Roadhouse

Roadhouse are a UK blues rock and hard rock group formed in 1991 by Gary Boner and Robert A. Roberts. The band’s core line-up includes Gary Boner on guitar and vocals, Bill Hobley on bass, Roger Hunt on drums and Danny Gwilym on guitar, alongside vocalist Mandie.G. It also works with a rotating group of female vocalists, including Samantha Richards, Suzie.D, Rachel Clark and Kelly Marie Hobbs.

Sound and style

The band draws on influences that range from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Creedence Clearwater Revival and describes its sound as Southern Gothic Americana with a South London influence. Its material sits largely in blues rock, with hard rock, AOR, rock and melodic rock also associated with the group. Reviews describe the band as blues-based, with a rocky edge and a punchy playing style.

Releases and recording

Roadhouse releases 11 CDs and is signed to Blues Matters/Cross Border Records. Its 2004 CD No Place To Hide receives strong critical response and is described by commentators as one of the strongest UK blues rock releases of that year. The band’s current CD, Dark Angel, is widely regarded as its best-known release.

Live activity

Roadhouse plays more than 2,000 live shows and appears at many festivals in the UK and mainland Europe. Its festival appearances include Glastonbury, the Blues Rock Weekend in Skegness, the National R&B Festival in Colne, and the National Blues Festival in Burnley. The band also plays at festivals in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and France. At the Antwerp festival in 2005, it performs to nearly 10,000 people alongside Dr Feelgood and John Hammond.

Broadcasts and touring links

The band appears live on the Paul Jones Show on BBC2 in 2004, performing three tracks. It also supports or bills alongside a number of established acts, including Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa, The Animals, The Yardbirds, Dr Feelgood, Nine Below Zero, The Hamsters, Wilco Johnson, Mick Taylor and Pat Travers.

Critical reception

Roadhouse is regarded as one of the UK’s long-running blues rock acts, with a reputation for original material and experienced musicianship. Its recordings receive radio play on more than 100 stations in over 20 countries, often in full rotation.