Battle of the bands nears grand final
Over the last three months, sixteen heats and six semi-finals have hosted 70 bands, watched by over 2500 fans, as Battle of the Bands 2009 has built to an eagerly awaited climax.
The Grand Final, which takes place on Saturday, April 25, is now looming large for the eight finalists who have fought a tough campaign to get there.
The competition, sponsored by Banks', Beacon Radio and M2 Studios, has been a roaring success this year with attendances exceeding last year's total.
Rebel Creek, Third Way Forward, Psycho Circus, CCL and Signify have fought their way through to the final by winning their respective heats and subsequent semi-finals.
Joining them are Concept:MK, whose multitudinous fans have won them the Online Wildcard by voting for them on the BOTB website this year, as well as Beacon Radio's Wildcard Winners - The Crimes.
The Grand Final promises to be a veritable festival of local emerging talent with Beacon Radio's Jon Wyre playing compare and a judging panel comprising a wealth of local music industry experience.
The first prize is £1000 and a photo shoot as well as 24 hours or 3 days of studio time with M2 Studios.
The second prize is £400 plus 12 hours of studio time with M2 Studios, while all other finalists will get £150 plus a £20 voucher towards studio time at M2 Studios.
Tickets to the event are priced £6.00 and are available from Midland Box Office on 0870 320 7000 or online at www.wolvescivic.co.uk
The finalists are:
Rebel Creek (Walsall)
Rebel Creek play country rock music from the likes of Little Big Town, Toby Keith and Garth Brooks combined with traditional songs from Doc Watson, Chet Atkins and Johnny Cash.
Third Way Forward (Rowley Regis)
Third Way Forward are a four piece pop-punk band formed in 2007, who are set to release their second EP this summer.
Psycho Circus (Perton)
Psycho Circus describe themselves as a raw rock n' roll band, playing energetic live shows with catchy riffs and heart-pounding drums.
The Crimes (Solihull)
The Beacon Radio Wildcard winners are influenced by The Kooks, The Chilli Peppers and Led Zeppelin. The band have an energetic, uplifting and upfront sound that has made people take notice.
CCL (Much Wenlock)
CCL list their influences as Billy Idol, Razorlight, Artic Monkeys, Oasis, Queen, Pigeon Detectives and, unusually, Boyz 2 Men!
Signify (Cradley Heath)
Stourbridge and Dudley metal band Signify have an exciting year planned with the release of a new demo and a tour scheduled for later in the year.
The Vants (Bilston)
The Vaults describe themselves as a mixture of rock, indie and classic rock.
Concept:MK (Selly Oak)
Online Wildcard winners The Concept:MK play a fresh, progressive hybrid of dance, indie and electronica.
The Copicats
Guest band The Copicats will be keep the crowd entertained while the results are calculated.
