The Despoilers - RSS Feed

News: May? " Summer time think it was June"

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We have a break from gigging now until 2nd June, when we play the Tut'N'Shive , Yeadon, followed by the Tarn Inn, Yeadon. Both of these are great venues and we always have a really good time. Lots of fun and usually a few new friends.

May's been really good fun and has resulted in a few new covers to keep things fresh. We may have even learned to play them properly by the time we play the Yeadon gigs.

Thanks to everyone who has been to see us in recent weeks.

Catch you all in June.

June? Think we should add Dakota to the set for June.

The Despoilers

News: Three Horseshoes Soon (about 11 hours)

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Waking with ringing ears and tired eyes, after a fantastic private party gig last night at Leo's rugby club. The good news is we gonna do it all again at the Three Horseshoe tonight. Bacon butty and tea required first.

The Shoe's will be rockin as usual tonight, so get yourselves down there.

The Despoilers

Show: Jul 28, 2012 @ Yarnbury Rugby Football Club

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The Despoilers will be supporting our local Hosforth community by appearing, soberish, at this years "Yarnbury Beer Festival" on Saturday 28th July 2012.

Should be a real party!

Band on from about 7:00 pm.

Show: Oct 06, 2012 @ The Pack Horse

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Back to entertain and indulge ourselves musically (alcoholically), in the bright lights of Leeds City Centre again.

Get down before 8:00pm and the boozer does a good burger. You can also help with the set-up!

Free Entry for a great nights entertainment.

News: Fantastic Masquerade Party

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We had a fantastic night we had at "The Hop Leeds" playing the Masquerade Party in support of the Charity "Mind". It was a well organised and enjoyable event. Thanks to Sarah and Cat for their hard work.

We got another busy weekend coming up, with a double header: Private Party Friday 11th May followed by what is always a geat night for us, a gig at The Three Horseshoes, Headingley on Saturday 12th May.

Yes, there is the small matter of a short (thank God) working week to fit in before the fun can start.

Roll on the Weekend!

The Despoilers

News: Recovering from The Packhorse

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We are all very tired this morning after a great gig at the Packhorse and an interesting late Chinese meal afterwards. The Packhorse has a great atmosphere, which made it easy to connect with the crowd.

Well done Danny Smith who ably supported us and brought a good crowd along too.

The Hop up next on Sunday 6th May. See gig listings for details.

News: A First for us " The Packhorse"

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Saturday's venue is a first for us and promises to be a real cozy gig. The Packhorse pub, off Briggate is reputed to be the oldest pub in Leeds. Lets try and make it the most popular pub in Leeds this Saturday 28th April.

Free entry.

Band with support, on from about 8:30 pm

Roll on the weekend.

Show: Nov 10, 2012 @ Jug'N'Barrel

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800

A date for your diary. The Despoilers return.

News: Jug'N'Barrel

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Awesome crowd at the Jug last night. We really enjoyed the evening, despite the curry joints closing before we finished. We also managed to aire a few new covers without too much pain.

We are back at the Jug on Saturday 10th November!

Black Bull, Horsforth up next, on Saturday 21st April. Just the small matter of a weeks work to fit in before hand. Funny how something always manages to spoil the party!

Home turf, so we hope to catch up with a few friends.

The Despoilers

News: Jug'N'Barrel

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The band are playing at The Jug'N'Barrel, Staningley on Saturday 14th April. This is a new venue to us, hence we cant wait to fire up our kit, entertain and hopefully make some new friends.

Band will be on from about 9:00pm.

See you there.

The Despoilers

News: Road To The Jug And Beyond

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Following a successful trip down the M1 to Barnsley last Saturday, its back to the day jobs on Monday.

We have a little beak from gigging until 14th April, when we play the Jug 'N' Barrel, Stanningley. We will use this period to bring along a couple of exciting new covers. We are gigging five successive weekends from 14th April (see gigs listings) so will be on a roll.

Catch up with you all soon.

The Despoilers

News: Golden Night at The Lion

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

A big thank you to all the friends that travelled to Pudsey to see us play at the Golden Lion. Equally to the many new friends we made from a great crowd that frequent the venue. It was a fantastic gig last night, which the band very much enjoyed.

Click the Photo's link to see images from the gig.

We are back on Saturday 13th October.

