Four-man band is a social media hit
FOUR musical friends who formed a group just a few weeks ago are already rehearsing for near sell-out debut shows after taking social media by storm.
Performances by vocal quartet 4th Avenue to be held at Earl Shilton Constitutional Club on April 20 and 21 have proved so popular that the group has arranged an extra matinee show on April 22 to satisfy demand.
Their Facebook page attracted more than 1,000 likes within two weeks of being set up and a video posted of their first rehearsal performing Billy Joel’s Longest Time had, at the time of writing, clocked up 9,600 views.
Among those to have checked out their posts appears to be Billy Joel’s touring rhythm guitarist Mike DelGuidice.
Recently-retired professional entertainer, father-of-three Dougie Hird, 35, from Hinckley, met fellow vocalist fathers Dan Morrison, 35, also from Hinckley, and Adam Percival, 27, from Earl Shilton when he was judging a singing contest at the town’s Hansom Cab Hungry Horse diner last October.
Inspired by five-piece vocal group The Overtones, who first charted in 2010, they got together at the Station Road club to see if they could replicate the sound and realised they were on to something good.
An appeal for a fourth member on social media led to 27-year-old Frankie Valli soundalike, Tom Urch from Hinckley, completing the line-up on January 2.
Professional photos were produced, show tickets printed and bookings are already coming in, including for Hinckley Round Table’s Great Gatsby-themed spring ball at Sketchley Grange, Burbage, in March.
Hinckley outfitter Philip James Menswear has ensured they look the business by providing slick performance suits at a special price.
Mr Hird said: “We are all local, normal guys with normal jobs and kids, families etc but if it continues this way it could go huge.”
4th Avenue channels the likes of artists from The Temptations, Four Tops and Frankie Valli to Bruno Mars.
They are to appear on the Richie Philips Monday night music club show on Fosse 107 radio on Tuesday February 27 from 8pm, when they will be performing live as well as chatting in the studio.
To find out more search 4th Avenue on Facebook.