A SWINDON pub turns into a hard rock cafe this weekend when three bands turn up the beat for a themed night.

Spanish band StOp StOp will headline at The Vic, Victoria Road in Old Town on Saturday, December 10 from 8pm.

The band are led by Jacob A M who plays bass and is the lead singer. Jacob is a self admitted wild child and wandering rock minstrel. He was born in Menorca, moved to Barcelona, then to Milan in Italy, then back to Barcelona and then off to Los Angeles.

The musician thought nothing of living out of a van on Sunset Boulevard behind the Whiskey a Go Go, if it mean't following his dream of creating a hard rock band.

In 2009 he teamed up with guitarist Vega and they released their debut album the following year called Unlimited, while building a loyal following.

One of their biggest fans was Danny Stix, a drummer, who was originally from Sofia in Bulgaria. He followed them from gig to gig around Barcelona and then his dream came true - they needed a drummer and the current line-up was complete.

Joining StOp StOp for the hard rock night are the Jolly Joker whose sound is based on the American bands of the 1980s playing glam, street style.

The Vic also welcomes Saints of Sin to open the special rock night. The group perform a new brand of hair metal that goes down well with the younger element of rock fans, and wowed the crowd at the Isle of Wight Festival.

Tickets to the Swindon rock night are £6 in advance and £8 on the door. For more details visit https://www.thevicswindon.com/get/main or call 01793 535713. - Flicky Harrison