Lonesome Dogs A Dogged History

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"I play bass, I sing a bit and I'm looking to join or form a blues band. I am in Birmingham but I would be prepared to travel if necessary. Yes, I may have been at it for a long time, but I'm not ready for the scrap heap just yet....."

Thus ran the advertisement for the then unnamed project which would become

The Lonesome Dog Blues Band!

Strategically placed in music emporia and other prime locations by Alf Stokes, this notice was soon spotted by the keen eye of drummer Dick Battye.

After a couple of not too successful tryouts with various axe-men, Alf was somewhat surprised (if not intrigued) to discover that Dick had been holding out on him.

"I know a guitarist who might be interested", declared the drummer.

Enter one Darren Cole. After the first run-through on 10th November 2002 it was fairly obvious that this was it. Regular rehearsals began - The Dogs were to make their debut with a guest spot at the Triumph Bikers' Club Christmas Bash the following month.

After another warm up spot in Sutton Coldfield the boys went into the studio to cut three tracks for a 'live' CD in March 2003. This rare and much sought after recording has been known to change hands for almost immoral amounts of money, not to mention favours of a somewhat dubious nature.

In April that same year The Lonesome Dog Blues Band began a residency at The Town House, Leamington Spa. They have since been stunning audiences and building up a steady following across the length and breadth of the Midlands, playing a range of classic through to contemporary blues - in their own style, of course...

The Dogs have since performed at such events as The Custard Factory Summer Solstice Celebrations, The Upton Blues Festival, The Cheltenham Fringe Festival and have appeared at such venues as The Wulfrun Hall and The Robin 2.