The Despoilers

Show: Oct 13, 2012 @ Golden Lion

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Free entry for another fantastic night at Pudsey's No1 music venue.

Show: Dec 01, 2012 @ The Three Horseshoes, Headingley

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Christmas songs and silly hats.

Show: Sep 22, 2012 @ The Three Horseshoes, Headingley

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Always a great night at the Shoes. Free Entry at usual.

News: MASQUERADE PARTY

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

A date for your diary!

The band is playing the MASQUERADE PARTY on Sunday 6th May 2012 at The Hop, Leeds in support of the mental health charity Mind.

Tickets are available from Sarah or Cat. Please call 07816490342 or contact Sarah or Cat on twitter @SarahGate @catmarr

If you are feeling shy not knowing these ladies you can always contact a band member, who will source tickets on your behalf.

Hoping to see at The Hop.

The Despoilers

Show: Jun 02, 2012 @ Tut 'N' Shive Yeadon

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Back at the Tut N Shive. Great Venue!

News: Period of Calm

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We got a break from gigging until 17th March. Day jobs etc getting in the way.

We will work on a few new covers and fuel our hunger for gigging in time for The Golden Lion Pudsey.

Keep on Rockin!

The Despoilers

News: Happy New Year!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Hoping to catch up with you all in 2012.

New covers and new venues being the order of the day.

The Despoilers

News: Great Finish to the Year at the Shoes

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The Despoilers signed of 2011 with a fantastic gig at the Three Horseshoes, Headingley. You could hardly move in the place let alone buy a pint.

We gonna have a rest for a while and kick off the New Year in Pudsey on 17th March, which will be our next public gig.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

The Despoilers

News: The Three Horseshoes

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The band plus a fabulous support act play the Three Horseshoes, Headingley this evening. Music from about 8:45.

Last public gig until March 2012, so we need to make it a good one.

Free entry as usual.

News: Party at The Black Bull

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Well the weekend over and we are all back at our day jobs, with good memories of a great night at the Black Bull on Saturday. Great crowd, too much beer and lots of silly antics. We are back at the Bull in April 2012.

Attention turns to another Saturday night escapade at the Three Horse Shoes, Headingley ths coming weekend,

See you around.

The Despoilers

News: Black Bull Up Next

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The band haven't played on the hallow turf of Horsforth for some time, so we eagerly await Saturday 10th December when we can party away at the Black Bull.

Free Entry and the band on from about 9:00 pm.

Bring on Saturday!!!!!!

News: Tut 'N' Shive

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

We enjoyed ourselves at the Tut'N'Shive last night. Great crowd! drunken singing and dancing was in abundance ,we are quite relieved that the crowd actually put up with this! Joking apart we will return early in the New Year for what is sure to be another great night.

The Despoilers

News: Tut 'N' Shive

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Back in Yeadon on Saturday 26th November for a first at the Tut 'N' Shive.

Band on from about 9;00 pm.

Free entry for lots of good covers.

The Despoilers

News: Recovering from The Vic!

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Full blown hangover this morning, memories of a great gig, great venue, loads of beer, great crowd and a nice post gig curry.

Oh what a perfect day. I'm glad we spent it with you!

Tut 'N' Shive Yeadon up next on 26th November.

Show: Sep 14, 2012 @ The Tarn Inn

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Free Entry and a lot of fun. Another visit of The Despoilers to the Tarn Inn.

Show: Jun 08, 2012 @ The Tarn Inn

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Free Entry and a lot of fun. Another visit of The Despoilers to the Tarn Inn.

News: Friday Night at The Vic!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Well OK its Monday, but we are playing The Victoria, Gt. George Street, Leeds on Friday 4th November from about 9:00 pm. Yes, that does make Monday a little easier to swallow.

This is a new venue for us, although we are regulars at O'Neills Bar next door. There will be some new covers and as ever we would love to see your there.

The Despoilers

News: O'Neill's Review

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Thank you to all who turned out at O'Neill's Bar last Saturday, it was a bit of a party in the end, despite some technical problems in the first set.

We have had to pull-out of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Festival this coming weekend, due to day job commitments, but are gigging throughout Novemeber and December. See listings on this website.

We also now have a New Years Eve booking at The Harwood, Pannal.

Further details to follow.

