Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | News

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 26th July, 2006 13:19

A SHAKEY SUCCESS

By Kirsteen Paterson

Talented quintet win London gig

Hard living five-piece The Shakes rocked home to victory last week at the Scottish finals of the UK-wide Undiscovered Live contest, run by beer barons Carling and Irish pub chain O'Neills.

The high-profile competition gives unsigned acts the chance to win incredible prizes — coming first in the Scottish heats means The Shakes have already won the chance to play at London's legendary Islington Academy in a final showdown hosted by Radio 1 DJ Colin Murray.

And if they impress judges in the Big Smoke, they'll get an all-expense paid session at the famous Abbey Road Studios where the Beatles laid down some of their biggest hits.

As well as this, high-spec instruments and equipment is also up for grabs.

Last week, rhythm guitarist Alan Jones, of Bonhill, appealed to Reporter readers to support their bid at the Glasgow finals, and he says the group were delighted at the turnout on the night.

He said: `It was brilliant — I think it's the best we've ever played. We took a massive busload of people there.`

But it was a tense wait for Alan and bandmates Marc McLean, Iain Gilles, Phil Plunkett and Ross Hunter as the judges cast their votes.

The Bonhill man said: `They made us wait for ages, and when they said it was us everybody was dancing and singing.

`They gave us 33 free pints, and we got tanked into them.

`When we got home we went straight to Lomond Studios, which Phil owns, for more beer.`

Now confident Alan says he can't wait for the UK final on August 19. He said: `We deserve to be there. We'll catch up with our mates The Casuals while we're down as well.

`We're up against seven other bands, but I think we'll win.`

To warm up for the big night, the band are playing a free gig at Firewater on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, on Thursday (July 27).

To get a taste of The Shakes' style, log onto www.theshakesonline.co.uk, which includes a link to their MySpace site.

And for the latest info on The Shakes and other great acts from Dumbarton and the Vale, keep reading the Reporter.

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