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The Boxtones, one of the kingdom’s favourite music-makers, will be returning to their roots for a one-off show to ring in the New Year … and are looking for a new name for their original alter egos.
The band will be appearing at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa, where its members developed a massive following during a two-year stint providing the entertainment at thehotel’s legendary Friday brunch sessions and late on in the evening at its adjoining Fiddlers show bar.
The act set out on a new musical adventure in Dubai earlier this year and vocalist Louise Peel said: “The things I find most irresistible about coming back to Bahrain are the people and its originality.
“Bahrain just kind of pulled us in and held us here and I have to say that the friends we have made and the amazing support we’ve always found in Bahrain are unrivalled. And, for those reasons and more we will always come back for as long as the fans will have us!”
The five-piece British band is 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. Louise is Gary’s fianceé 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. Gary explained: “We had lived here for years previous to the Boxtones’ Bahraini career and launched our very first original band ‘Fuse’ many moons ago with great response too!”
Other members of the band are looking forward to the return trip. Roberto said: “We are so looking forward to a good party New Year-style with all of our friends in Bahrain.
“We love living and performing in Dubai but we never lose the excitement of coming back to Bahrain. It’s a firm favourite for us and we enjoy it just as much as the crowd, if not more!”
Joe added: “During our stay, the Diplomat became the ‘place to be’ in Bahrain and we can guarantee that we’ll bring back the same, if not better, level of entertainment for our New Year return.”
Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel’s general manager Panos Panagis said: “With 2011 drawing to a close the hotel is gearing itself up for its famous New Year’s Eve gala ball which this year is themed Fire & Ice. With so many new happenings at the hotel it’s nice to welcome back some old favorites too and the Boxtones are back once more!
“With a repertoire of rock and pop classics, The Boxtones are set to make sure that the last night of the year goes out with a bang, so join us for a night to remember.”
The band has finally finished recording original music set to be released under a new name. The album has been named ‘In the pockets of clowns’ and contains nine tracks.
“We’re still pondering on an original music band name,” explained Gary, “and you’ve no idea how difficult it is to get five musos to agree on one.
“We should add that as a covers band we will always perform as The Boxtones as it’s been good to us, but in order to separate the two we needed something new.
“We’re all really excited with the album and happy with the way it has turned out.”
l To keep up-to-date with the release, gigs and general news, the act can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, myspace, Youtube, wordpress, boxtonesband.com or sign up to the newsletter by emailing management@boxtonesband.com