The Despoilers

News: The Tarn Inn, Yeadon

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

We feel we made a few new friends at The Tarn Inn, Yeadon last night. Neither the bad weather, or Leeds Rhino's appearing in the Grand Final, could stop the band turning out to play the Tarn. Great night and we will be back in the New Year.

Attention turns to O'Neill's Bar Leeds for our next performance on Saturday 15th October. Always a good night! Well it is as long as we can park the cars.

Catch you around.

The Despoilers

News: Hot Night at The Shoes

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

28 degrees and sizzling. That was just setting up last night in the Three Horseshoes, Headingley.

We always enjoy our visits to the shoes and are hopefully making friends amongst the regulars.

Thanks to Danny who abley supported us last night.

Looking forward to returning to the Shoes in the not too distant future.

Its the Tarn Inn, Yeadon on saturday 8th October. Another cracking venue, so we hope the week passes quickly.

Catch you all around and about.

The Despoilers

News: October Tour

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Just polishing up the tour bus, coz we on the road again throughout October. The bright lights of Leeds and surrounding villages. Maybe a few new covers, that's assuming we get our act together.

See the list down the left hand side of this web page.

Come along if you can. We commit to playing all the right notes for you, but not necessarily in the right order

Catch ya all soon.

The Despoilers

News: Rodley Beer & Music Festival

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

What an enjoyable day we had at the Rodley Festival. It was a challenge logistically, as we aren't the quickest when it comes to getting the gear set up and playing. A few pints of real ale beforehand most probably proved a further hindrance

Thanks to all that came down for the event, which raises a lot of money for charity every year. We've got another festival in the autumn, when we play the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway festival. Details to be advised shortly.

The band have no gigs in September owing to continued holiday and day job commitments, however we play every weekend in October, kicking off at the Three Horseshoes, Headingly on 1st October. There will be some new material in October, we hope!

Catch ya all soon.

The Despoilers

News: New Covers When We Return

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Lack of availability as a result of band member holidays, prevents us from gigging at the moment. We are however working on some new covers, which we will air during our October gigs.

We get back together in a few weeks to knock the cobwebs off our set before the Rodley Beer & Music Festival.

Catch ya soon

The Despoliers

News: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Beer & Music Festival 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The band are delighted to confirm that we will play this years Keighley & Worth Valley Railway annual Beer & Music festival. The festival runs from 20th - 23rd October. More details shortly.

News: A Night at O'Neill's

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Another great night at O'Neill's. I wish the band had drunk as much as the group of guys that keep trying to join us on stage and who had a bite of Mark's keyboard. Must have been the pull of Steve's shirt. Some fantastic dancers, the girls, not the crazy guys.

See you all again in October.

The Despoilers

News: O'Neill's Up Next

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Well doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself. We are back at O'Neill's Bar, Leeds on Saturday 18th June.

Steve's already spent the bands fee on another very silly shirt.

We like the place, the punters are good and so are the acoustics. Beer not bad either and some us gonna drink a lot of the stuff.

The Despoilers

News: Use Somebody O'Neill's

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Check out a live recording of Use Somebody from O'Neills's Bar, Leeds in May. We are back at O'Neill's on Saturday 18th June. Hope to catch ya down there.

Keep on Rockin

The Despoilers

News: Photographs from O'Neill's

Sun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the new images from Fridays gig at O'Neill's. The photo's are courtesy of Ally and can be viewed by clicking on the "Photos" link on the website.

Thanks Ally

News: O'Neill's: Recalling the Gig

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

We enjoyed ourselves at O'Neill's last night. The place had a real party atmosphere. A couple of friends took a lot of photographs, which we would like to get copies of for this site and our facebook page: www.facebook.com/thedespoilers.

After gig curry was acceptable, which coupled with the evenings band lubrication, helped us to record a negative return on the evening. A bit like the Blues Brothers movie. We didn't however get chased all around Yorkshire by the "Good Old Boys". Nor any good old girls either.

We are back at O'Neiil's on 18th June.

Looking forward to it!

Rock N Roll

The Despoilers

News: Rockin the Oak

Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Not quite David Gilmour's surprise appearance at Roger Waters "The Wall" concert at the O2 London, but The Despoilers made another valuable contribution to the local music scene and brewery profits last night at The Original Oak. It was great to see so many friends who made the journey to Headingley.

