Three-piece band from Abersoch to play the Cavern Club

Apr 28 2011 by Gareth W. Williams, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

A YOUNG band have followed in the footsteps of some of the biggest groups in the world, by playing in the internationally renowned Cavern Club over the weekend.

The Liverpool venue is known as where Brian Epstein first spotted the Beatles, almost exactly 50 years ago, and has also seen performances by other musical legends as The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Queen.

But now, a three-piece outfit from Abersoch are following in their footsteps by performing a half-hour set in front of hundreds of fans.

Aaron Williams and Tomos MacAulay, both 24, and 21 year old Sam Pilling are known collectively as The Kickbacks.

They were formed in 2009 after they’d played in other local bands, but had known each other for quite some time.

Former Ysgol Botwnnog pupil Aaron said: “Tomos and myself have been good friends since we were in primary school.

“We’re different to most bands as we’re a three piece and don’t actually have a drummer.

“That may sound odd to most people, but we describe our music as rock-ska”.

The band have already gained some success and appeared on television last summer when they performed at the Wakestock festival.

They have already gained quite a following in the Abersoch area, and have a staple of fans who follow them around North Wales and the border counties.

But their chance to play at the Cavern came when the world renowned venue posted an ad on their website, looking for new bands to perform there.

Aaron continued: “We sent away an email with a link to our myspace site, which has MP3’s of some of our songs.

“When we were told that we were to actually play there we were over the moon, especially when you consider how many music legends have stepped foot on that very site.”

Their loyal fans didn’t let the boys down either, with a 50 seater coach from the Lln peninsula there to cheer for them on Easter Sunday.

There was even a contingent from the Runcorn area on hand, who’d heard the band play while on holiday in the Abersoch area.

Aaron went on to say: “It was great to see hundreds of people there, and the reaction afterwards was so complimentary.

“The technicians told us afterwards that we drew in a good crowd and they’d be in touch for us to come back.

“It’s such a boost for us to get a compliment like that, especially as our sound is pretty unique.

“We have bilingual songs, and our next hope is to have a busy summer and to release an album in the near future.

“But it’s an amazing experience to have played in the Cavern, and hopefully will be back there soon enough.”