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ARGUABLY the kingdom's favourite cover band The Boxtones, whose sounds have captivated the masses at a leading hotel's legendary Friday brunch sessions and late on in the evening at its adjoining showbar, is setting out on a new musical adventure.
The popular five-piece British band which boasts close Bahrain connections has been busy in the recording studio laying down original tracks and steering their careers in a new direction.
The Boxtones are a family affair in more ways than one. Managed by businessman Brian Tierney, who lives in Awali with his wife Lynn, his son Gary, 34, is lead guitarist and his daughter Gill, 27, a former pupil at St Christopher's School, plays drums.
Gary's fiancŽ is vocalist Louise Peel, 33, and they are joined by multi-tasking keyboard and saxophonist Roberto Wilson, 25, and Joe Harney, 26, on bass.
More than a thousand devoted fans turned up for a farewell performance at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. Gary said: "Most bands change members like the weather changes but we have had the same line-up for two-and-a-half years.
"When we signed up for the Diplomat gig we were only meant to be on for three months ... but it was extended to six, then nine months and the rest is history.
"The following we have built up in Bahrain has been simply amazing. The fans have been so supportive and we count them as our friends. When we come through from the brunch down to Fiddlers they are singing along.
"After working hard together as a group we thought we should start writing our own music and recording it and looking for new challenges."
The band set up its own label called World Domination Records and four tracks have already been set down.
"During our last day at the Diplomat Brunch last month we gave away CDs as a thank you and a farewell gift. Inside were cards that told followers how to contact us on Facebook and how to give us their feedback on our new music," Gary added.
"The response has been fantastic; we even had a club in Jamaica play our music thanks to one of our fans. We've also heard of a lot of people telling us they play the CD in their cars all the time.
"Now we will push for radio play with perhaps a music video and DVD release. We are focusing on sending out our music to the masses."
Louise added: "Before we started playing at the Diplomat brunch the venue had 200-250 people and then when we joined the attendance went up to 300 then 400 and even higher. At our last show we attracted about 1,200 people.
"We are a hardworking band. We don't just turn up, drink and sing. We each have tasks to do from organising our merchandising or updating our social networks and contacts.
"We also have two rehearsals every week in which we learn new songs so our set doesn't sound stale. We work really hard so it's not just a night job. There's a good versatility among all of us and we all bring something to the table."
Prior to the extended Diplomat run, the Boxtones performed at numerous prestigious venues and events including The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland for the 2005 G8 summit, in Nigeria for the Caledonian Society Ball, as well as in China and Dubai. They have also supported more established acts such as Lit, The Moffats, Blink 182 and the Goo Goo Dolls.
Gary said: "The best advice I can give any group trying to make it in the music business here in Bahrain is don't give up and set up your own gigs. If you want it ... go and get it!"
The Boxtones will be opening for the Oasis tribute band Oasish at JJ's on February 10. It will be the band's first appearance at the popular live music venue. Doors will open from 8pm and tickets are available at the main door at BD5.
Gary said: "JJ's is another good opportunity for the Bahrain public to see us live and to thank all of them for their continued support. We have a lot of different things in the pipeline. There are plans in motion to leave Bahrain very soon, but we will always hold this place as somewhere special, and hope to come back at some stage."