Dave, the assistance on the sound check was most appreciated! That room sure was feedin!

Steve's Hat ???

Looking forward to O'Neill's Bar Friday 20th May.

The Despoilers

News: Saturday 14th May at The Original Oak

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Friday at last and we can start the pre-gig lubrication program to ensure our well oiled machine is fully functional for Saturday at the Oak.

The band will be on from 9:00 pm. We got a real good feelin about this one!

Post gig curry needed, but somewhere which actually serves alcohol. We are a Rock N Roll band for gods sake.

Party time at the Oak!

See ya all around.

Love

The Despoilers

News: Wow! What a Night at The Tarn

Sat, 07 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Ringing ears, sore head, curry stomach and warm memories of a great gig at The Tarn. Landlord Ryan put on a fabulous Chilli, Barmaid Lisa sang with the band. I also seem to remember an invite to play again for Ryan's birthday in October.

Great atmosphere and really friendly venue, we can't wait to go back in October.

Thanks to everyone that turned out and packed the place.

We love you all.

The Despoilers

News: Autumn Gigs Sought

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Attention Venues!

The Despoilers are seeking addition gigs in the West Yorkshire area, weekends, during September- December 2011. We are now a well established covers band and attract and hold a good crowd. Should you wish to book the band, please contact us via the contacts page of this website.

We also have some limited availability June & July

The Despoilers

News: May Gigs

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Well, Steve seems to have survived thus far on his final excursion to USA, hence the band can start kicking ass again on his return. We get rolling at The Tarn Inn, Yeadon on Friday 6th May. Get ya buts down there, coz we gonna rock the place.

Front-man Tim is gonna celebrate his birthday with a gig at The Original Oak, Headingley on Saturday 14th May. We envisage a night of hard drinking, immature, silly antics plus a little music, as we do get paid to entertain. Yes,The Despoilers signature style.

Finally O'Neills Bar Leeds Friday 20th May. Always a great night.

Great if ya can make it!

The Despoilers

News: Another Enforced Month Off

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Good run out at the Mods last night. Thanks to all those who turned out at such short notice.

A very enjoyable evening, rounded off with a very acceptable post gig curry.

Steve heads back to the states now until the end of April, so no more gigs in April.

We have a busy program to look forward to in May, kicking at off at the Tarn Inn, Yeadon on Friday 6th May, followed by Frontman Tim's birthday appearance at the Original Oak, Headingley on Saturday 14th and culminating at O'Neill Bar, Leeds on Friday 20th May.

We hope to catch up with everyone in May.

Lots of Love.

The Despoilers

News: STOP PRESS: Old Modernians Gig

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Short notice we know, but the band are to play an open gig at the Old Modernians Cookridge on Saturday 2nd April. Everyone welcome, its not a members only do.

Free Entry. Band on early 8:00 pm. Possibly sober enough to play at this time.

The Despoilers

News: Gig Sort 2nd April 2011

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Owing to a cancellation, the band are available and seeking a gig on Saturday 2nd April.

Any venues with a free slot and seeking a band, please contact us via the contact page of this website.

The Despoilers

News: Despoilers Rock The Shoes

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The band really enjoyed the party atmosphere at "The Three Horseshoes" last night. We hope the lady who so dramatically joined us on stage during Mr Brightside is OK. For sure she banged her head on one of the monitors when she dived. The monitor is OK!

Great night! We will back on 1st October 2011.

The Despoilers

News: Stop Press: 19th March Venue Change!

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

There has been a bit of a mix-up with the Yorkshire Rose gig planned for 19th March. The gig is now cancelled and the band is re-booked to play "The Three Horse Shoes" Headingley instead.

We just love this venue and you should expect another night of crazy dancing, alcohol abuse and general bad behavior (Yes thats the band we are talking about).

If ya can make it we are on from 9:00pm, free entry and we would love to see ya.

The Despoilers

News: Fantastic night at The Hop

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800

We had a brilliant time upstairs at The Hop on our second outing into Leeds city centre on Friday night. Thanks to all our mates who came down to enjoy the evening with us - happy birthday Julie! The Hop really is a spectacular venue and it was the first time we had played with a resident sound system and engineer. Tim and Phil had a ball with their new wireless gizzmo's with both of them going walkabout and running mid-song laps of the bar.

