Following the release of their Christmas single, Rocket Joe Joe and The Old Time Bangers chat to Andy Howells

Who are you and how did you come together?

We are Rocket Joe Joe & the Old Time Bangers, a 50’s & 60’s Rock & Roll tribute band from Cardiff. Adam (Guitar, Vocals) and Matt (Drums) have played together in various bands for over ten years.

They met Jason (Bass) through a mutual friend and Jess (Vocals) through a wanted ad. The band formed from a shared love of Rockabilly and old Rock & Roll.

Where are you from?

We are from Cardiff except for Jess who is from Dyserth, North Wales.

The band is based in Cardiff How would you describe your music style?

Good old fashioned Rock & Roll! We choose classic songs from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s as we feel the time represents the birth of Rock & Roll music.

We do occasionally stray in to Swing, Country and Crooner songs but only in aid of representing the spirit of an era. These songs are still remembered for a reason.

What’s been your best live experience?

Any weekend show at Porters in Cardiff can be incredibly fun.

The crowd is always up for a dance and laugh. It’s always a pleasure to play a wedding too and we do that regularly. The most unusual place we’ve played so far would have to be Oakwood Park.

You have a new single out can you tell us more about that? This Christmas we released a Rockabilly rendition of the classic ‘Jingle Bells’ in aid of homelessness charity Shelter Cymru. We feel it’s important to think of those less fortunate than ourselves and decided to raise money for a good cause. Between the cold weather and the festivities of Christmas time, many people are at risk of illness and even death by living on the streets here in South Wales.

Where can people hear your music?

Music along with other information about us can be found at www.RocketJoeJoe.co.uk.

Where can we catch you live?

Our next show outside of Cardiff is February 1st @ Blaengarw Workman's Club.

Other than that you can catch us January 18th O'Neills, Cardiff. (St Mary's St).

We'll be playing at Porters and O'Neills in Cardiff once a month for the rest of 2014.

To see a complete list of bookings check www.RocketJoeJoe.co.uk