UK’s hardest working band hits Hastings

Up for the title of Hardest Working Band for the second year running, the folk five-piece has performed to a million people this summer alone, playing 120 gigs in 50 days on the Vans Warped Tour in the US, and taking to the main stage at Bestival.

Although based in London, the band members hail from far and wide, and Sam Brace (concertina, guitar, vocals) calls Hastings his home town.

He said: “The first time we played at The Stag, in Hastings, I was more nervous than I had been for years, with family and friends watching.”

Of the band’s tireless energy he said: “It’s been a crazy, crazy year, the best one we have ever had in terms of playing.

“Our desire to become more successful drives us - we pull out all the stops every time.

“Three years ago we would have never expected to play the main stage at Bestival.”

Wherever they go, the audience has come to expect a high octane, foot-stomping show, filled with infectious melodies.

Skinny Lister is Dan Heptinstall (vocals/guitar), Lorna Thomas (vocals/ukulele), Sam (mule) Brace (vocals/guitar/concertina), Max Thomas (vocals/melodeon/mandolin), and Dan Gray (double bass/vocals).

They will be up for hardest working band at the AIM Independent Music Awards, on October 29. Next year there is no let up in the band’s schedule, with a major tour of the US and Germany in the pipeline.

Support on November 2 is from King Size Slim. Doors open at 9pm, tickets are £5 in advance.

Log onto www.thebrassmonkeyhastings.co.uk.