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Wishbone Ash to play at The Grand in Clitheroe
THE term "Big Hitter" is often used to describe anyone that has made a success of their chosen career, but it rings even more true for a Ribble Valley drummer who is making his mark with a classic rock band.
"Wishbone Ash", who were famous in the 1970s, have already played 86 gigs in 16 different countries this year and will be bringing their set to The Grand in Clitheroe on Wednesday, October 13th. Part of their ongoing popularity is down to their drummer Joe Crabtree who, when not travelling the world with the band, is based in Read.
The line up of the rest of the band is truly global, with the singer and lead guitarist based in Connecticut, USA, and the bassist and second guitarist in London and Finland respectively.
Educated at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Joe has fond memories of his early musical career with the first band he formed in the school hall. "From there, I have continued my love of drumming and now do it for a living with a band that my parents listened to when they were at school themselves!"
Joe's advice to up-and-coming musicians from the Ribble Valley is simple: "I went through all the traditional channels of contacting agents and trying to get my name out there, but in the end, the best advice I can give is that you really need to network properly by being professional and likeable. If you get the chance to work with musicians, they will always remember you first for your personality, so make sure you make the right impression so they will want to work with you again and recommend you to others."
The band's links to the Ribble Valley were forged after Joe visitied The Grand in Clitheroe last year for a drum recording session in their state-of-the-art studio. Having last visited in its previous life as a cinema, he was so bowled over by the transformation of the venue that he invited the band there for rehearsals on their next trip to the UK.
His band mates were so impressed the live recording of their next album and DVD will be recorded there. "I think it's fantastic we can do these things so professionally and at the same time, so close to home" says Joe. "It's so strange how things turn out!"
Tickets are available from the booking office at The Grand, for further information go to www.wishboneash.com or www.joecrabtree.com
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Weather for Clitheroe
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
