8 and it's a night not to be missed! For more information visit Papa George's Website.
Don't forget to check out the Bad Influence gigs page and get your social life planned from now til the end of April (yay!). There are still a few more to come so keep checking back.


12th January 2004:
After a busy but happy new year, everyone is back and ready for another busy Bad Influence year. Especially the webmistress who has made a new year's resolution to pull her finger out! Any piccies, venue info, hotel info that would be good on the site (thank you so much for the things I've received already!) and check out the gigs page which is - up to date!!
The whole band but Val and Richard especially are looking forward to THE BIG BLUES WEEKEND which is held in Sinah Warren, Hayling Island. From Friday 12-15th March 2004 (Bad Influence are playing on the 13th) the weekend is headlined by soul and R&B diva Ruby Turner, plus The Ian Parker Band, Amor, Dr JJ's Blues Band, The Robin Bibi Band and Roy Mette. Bob Hokum is MC and Tim Aves is running the jam sessions. For more details, to download a leaflet or to book visit www.boogaloopromotions.com
Get to a gig!


9th October 2003:
Just finished listening to the band live on BBC Radio Paul Jones Show - the gig in Newscastle - how good was that!! If you missed it, or you want to listen to it again, visit the BBC website where you can replay the show online as many times as you like for freeeee up until 8pm next Thursday.

NEWS FROM THE BAND... at the end of September, Val was down in Kent doing some backing vocals on Papa George's forthcoming album. George teamed her up with Detroit bluesman Marcus Malone (who Val says has a wonderful voice) so you can look forward to that one coming out. Roget Cotton of Peter Green's Splinter Group owns the studio and engineered the session - also Peter Stroud popped in with cakies and gave Val a lift home (THANKS PETE!). He is bass man for Papa George and Peter Green! Small world, isn't it!?
NEWS FROM THE USELESS WEB BIRD... sorry for the delay guys. Had a bit of a time of it lately, it all started when my car died on the way home from Harry's comeback gig and hasn't got much better since! Wrists are slapped etc.


21st August 2003:
News just in from Val - Bad Influence are going to be on BBC Radio 2 AGAIN! More specifically, part of a live show including the likes of Johnny Marrs and Eric Bibb. The event will take place at the Newcastle Opera House on October 6th, to be broadcast on the Paul Jones show along with an interview with the band on October 9th, 8.00-9.00pm. Tickets will be available soon - full details are to be announced, keep your eyes on the Newcastle Opera House website in the meantime.
Oh and finally, everyone say "woooooohoooooo!", "augh!" and "wibble!" because the man with no hair will be back in September - yay! Don't forget to visit his official website and leave nice messages in the guestbook!


22nd July 2003:
On Tuesday 8th July Val appeared at "Girls With Guitars", Porter House Bar Covent Garden. This was a showcase type evening also featuring several ladies who rock including Nikki from Never the Bride. There were great reports from all involved, Val played One Way Love, Ordinary Day, Miss You, a duet with Nikki for Bring It On Home and everyone got involved for Piece of My Heart.
Big thank you to Mark for the picture.
As you may know, Harry has been a bit under the weather lately and we're all thinking happy thoughts for a speedy return, in the meantime the gig schedule is as busy as ever with some fine guest drummers filling the hot seat so check out the updated gigs for July, August and September and get yourself out there (and don't forget to buy a t-shirt).
If anyone has any more pics to add (Slob, thank you, I've got yours ready for the next update) I'd love to have them. Never mind the Loonies Board, spare a thought for northern web birds who get too tiddly to operate their cameras on the odd occasion they do get to a gig!


22nd April 2003:
Be excited, be very excited, it's finally here... BAD INFLUENCE MERCHANDISE!! T-shirts are now available, in black and navy, in all sizes, including v-neck skinny fit ones for the girlies (I won't be wearing anything else this summer!!). Baseball caps are also part of the new range. Priced at £12 and £15, you can purchase t-shirts and caps at gigs. Online purchase facility is currently being sorted out so fear not if you can't get to a gig, you'll just have to hang on a bit. Pictures to follow shortly - it's just all so new!
Don't forget to check out the gigs page, April and May have both been updated including details of the Mayfest event on May 25th - check out the website, it'll be a goodun.


24th March 2003:
News from the band - there have been extra rehearsals lately and as a result, four new songs in the set. "Are You Going to Go My Way" - Lenny Kravitz, "Stay With Me" - The Faces, "In My Place" - Coldplay and "Rock Steady" by Bryan Adams, all of which are sounding fantastic. A new studio album of original material is also in the pipeline for this year.
There has been even more interest in the band since the appearance on BBC Radio 2, more traffic to the site, albums sold, members on the mailing list and bums on seats (or jiggling on feet) at gigs. So it's all good!
Updated today - links page (the new thunder website, oooooooh) and the gigs page (though more details are to be added with regards duo dates.


3rd February 2003:
Don't forget, get your radio at the ready for the Bad Influence Session, BBC Radio 2, the Paul Jones Show on this Thursday (Feb 6th) from 8pm-9pm.
Gigs updated for February, please note that the Brook gig on the 21st has been cancelled this month, and some dates so far added for March. Potential gathering on the 1st you loonies? Let me know?
The Bad Influence interview is now up on the Get Ready to Rock Website - under the "Rising Stars" section.


22nd January 2003:
Bad Influence have been interviewed for the Get Ready to Rock Website - I only found out about the site in relation to the interview but it's quite cool! Lots of interviews, reviews and music news check it out. The BI interview will be up there soon on the special features section under' rising stars'! Go there. Gig list updated too. You lucky lucky southern things.


30th November 2002:
MORE news from the BBC...
The longer we wait, the quicker it comes! The Bad Influence session will be part of the BBC Radio 2 Paul Jones Show on Thursday February 6th, 2003. Wooohoooo! His show is on 8pm-9pm, Papa George fans tune in on Dec 12th.


25th October 2002:
NEWS FROM THE BBC....
The session mentioned below is now scheduled for broadcast on 20th February 2003, on BBC Radio 2.
Some updates to the gigs page and don't forget to sign up for Bad Influence news by email.


10th October 2002:
BAD INFLUENCE AT THE BBC!
Much excitement yesterday as Bad Influence headed north to the legendary Pebble Mill after being invited to record a session for BBC Radio 2's "Paul Jones Show". Tracks recorded were:
"Keep Your Hands to Yourself"
"I'm on Your Side"
"Give it Up or Let Me Go"
"Mercury Blues"
The session is due to be broadcast on 27th March 2003 on BBC Radio 2.


28th September 2002:
New look site launched. Currently experiencing technical difficulties with the host of the site so we might have to look for a new home, please let me know if you have problems. A few areas are still underconstruction so bear with me - but the gigs page is up to date!!


July 2002:
Bad Influence have been invited to the BBC Radio Studio to record a session for Paul Jones' show. The session will comprise of an interview with the band and several tracks performed live - possibly including some new material. Watch this space for details.
 

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