GuilFest 2005. The Guildford Music Festival on 15th, 16th and 17th July 2005

About the bands
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Artist: Strange Fasion
Genre: Rock
Performing: 18th July 2004 / The Andertons LiveClub Stage
Website Address: [www.strangefashion.co.uk]

A mix of totally original material, ranging from Melodic Rock, Slow Ballads, Funky Rock, and Vintage Rhythm & Blues. All songs are written, recorded, produced and performed by an experienced and talented line-up. All members hail from the South London area.

First formed at the end of the 1970's, Strange Fashion experienced some success in the early 1980's when they were signed to Duran Duran's Management. By this time the band identity had changed and were now known as 'Industry', but despite touring up and down the UK were unable to take the next step on the road to glory. At the end of the 1980's the band split but the songwriting team of Lee Bates and Andy Edmondson remained together - still writing and producing songs in a home studio. The band reformed with the original name in the mid 1990's with Bates, Edmondson, and original Drummer Phil Sargent. The line-up was completed with the arrival of classically trained Paul McNeill on Bass. It expanded to a five-piece when Perry Ridley joined in 1997 to add a more Guitar-Based sound to the Band. Tony Turner took over the role as Bassist in 2001 when Paul McNeill left.

Some of the venues we have played are:

" The Half Moon, Herne Hill
" The New Cross Inn
" The Amersham Arms, New Cross
" The Hobgoblin, Forest Hill
" The Woodman, Blackfen
" The Fox and Firkin, Lewisham
" Mama K's Blues Club, Croydon
" The Cherry Trees, Norwood Junction
" The Old Tigers Head, Lee
" The Beacon Court Tavern, Gillingham
" The Venue, Gravesend
" The Court House, Dartford
" The Darenth Tavern, Darenth (now demolished)
" The Royal Standard, Walthamstow

2002 saw the band make a headlining appearance in front of over 3000 people at a Queens Golden Jubilee Celebration in the Surrey village of Upper Warlingham. The same year also saw our TV debut on Sky Digital's 'TV Showcase' - performing 3 songs on a show dedicated to Up and Coming Bands. This has been aired numerous times since.

The Summer of 2004 sees the Band going to new heights. In July we progress to The Festivals, playing The Maidstone River Festival in July, plus an amazing slot at The Guilfest (Guildford Festival) on the Bill with legendary acts such as Simple Minds, The Stranglers, Blondie, The Damned. The day we are to appear will see UB40, Ocean Colour Scene, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Eddie & The Hot Rods, and Midge Ure. We have also passed an Audition for 'The X Factor' which is a new TV Show pioneered by none other than Simon Cowell based on the 'Pop Idol' principal, but incorporating bands.