Colin Kennedy Band

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July 15, 2013 by Craig McAllister

Not a lot of people know this, but Colin Kennedy was one of the catalysts for getting the whole Freckfest thing up on its feet, from pipe dream to reality.

Colin has been a stalwart of the live music scene in Irvine and beyond since the 70s. A singer/songwriter/musician/band leader of some repute, his band Yankee flirted with fame, touring the UK and Scandinavia as the 70s drew to a close. Willie Freckleton helped him out at every turn – putting on a sold-out concert in the Magnum ice rink (by coincidence, the venue for Freckfest), and years later putting on other concerts by Dalriada, the nom de plume for Colin’s foray into more traditional-based music. These days, Colin is a more studio-based artist, writing, recording and working on the mountain of original material he’s amassed over the years.

In true Hollywood “I’m thinkin’ of puttin’ the band back together” fashion, Colin was keen to repay the favour for Willie and it was following a conversation between him and what became the Freckfest committee that the seed for Freckfest was sown. Firstly, as a local and secondly, as a top-class musician and thirdly, as someone who has benefited from Willie’s help over the years, Colin was naturally one of the first names on the Freckfest bill.

The Colin Kennedy Band play straight up, straight ahead rock music. Those looking for heartfelt music with a vintage flavour and proper songs with proper lyrics should seek them out. Look at the picture above. Vintage guitars. Vintage amps. A vintage drummer. You know what you’re getting with the Colin Kennedy Band.

Have a listen to Turn The Light On.

Soulful vocal? Check! Lightly-toasted tone on the old Les Paul? Check! Backing vocals that are properly in tune? Check! A middle eight followed by an understated guitar solo? Check! And is that a Hammond playing quietly somewhere underneath? I’m a total sucker for that mid 70s Ian McLagan keyboard sound. If Rod Stewart did Turn The Light On, it would be up there with his very best.

Colin Kennedy Band influences? Each band member told us their favourite LP.

• David Bowie – The Rise and Fall ofZiggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars
• Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town
• Led Zeppelin – III
• U2 – The Joshua Tree

There are also huge elements of Paul Rodgers in the band’s sound. Whether it’s the lightning flash riffs of Free or the blues/rock thunk of Bad Company, or even the delivery of the vocals, which can go from gravelly, soulful whisper to feral roar in the space of a verse, Colin Kennedy wears his influences proudly on his sleeve. Unlike many artists, this is something he is happy to acknowledge. When asked which artist he’d like to interpret one of his own tracks he was quick to answer.

“Bullets Of Love“,  because Paul Rodgers is and has always been a major inspiration, from Free to Bad Company and beyond. “Bullets” is right on the money for him, I respectfully say. It’s got a touch of blues, a touch of soul and a riff straight out the text book.

Have a listen…

Colin also came up with his dream Freckfest line-up. This one might be a bit more challenging to put on.

It’s got to be Free, David Bowie, Bonnie Raitt, AC/DC, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and Prince.

If it hasn’t sunk in yet, Colin Kennedy Band play good old fashioned rock music. You won’t hear any surprising jazz odysseys mid set, or thumping techno intros, or shoegazing effect pedal-laden plodding indie rock. Just straight forward no frills rock music that appeals to all ages – “from nae hair to grey hair“. CKB promise to be the ideal Freckfest band. You should go and see them.

The Colin Kennedy Band play the Main Event as part of Freckfest on Saturday 17th August.

Let’s sell out that ice rink one more time.

Buy your tickets here. Early bird tickets still available, but hurry, hurry, hurry!