No parking tickets this time (yeay!) and the post gig curry at Nafee's was as good as always.

Steve has gone off to the State's to meditate and 'find himself again' for a month so our next gig is not until March 19th at the Yorkshire Rose in Guiseley. Hope to see you all there again for more fun and mayhem, don't miss the new songs we have planned for the set.

Keep your eyes on the Twitter feed for our very latest inane ramblings and feel free to join in!

The Despoilers

News: Twitter

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The Despoilers have gained yet another naughty habit, we have started tweeting.

Come tweet with us.

We gonna rock at The Hop Friday 11th February.

News: The Hop Up Next

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The band are really looking forward to playing The Hop Leeds on Friday 11th February. We have visited the bar on a number of occasions and have enjoyed the bands and friendly atmosphere. Its a really good venue with lots of options for fans of real ale.

This will be a our first public gig of 2011 and a chance to introduce some new covers. We will not then be gigging again until we play the "Yorkshire Rose" Guiseley on Saturday 19th March.

The band will be on between 9:00 - 11:00. Watch out for front-man Tim and Phil "The Bass" Howden going Walkies!

The Despoilers

News: Happy New Year

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Hi and Happy New Year to you all!

We hope you like the new look website. Yellows and purple are out in 2011 and we like to keep up with the latest fashions, even if it doesn't always reflect in our set.

The bands next public gig is at "The Hop", Leeds on Friday 11th February. The bar is close to Leeds railway station (two minutes walk), for anyone wanting a drink and not wanting to take the car. Given some of the band members drinking habits, we were always going to be on the ball with that one.

The Hop is a fantastic bar, with numerous real ales to choose from, so provides a great opportunity to shed the winter blues and party with us in the city centre.

The Band will be playing between 9:00 - 11:00 pm. We hope to see as many friends as possible, as we are social creatures.

The Despoilers

News: Merry Night at the Three Horse Shoes Headingley

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The bands return to the Three Horse Shoes was a real fun night. Santa's and Elves turned out in droves and the bar reverberated a real warm atmosphere, that not even the bands playing could disturb.

The Shoes is a fantastic venue, with a music loving audience. The band hopes to come back in the not too distant future.

The evening was rounded off with a really good after gig curry in Hyde Park.

News: Gigs before Christmas

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Back at the Old Ball and on home turf on Satuday 27th November. Free Entry as usual. The band look forward to another great evening, hopefully we can match the atmosphere that the venue had when we last played in June 2010.

Yeay! We're off to the Three Horseshoes in Headingley again for our last gig before Christmas. Friday 10th December, we're looking forward to a fantastic night! We'll be on from 9.

News: Warm Reception at The Ball

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Thank you to all who braved the first really cold night of the year to see the band at The Old Ball. You made it plenty warm enough inside.

Only one more public gig left now before Christmas, when the band plan to let our hair down at the Three Horse Shoes, some of us may have a problem.

Post gig curry review: No Beer!

The Despoilers

News: Old Ball Gig Next Weekend

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Saturday 27th November sees the band back at the Old Ball, the venue we made our 2009 début. A lot of water has run under the bridge since then and we have gained new band members. The Old Ball is always a special night for us and we don't need to travel far, which usually means a good drink for those of us who partake in a tipple.

Hope to see as many friends as possible on the night and we promise to entertain. We commit to play all the right notes, but not necassarily in the right order!

The Despoilers

News: Gorilla on the loose at O'Neills Bar

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Horsforth's bars must have been empty last night. Did they need an extra carriage on the Harrogate -Leeds train? We also got support from numerous friends from all over Leeds and from as far as Hartlepool.

A big thank you to all our friends who turned out at O'Neills for the bands city centre debut. We plan to return, despite the parking tickets. All the band left thinking that O'Neills is a great city centre venue, with much better acoustics than many of the other city centre bars and with a really great crowd. We hope to return in the New Year.

Front-man Tim surprised the band as well as friends, appearing in a Gorilla costume as the band stood ready to kick off. Check out the video, pictures and the new track - The Riverboat Song by Ocean Colour Scene - from the gig.

The band will unfortunately need to take a rest, owing to day job commitments, until we play "The Old Ball", Horsforth on Saturday 27th November 2010.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at The Old Ball, for what is always a real party.

