About The Riot Band
The Riot Band are an experienced ceildh band who play venues throughout the North West of England. We play at folk festivals, parties, wedding receptions and other 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, festival, event or celebration or for your wedding band you can be assured of a very memorable evening.
The history of The Riot Band
The Riot Band has its origins way back in the nineteen sixties. Peter Lewis on fiddle, Peter Fox on Piano accordian, 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 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 ceildh band style, still playing folk music for Ceilidhs, 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 (electric fiddle), Emily’s dad Francis (melodeon – which is similar to an accordian, 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 more youthful members makes for a really exciting sound. At the time of writing Emily is 15 years old and Neil is a little older at 36. How old are the rest of the band? That’s for us to know!
In the past we have played mainly in folk clubs and festivals but we now find ourselves playing more outside the folk scene at weddings, private functions and golf clubs etc.
