About Me
- Be patient friends and fans, our time at uni is nearly at a close. The summer of 2008 is going to be massive with new material and gigs across the country. - A self-inflicted wound, your gift. Impeccable aim can really clear a room. All the bodies piled up in your way. It hurts so bad, it must. I could keep you all for myself. I know you gotta be free. So free yourself -
The Rocketeers are an energetic hard rock band who remain loyal to their blues roots.
History:
Having played together for several years in former metal band Acrid, James, Ash and Rob splintered off to form a group based more around their own blues-rock interests. They began by playing several successful, purely instrumental gigs under the name 'Evil Kinevil' before James took up the role of lead vocalist and Ash adopted back-up. Making a name for themselves within the local scene with their loud, trashy rock n' roll and energetic live shows, they developed a loyal following of gig goers enjoying a refreshing break from the recent upsurge of lifeless indie acts. In early 2005 the band travelled to Earthworks Studios, North London, to record three tracks, which, accompanied by a live recording of jingly crowd-pleaser 'Comin' Back' went together to form their self titled debut EP. Extensive gigging off the back of this release paved the way for a steady rise in popularity, and the band soon returned to the studio (namely SoundArc Studios, Shefford) to record a further seven songs, including a re-worked studio version of 'Comin' Back.' These were then combined with the re-mastered recordings from their discontinued debut EP to form 'Tales From the Arc' - a collection of The Rocketeers' core material up to that point. Aimed as a promotional tool more than anything else, and with the retail price at just a pound, 'Tales' provided the group with new fans, promoters, gigs and oppertunities. 2007 was a busy year for the north Herts trio, with extensive touring during the summer months. With gigs ranging from London to York the lads travelled up and down the country, bringing their incendiary sound to eager new audiences. This time on the road gave birth to a definite direction for the band, and new songs began to take on a more bass-heavy, driving sound, reflective of the 90s Californian 'desert rock' scene. Though still very much their own sound, this new material has given The Rocketeers a stronger sense of identity within the world at large, and only now can their plans for global domination truely come to fruition. Late 2007 saw the recording and mixing of several new tracks, and a re-vamp of the band's live set, with old songs needing to be mercilessly cast aside in the wake of a thunderous new presence. With plans for iTunes releases and the band becoming a full time occupation as other comittments are fulfilled, 2008 looks set to be the birth of something special. Watch this space...
Reviews:
"Every single song on this impressive EP is an irresistible toe tapping, finger clicking hit, which confirms that this band's greatness is far from accidental" - StrangePlace Music
"A damn good 3 piece band that really rock. Guaranteed to reach the bottom of your legs and give them a good waggle while they rip the place to pieces" - Club 85
"On the Sunday there was a whole different variation of bands. My personal favourite was the band that kicked off the morning in the square, the Rocketeers. Well known in the area for their hard rock with a twist of blues, the 45-minute set was something not to be missed. With some jaw-dropping guitar solos from guitarist Rob Watson the day began with a bang." - The Comet (after Rhythms of the World festival 2006)
