HOOPER – THE ROYAL VENUE, CLEVELEYS, JULY 4TH 2003

Hooper are one of those bands who seem very much at home in a theatre or arena; their energy, polish and pure professionalism allow them to put on a dynamic show much appreciated by such capacity crowds. Bands used to playing the larger venues often underwhelm in a smaller, localised setting. Not so Hooper. They have the ability to raise the smaller venue to a much higher plane, taking their audience with them on their melodic meander through the musical decades. Covering songs from the 70s through to the Noughties, Hooper cater for practically every musical taste.

On the 4th July, Hooper once again delivered the goods by way of a slick set of popular tunes which, interspersed with the dry comedic interaction of the band, produced a thoroughly enjoyable show. Andrew Flynn on drums is without doubt one of the most talented drummers I have ever seen, and his acerbic wit would stand him in good stead should he wish to trade his tins ‘n’ skins for a life on the comedy circuit. Guitarist Dave Christian, Matrix influenced before the film was cool (though on this occasion minus his shades – a scary sight) provides the quiet, supercool element to the band. Bassist David Brindley, is the hunk with the funk, and delectable keyboard player/vocalist, (and Keifer Sutherland lookalike) Ian Hooper puts in a powerful performance as the diva with the fever.

I like Hooper, I’d feel confident seeing them in a huge arena or a smaller venue – they truly are a band for all seasons, and if I had to have one minor criticism it would be that they rarely showcase their own fine material. The thing I like most about Hooper is that they deliver the goods wherever and whenever you see them. The audience are never short-changed and will always be assured of a quality performance.

Eileen Frain

"Hi to the band from all the crew at Jumpin Jacks!!! You've got to be undoubtedly the best band on the circuit!!! Just keep on coming guys, you are FANTASTIC!!" -
C.J. Bounty (Jumpin Jaks, Entertainment manager)

Absolutely brilliant!!!! Went to see Chubby Brown last night and Hooper, well what a performance!!! The drummer, VERY well played, I've never seen anyone play like that (well not without ruining a perfectly good set of drums, hehe) FANTASTIC!!! Guitars.... WOW - Blown away, nothing more I can say, these guys know exactly how to make those machines sing to their full potential...one day after a good few years of practice I hope to get up to the standard that they have achieved!!!!! WELL DONE!!!!

All round Blazing performance vocals were extraordinary, everything was pulled together perfectly!!!

Thanks for a great night!!!
Erin Wilson
Stoke on Trent

" AN ABSOLUTELY EXCEPTIONAL BAND, IN 22 YEARS OF WORKING WITH LIVE ACTS I HAVE YET TO FIND ONE BETTER THAN HOOPER...
TOTALLY PROFESSIONAL, TOTALLY ACCURATE, TOTALLY BRILLIANT"
Andy Baker - Brannigans - Croydon.

"This band have perfected their music over the years and all four of them present the music of the last three decades to include a smattering of the 90s a blast of the 80s and a combination of the 60s and 70s to delight the audience" - Bistro French Live -Preston.

"Hooper were brilliant, top performance! They turned our night-do around and got everyone partying. We had loads of remarks off family and friends saying how good they were. We would recommend Hooper to anyone." - Deborah Hare, wedding, County Durham, August 2002

Quotes

"They're bloody brilliant!" - Dani Behr

"Superb! One of the best bands I've seen!" - Shane Ritchie

"The cult phenomenon currently taking the UK by storm!" - Performing Arts Management

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