The Revivals

The Revivals are a Perthshire-based rock and roll band formed by Ian Hutchison after he leaves an earlier group that he feels is going nowhere. Hutchison keeps drummer Mike Skinner and recruits lead guitarist Stuart Methven and bassist Dave Shaw, after an old school friend offers to manage and finance the new line-up. The band name follows from this reset, and the group develops a sound rooted in high-energy rock and roll.

Line-up and background

The Revivals consist of Hutch, Dave, Stu and Skinner: Ian Hutchison on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Mike Skinner on drums, Stuart Methven on lead guitar and Dave Shaw on bass. The group is described as comprising two Scots, an Englishman and an Australian. Hutchison also writes songs for the band.

Style and influences

The band is associated with rock and roll and has a broad sound that can shift between slower and faster material. Their music is described as drawing on the traditions of rock, and one description compares them to Led Zeppelin meeting Americana. Hutchison cites influences including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Activity and performances

The Revivals build a following from live work across the country, with The Twa Tams in Tayside becoming a regular venue for them. They play support and showcase dates at venues including The Borderline, The Cavern, King Tut’s and Dublin Castle, and they are invited back after those appearances. The band also completes a 15-date nationwide tour.

Broadcasts and support slots

During touring, The Revivals perform acoustic sets for BBC Leeds, BBC Leicester, BBC Merseyside, BBC Norfolk and BBC Nottingham. They also appear live on BBC Counties radio with Dave Lee Travis for John Peel Day, and that session is later broadcast again.

Reception and associations

The group receives favourable reviews and shares bills with acts including The Zutons, Aynsley Lister, Cosmic Rough Riders, Shaun Ryder, The Farm, The Casuals, Pipeline and the Endrick Brothers.