Now, that’s entertainment! (From Swindon Advertiser)

Now, that’s entertainment!

11:05am Thursday 28th June 2012 in News By Barrie Hudson

FANS say From The Jam deliver the most authentic live evocation of the great British band – but with Jam veteran Bruce Foxton on board, that’s hardly surprising.

On Saturday Swindon people have a chance to experience the excitement for themselves when From The Jam play the Old Town Bowl.

It’s 35 years since The Jam had their first hit with In The City and nearly 30 since their last, Beat Surrender, in late 1982.

The tracks were among a a total of 18 hit singles which included four number ones, and the band also recorded half a dozen classic albums before guitarist, frontman and songwriter Paul Weller pulled the plug.

From The Jam has original Jam bass player Bruce Foxton on bass and once included Jam drummer Rick Buckler, but the latter left in 2009.

Drumming duties now fall to Mark Brzezicki, who has a major place in music history in his own right as a founder member of Big Country.

Guitar and lead vocals come courtesy of Russell Hastings, who openly admits to having “grown up” on The Jam and whose passionate vocals and musicianship have won fans all over the world.

Support at the Bowl Concert will be provided by Eddie and the Hot Rods, who were founded in 1976 by four Southend teenagers, won over the burgeoning London pub rock scene of the era and scored their best-known hit with Do Anything You Wanna Do.

A success on both sides of the Atlantic, the band has toured with major acts including The Ramones, Tom Petty, The Police, Squeeze and Talking Heads. Eddie and the Hot Rods is still led by original singer Barrie Masters.

Doors at the Bowl concert open at 6.30pm and the music starts an hour later. Tickets cost £18 for adults – or £20 if bought on the gate – and £5 for children.

They can be booked online via www.wegot tickets.com/event/161674 and from the box office at the Arts Centre, which can be contacted on 01793 614837.

– BARRIE HUDSON