Nine Below Zero emerged during that great UK Pub Rock era of the late 70’s.

Playing originals plus blues and old school R & B - they were respected by the rock crowd , the Punks and New Wave and the Ska audiences.

They had an early Who mod vibe playing energetic shows with wailing harmonica - whilst wearing suits , white shirts and skinny ties.

Indeed they would support the Who - as well as the Kinks in just a few years.

I was fortunate to see them live at Reading Rock Festival in 1981 - playing to 30,000 people and following Greg Lake and Gary Moore - playing King Crimson , ELP and Thin Lizzy classics.

Not an easy task to follow such mega artists - however Nine Below Zero succeeded in bringing their East London club toughness and swagger to such a massive stage.

I remember thinking that the blues and harmonica wails of the group who were influenced by the blues greats (Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter,Muddy Waters,John Lee Hooker etc) - were paying homage to the blues legends who had inspired the mega groups on the bill as well.

Indeed the night ended with the Kinks topping the bill and closing out the show.

That night was indeed a massive test for Nine Below Zero who somehow pulled it off with their stripped down sound and energy.

Led by frontman Dennis Greaves on guitar and lead vocals and augmented by the wailing blues harmonica of Mark Feltham - they worked with legendary engineer Glyn Johns (Stones, Beatles, Who) and were signed to A&M.

However its their live shows and their 1980 live first album “Live at the Marquee” that propelled their success.

They are still touring to this day and past members include bass player Gerry McAvoy who was with Rory Gallagher in the 70’s.

Well worth checking out!

More info here:

https://www.ninebelowzero.com/