SOHO DUKES actually started life as a nineteenth-century drinking club, when – on a crawl around the taverns of London’s West End – BOMBER (bass) and JOHNNY BARRACUDA (vocals n’ that) crossed the weaving paths of COL ‘THE DUKE’ FOSTER (rhythm guitar) and AGE BLACKWELL (drums).
Sadly, rocketing beer prices and the admission to the club of two new worthy and indispensable members – SI LEACH (lead guitar) and the enigmatic SWERVE (keys) – raised the cost of a round to unsustainable levels. Something had to give. Col threw a guitar strap over his shoulder and the band was born.
And, no. There’s still absolutely nothing you can do about it. I’ve checked that too.
Contrary to medical advice and all good taste, the Dukes have since smuggled out two magnificent albums, ‘BAR FIGHTS & TUPPENNY UPRIGHTS’ in 2021 and, very recently, ‘GOLDEN AGE OF THE BARBER’S CHAIR’. Quite remarkably, a third album, ‘NIGHTHAWKS, ACROBATS AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE MOON is scheduled for release (via Cargo Records) in late November. There really is no stopping these lads. Believe me. I’ve tried.
Glowing reviews of both albums and the Dukes’ boisterous live gigs have drawn comparisons with Rolling Stones, Small Faces, Heavy Metal Kids, Madness, Dr Feelgood, Mott The Hoople, Ian Dury and many others – even the Sex Pistols. Such a varied list of luminaries suggests there’s something truly original going on here. So why not grab yourself an earful and join the fun. What’s the worst that can happen?