About The Riot Band
• ceilidhs • barn dances • hoedowns for weddings • birthdays • private • social • corporate • student events

Meet the band members
What is a Ceilidh Band
Reviews

Listen to the Riot Band

Tune 1. Kesh & Morrison's

Tune 2. Maid Behind The Bar

Tune 3. The Blackthorn Stick

 

Watch the Riot Band

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Riot Band are an experienced Bury and Bolton based ceilidh band who play venues in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and throughout the North of England and North Wales. We play at folk festivals, parties, wedding receptions and social events.

As you are probably aware, the great advantage of folk dance for a party (or any other event) is that your guests need not know anything at all about folk dancing as the whole thing is explained by the caller and walked through once or twice beforehand.

If you choose The Riot Band for your Ceilidh, Barn Dance, festival, event or celebration or for your wedding band you can be assured of a very memorable evening.

You can see more information on our Facebook Page


To enquire or book email Bob mail@theriotband.co.uk or cut and paste into your web mail app.
Tel: 01204884297, Mobile: 07712615773

Band history

The Riot Band has its origins way back in the nineteen sixties. Peter Lewis on fiddle, Peter Fox on piano accordion, Brian Platt on percussion and Bob Duckworth on tenor banjo, all members of the now defunct Bury Folk Club, formed The Fiery Clockface Ceilidh Band. In the mid 70s, the band re-formed as Chatterton Riot, with Francis Roe and John Hemmingway joining Bob and Pete Lewis.

In 1978 (or thereabouts), Ed McGurk joined the band on bass guitar. Shortly after, the name was changed to The Riot Band. The Riot Band went from strength to strength and with Bob’s son; Neil on drums, took on an electric ceilidh band style, still playing folk music for ceilidh’s, Barn Dances or Hoe Downs. Whatever name you choose, the music and format of the evening are the same, dancing to the instructions of a caller (or MC as they are sometimes known).

When Peter Lewis decided to retire from the band, Emily Roe took his place. The present line up is Emily Roe (fiddle), Emily’s dad Francis (melodeon – which is similar to an accordion, and concertina), Ed McGurk on bass guitar, Bob Duckworth on electric guitar and Bob’s son Neil on drums.

We believe that the blend of experienced musicians, coupled with the exuberance of the younger members of the band makes for a really exciting sound and an evening to remember.

Our past performances have included folk festivals, weddings, special birthdays and social events for clubs, student unions and many other gatherings. Our callers/MC’s are carefully chosen, highly experienced and entertaining. They’ll keep you on your toes, walk you through each dance before the music starts and call the steps whilst in full flow. You can’t go wrong!!!

To enquire or book email Bob mail@theriotband.co.uk or cut and paste into your web mail app.
Tel: 01204884297, Mobile: 07712615773

The Riot Band