The Despoilers

News: Come join us at O'Neills Bar

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0800

We are planning a really good night Saturday 16th October at O'Neills Bar Great George Street, Leeds.

This is a really good city centre venue and the bands last gig for about 6 weeks, following which we will on home turf at the Old Ball Horsforth.

The band will be on from around 9:15.

Hope to see ya there.

The Despoilers

News: Great Night at The Tarn

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Waking up this morning with my ears ringing from the bands Yeadon debut, I can recall a really fun evening. Landlord Ryan made a couple of great Chilli's and performed a mean Elvis impression, the local crowd were friendly and had some good banter with the band. Even the band didn't know vocalist Tim could cover Bucks Fiz so well until last night. The rest of the band have a bit of work to do if we are to get this in the set for next weekend.

After gig curry was really good, however we had to head back to Horsforth. Yeadon curry houses need to stay open later.

We hope to be back in the not too distant future and this really good and friendly venue.

The Despoliers

News: Open Country 20th Birthday Bash

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800

What a great night we had in Harrogate last night. It was a privilege to play the 20th Birthday Bash of Open Country. The atmosphere was fantastic, as was the Pie & Peas. Beer wasn't bad either.

It was a long day, finished about 3:30 am, drinking all the booze donated at the end of the gig.

Would also like to mention Robin from ElecTech UK Ltd and guitarist with GDI. Tim and I (Steve), drove all the bands gear to Robin's place in Barnsley for PAT Testing. Robin is offering a great deal for bands on the Rock of the North Website. Had a great afternoon chatting with Robin about the state of trade within the local music scene, totally distracting him I guess from the task in hand. Anyway we left with minutes to spare to reach our gig in Harrogate as we needed to set up and sound check by 7:00 pm.

Car wouldn't start with a flat battery so we rolled it down the hill and came to a halt about half a mile from Robin's place. To cut a long storey short, we rang Robin who drove out and jump started the car for us. We arrived in Harrogate in the nick of time, for what turned out to be a great gig.

Robin, you are a top guy and we would recommend your PAT Testing service to anyone.

The Despoilers

News: Birthday Bash at The Tarn

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Come join us for Landlord Ryan's Birthday at The Tarn Inn Yeadon on Friday 8th October.

Real ale and music, a wonderful if not dangerous combination!

The Despoilers

News: Morning After The Shoes

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Great venue, great gig but a very average after gig curry.

Thanks to all that turned out, particularly the gentleman that danced so ably to Brown Sugar.

Hopefully the Three Horse Shoe locals enjoyed the evening and will welcome us again, as we hope to return in 2011.

Next public gigs in Leeds area are The Tarn Yeadon Friday 8th October and at O'Neills Bar Leeds on Saturday 16th October.

We are however making a public appearance in Harrogate on Saturday 18th September, playing a charity fund raiser for Open Country: Christ Church Parish Centre, Harrogate Stray. HG1 4SW. Entrance fee is £7.50 which includes Pie & Peas plus a drink. The band will be on at 9:00 pm.

For more info visit: www.opencountry.org.uk

The Despoilers

News: The Three Horse Shoes

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The bands summer break is thankfully over and we look forward to kicking off a sequence of gigs in September at The Three Horse Shoes Headingley on Saturday 11th September.

Entry is free and the band will introduce a few new covers to our already wide and varied set.

We look forward to a few beers and a good night with all who can join us.

The Despoilers

News: The Despoilers at The Black Bull, Rock n Roll

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0800

What a fantastic crowd we played to last night at The Black Bull Horsforth. Thank you to all our friends that made the journey down to the bottom of Town Street. I’m sure you enjoyed all the bars on the way down. The Hen night girls also contributed to a great night. We will be back at the Black Bull in March 2011.

Summer holidays prevent us from playing now until 11^th September. We open the Autumn tour at The Three Horse Shoes, Headingley.

This is our Headingley debut, so we hope to make it a real success.

We will post some images and video from the Black Bull gig very shortly. Watch this space!

The Despoilers

News: Great Night at The Old Ball

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Thanks to all who turned out for Saturdays gig at The Old Ball, another fantastic night that we very much enjoyed. If your eardrums didn't get enough of a pounding Saturday feel free to check out the music player for a couple of the numbers recorded during the evening and the Video section for a performance with the pool table and a crazy encore of Mustang Sally.

