On a bitterly cold September morning in 2004, six virtual strangers were assembled in a cramped and musty infant school classroom - with amps buzzing from the buildings out-of-date wiring, fingers numb from the cold, sore throats and tired eyes - this was the first meeting of an unlikely collection of journeymen musicians for a charity concert in Kirklevington, Cleveland. Although not the first time that guitarists Andy, Paul and Stewart had met, they were now joined by singer Paul, bassist Chris, and drummer Jez.

Having hung up the phone on yet another let down, Cleveland guitarist Paul Crinnion was now desperate to find a replacement drummer and bassist. In one of those eerie right-place-right-time moments, colleague Chris Bull informed Paul that he had a cousin who was a drummer, and so he passed on Paul’s message to his cousin, Northampton based drummer Jez Sprigg. Jez had only the week before been jamming with long time friend, bassist Chris Hannis, and immediately contacted him with the offer. Jez and Chris had been a steady rhythm section for many bands over a number of years and wished to maintain their connection and, despite the distance, continued to meet regularly for jam sessions. Chris readily agreed to the proposal and soon the two were embarking on a 450 mile round trip to the north of England.

Awaiting their arrival was guitarist Andy Garlick. Andy had become the first-call guitarist, and had traveled from his home in Swindon to meet up with ex-army pal Paul Crinnion. Paul had also managed to pull in local guitarist Stewart Park and singer Paul Campbell and was considerably more at ease knowing that he could finally provide the occasion with a band - no matter how poor they may turn out to be.

With a very short few hours of rehearsal together, it was time to make their way to the venue. Three acts were to appear before a sell-out audience. Firstly, 6AM; six all singing and dancing girls between the ages of 12 and 16. Secondly, the new members of hastily formed, one-time-only band Jilted Jam. And finally, local band Day Tripper taking the headline.

After opening the show and delighting the crowd, 6AM left the stage to rapturous applause, and were replaced by Jilted Jam. Local interest was high, due to Paul’s tireless efforts to promote this gig. The atmosphere was electric as an expectant throng of people, appreciative of the lengths each individual member of this band had gone to in order for this to be a success, made a huge amount of noise - clapping, whistling and cheering, as the band blasted its way through their set with a drive, energy and passion rarely seen since the days of their namesakes, The Jam. The Crowd went wild and bayed for more as, all too soon, it was over.

A better warm-up act Day Tripper would never find, yet they failed to capitalise. As the crowd‘s patience turned to boredom, and after a polished but lacklustre performance, Day Tripper finally surrendered to the chants of “Jilted Jam” and left the stage. Under pressure from all attendees, Jilted Jam agreed to perform again and took to the stage, one last time, to tumultuous cheering and applause. After an even more rousing set than the first, plus three encores, the sweat-drenched band eventually left the arena having given everything of themselves. The night was an overwhelming success and the audience left with a lasting memory of having been in the presence of something special.

The After show party saw much backslapping and hand shaking and it was here that Andy put to Jez and Chris his idea that the three of them should work on something based around the triangle of Swindon, Northampton and Cheltenham. Sceptical at first, Jez warmed to the idea but Chris was not interested, being already involved with a busy working duo named Sanchez.

Eventually, the two members of Sanchez came to the decision that a band could be ran alongside the duo and thus the four-piece Section 69 was born. After many successful shows, including a stint with legendary subversive punk Ed Tudor Pole (Sex Pistols/Tenpole Tudor), and due to difficulties and ideology, the band became a classic trio line-up of drums, bass and guitar - Andy‘s original vision - whose energy and infectious enthusiasm had taken on a new and more powerful force. At this time Andy replaced the out-going member of Sanchez!, and the duo became more popular than ever before.

Soon Chris discovered a recording artist by the name of Sanchez and the name was dropped to avoid confusion and copyright infringement, and the duo were renamed The Kick Doctors. Much speculation surrounds the meaning of the name, but, as Andy and Chris just smile wryly if you ask them about it, you’ll just have to work it out for yourself!

With a repertoire of classic rock, punk, pop, blues, rock ‘n’ roll and soul, plus country, folk and all-time favourite sing-a-long songs, The Kick Doctors continue to evolve and bring new music to their act. Occasional appearances by incredible blues harpist Cliff Ballinger give The Kick Doctors an added diversity and is a must hear for all music lovers.

Catch them as soon, and as often, as you can.