Lucky Strike

What’s it like to be handpicked by Quincy Jones to perform at his bar? Chris Crabb, lead singer of The Strike, explains

Quincy Jones said: “The Strike is the real deal. They know how to do it right.” How does that make you feel?

It’s an honour. We as a band have looked up to Quincy’s music our entire lives. To have him say that is incredible.

How did you end up playing for him in his bar?

Through happy accidents we met several members of Quincy’s management team in Los Angeles. We play fairly frequently out there and always make it a point to invite the team out to our shows. They have come out a few times and I guess they thought we would be a good fit for the bar. They offered us the gig and here we are.

What do you think of Q’s Bar?

It’s amazing. It’s an intimate setting and everyone in the room is so attentive to the music. As a musician it’s an amazing venue. It has a great vibe.

What do you think of the city so far?

Dubai is unlike anything we have ever experienced. It feels like we are living in the future out here. Everyone we have met has been so kind and accommodating. We are excited to get out and explore.

Tell us about your background?

We come from all over the US. We ended up meeting in Provo, Utah, while attending university there. We started the band about four years ago and it has been an amazing run, recently touring through China and now Dubai. We have played with acts such as Journey, Kelly Clarkson, Macy Gray and The Neon Trees, and had our music on TV shows and movies. It has been amazing – we are so grateful.

Who is your biggest musical influence?

Well, we have a lot of musical influences as a band. It is hard to name just one. I would say the band draws a lot of inspiration from acts such as Chicago, Toto, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel and Michael Jackson to name a few.

We’ve heard your live performances are extra special. What can we expect from your residency at Q’s?

Well, we are certainly a high-energy band. We are known for our passionate performances, and while the club is an intimate space, we expect to bring the energy to Q’s. The Strike will be the resident band at Q’s Bar & Lounge until May 12.

Versace Dubai, Al Jadaf, Dubai, Tue to Sat 8.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 5568865. Taxi: Palazzo Versace. palazzoversace.ae