The new-look Big Bang is returning to town three months after its local debut at Keighley Festival. And the quintet has settled in to its new sound and image following warm-up gigs in the Colne area.
The Big Bang has been a part of the Keighley music scene for more than a decade and has gone through three different frontmen and as many changes of musical direction.
Long-time musicians Stan, Steve and BJ recently recruited their original singer Dazz and added a keyboard for the first time. The addition of ivory-tinkler Dave Smith, formerly of Keighley band Tread, was a conscious decision so the band could switch from indie rock 'n' roll to songs of the early 60s.
Guitarist Stan Greenwood says quite a few people went along to the festival gig, including old fans who wanted to check out the new style.
"We've gone down well everywhere we've played," he says. "We don't play obscure stuff. There might be the odd album track but most of our songs were singles. We stick fairly closely to the original arrangements but with the way we play them it's a "Big Bang" sound."
The band has recorded a CD containing 12 tracks including I Wanna Be Your Man, Gloria, She's Not There and Midnight Hour. This "Maximum R 'n' B" disc is on sale to fans at gigs and via email, and a four-track version will be sent to venues.
The Big Bang have just signed up with an agent who is finding them gigs in pubs across the district. Stan says: "We're finding there's a big market for 60s stuff. A lot of people in the pubs are in their 40s and a lot of kids recognise the songs.
"I think we appeal to everyone now. At one time we wanted to be a cult band - but not anymore."
See The Big Bang on September 30 at the Grouse in Silsden. They plan to play the Snooty Fox in Oakworth in December.Buy the CD for £7 by emailing bigbangkeighley@hotmail.com.
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