About

A double bill featuring two of the UK's best blues bands, Bad Influence featuring Val & Richard HAYES and The Connolly Hayes Band fronted by Jess Hayes, yes daughter of Val and Richard, and Frankie Connolly.

Bad Influence are a 4 Piece rock and blues band that have been playing the live music circuit constantly since 1986.

Formed by Val Cowell (the Voice, rhythm guitar) and Richard Hayes (Lead/slide guitars) they are joined on Bass guitar by Pete Stroud (Papa George, Buddy Whittington, Peter Green) and drummers include Peter Stroud, Jonny Brister, Clive Jenner or Brendan ONeill. Touring permitting!!

Bad Influence headlined the Marquee Club 11 times and featured on BBC Radio 2 in studio and live shows , recorded 7 albums, ( available on all online forums), had 3 major management deals( Thunder and Foreigner) but have continued on gigging and playing all size venues, what they do best.

Expect an evening of rocking blues originals and covers from Bonnie Raitt to Tom Petty.

Val's is a tidal wave of a voice with built in bump and grind that can take on the mantle of our greatest singers

The bands version of Rather Go Blind knocks others into the bargain rack and Richard Hayes solo wept and swooned like a pedal steel and his playing is a joy

UK Blues Awards 2024 UK Emerging Act of The Year nominee Connolly Hayes comprises Jess Hayes, Frankie Connolly, Richard Clarke, Beau Barnard and Andy Wilder. 5 long-time friends playing a carefully curated blend of blues/rock/soul nationwide and further.

Jess and Frankie had already been making waves on the UK blues scene with their respective own projects, but in the summer of 2023, following a performance at the legendary Isle of Wight festival, the decision was made to combine the bands and start writing and recording new, original music.

Gathering inspiration from band favourites, such as Bros Landreth, Tedeschi Trucks, Marcus King and Chris Stapleton (to name a few!), the group embarked on the task of crafting and recording new material in late 2023.

April 2024 will see the release of their eagerly anticipated debut EP. Fans are to expect a warm combination of gritty blues, smooth soul and crunching rock.

The band already has a stellar reputation for live performances with the blend of two of the most soulful voices around, guitar wizardry from both sides of the stage and the grooviest rhythm section going.

Connolly Hayes name is already appearing on many of the UK's festival listings this year and they are due to tour Europe in the Autumn.

Get on board early, you wont want to miss out. It should be quite the ride!