The gig went ahead despite Stevie G trying to cut his finger off with a sharp knife preparing dinner a few hours before the gig. This was nothing a few beers couldn’t anaesthetise prior to the set.

Late night curry is becoming a regular feature of gig nights. Morning after seems to get harder every gig. Best we don’t into the detail.

Next gig 17^th July at The Black Bull, Horsforth. We hope to see ya there.

News: Gigs Sort September - December 2010

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Land Lords/Ladies, Venue Hosts & Promoters,

The band will take a summer break following the Black Bull Gig on 17th July, owing to various holiday commitments. The Despoilers are now seeking gigs from Mid September through to the end of December 2010

Pubs, clubs private parties, we just like to play!

The band can be contacted via the contacts page of this web site:

The Despoilers

News: Old Mods. What a Night!

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Thank you to all who attended what was the launch gig for the new line up. Hopefully you all enjoyed the night, we certainly did. The band simply cannot wait now to get back on stage again. We plan a bit of a Horsforth Summer Tour either side of the World Cup. Old Ball 5^th June and Black Bull 17^th July.

There will be some pictures of the Old Mods gig available with a few days watch this space.

Check out the music player which will regularly update three songs at a time from the Old Mods gig. Raw and live with plenty of crowd noise, including backing singing from a fabulous audience.

The Despoilers

News: Launch Gig For New line-Up

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The new and hopefully final line-up of The Despoilers will debut at the Old Mods, Cookridge on Saturday 24th April 2010. This is a fund raiser for the Old Mod s, however being an open gig everyone is welcome. In fact the more the merrier!

News: New Members, New Set

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

New band members bring new numbers and influences to the band. Tim and Dave have added a new dimension in terms of experience and musical influences.

The usual array of 60's & 70's Pop, Rock & Blues will in future include more covers from the 21st Century and little bit of 70's popular punk rock.

The band will expand the set further once Mark gets back and brings a bigger keyboard influence.

The band will be kicking off at the Old Mods on Saturday 24th April which will be followed by a number of gigs at local venues, soon to be advised.

News: The Despoilers Band is Up and Running!

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

We are pleased to announce that Tim Weatherhead has joined as Vocalist. Tim has a wealth of experience and is a real Frontman.

Having relied on a series of stand-in Drummers for 2009 gigs, all of whom we thank for their support, Dave Collins joins the band as Drummer. Dave has played with a number of local bands and really strengthens the band.

The band are putting together a mixed set of covers and cannot wait to get gigging around the area.

We hope to be gigging with the new line up in April 2010.

Watch this space!

News: Singer Sort

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The Despoilers are seeking a singer to front the band. Male or female, with a good voice and wanting to play in a band for fun.

Interested?

Contact the band via the contact page of this web site.

News: Old Ball Rocks to The Despoilers

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Thank you all who attended the Old Ball gig last Saturday. The gig was a success, thanks to Dave Collins who turned out with only one practice session on the drums.

Marks back in Australia so we have no immediate plans to gig again for some weeks, however watch this space.

Regards

The Despoilers

News: Mark Back in Australia

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Following the Old Ball gig on Saturday 30th January, the band will take a short break as front man Mark Steel makes a business trip to Australia The Despoilers plan to be gigging again in the spring.

Venues to be advised. Watch this space!

News: Forced Change On The Drums

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Circumstances force a last minute change to the bands line up for the Old Ball gig on Saturday 30^th January. Dave Collins comes in on the drums at short notice. Needless to say, the band is very appreciative of Dave’s support.

Mike Gaunt will also run a disco before and between sets. The disco will be underway by 8:00pm.

Looking forward to a great night.

The Despoilers

News: Blues and Rock from Despoilers

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

With Despoilers front man Mark Steele returning from Australia in December 09 and Andy Hogg joining on the drums, the band has taken on a more "Rocky Blues" feel, which will be evident when they kick off at the Old Ball, Horsforth on Saturday 30th January 2010.

The band plan to gig on a regular basis around the Leeds area and develop the set to include both Pub Gig and Party Numbers . Both Pub and party bookings most welcome.

Futher local gigs are planned in February and March.

Watch this space for venues and dates.