The gig at "Fat Lil's" Witney on Saturday October 6th 2007 will be remembered fondly by PowerTrain as the first time they have been provided with a changing room that had lights round an enormous makeup mirror. But makeup was not required, just plenty of high energy, classic rock from this established band. Their play list has now extended to include some Led Zep, interestingly mixed in with The Beatles and even a Status Quo number. The repertoire continues to expand in interesting ways, but the basic reason for the bands existence continues - keep on playing that classic rock that the audiences know and love. This particular gig kicked off earlier than expected when the hangers on from an earlier wedding party insisted on dancing to the sound check and then called for more - a great start to what turned out to be a great evening for the band and a big audience. Fat Lil loved it too (she really does exist, but isn't fat) and PowerTrain hope to be back at her club a few times in 2008. Keep watching the gig list and go check out the Fat Lil's web site too!

PowerTrain did an introductory 4 numbers at the Portwell bar "Open Mike Night" on December 4th in the Faringdon Corn Exchange.  A lot of the audience had already headed off home as it was getting to 11:15 on a Sunday evening ("I've got to go to work tomorrow!") but the 50 or so remaining gave the band an enthusiastic reception and demanded an encore - always a good sign for a first gig!  The playlist was Wishing Well, 20th Century Boy, Can't Get Enough, Rosalie (which went down a storm!) and "Hard to Handle" as an encore.

So, we look forward to the 17th December at the Junior School.  You just gotta be there!

 

17th December 2005, Gig in aid of Breast Cancer Care charity,  Faringdon, Oxon

The band played the last 30+ minutes of the night after a great lead in by about 8 other acts and were received with enthusiasm by those who stayed long enough. The play list was extended to include Born To Be Wild, Here I Go Again and Strange Kinda Woman

 

As a result of this gig, the band look to have some more work in 2006, hopefully starting on March 18th, so are away learning more material!   Details will be published on this site as soon as they are confirmed.

 

8th January 2006, 15 Minute Club, Portwell Bar Open Mike Night, Faringdon Corn Exchange, Faringdon, Oxon

"The power chords of new 'supergroup' PowerTrain followed.  Formed out of a meeting at last year's Faringdon Arts Festival, this five piece band packs a punch.  Fronted by lead singer Darren Kenyon, who is an energetic and powerful singer with a lot of stage presence, the band gave it all on versions of Bob Seger's 'Rosalie', Steppenwolf's 'Born To Be Wild' and the Black Crowe's 'Hard To Handle'.  This group will certainly be popular amongst rockers of all ages" (Faringdon Folly & Diary, February 2006)

 

18th March 2006, Arts Festival Fund raiser, Faringdon Corn Exchange, Faringdon, Oxon

                                                 (Faringdon Folly & Diary April 2006)

2nd September 2006 The Barge Inn – Pewsey

Despite the wild and windy weather meaning that an outdoor gig was impossible, Faringdon’s premier rockers played inside the cosy bar of the Barge Inn. Unphased by the alternate location, PowerTrain took the bar by storm with their ever popular rock covers. At one point it looked as though security might be an issue, when an overzealous fan decided to join Darren on vocals for a couple of numbers, but normality was soon resumed. Darren showed his professionalism by giving an excellent performance, uninterrupted by the wannabe vocalist.

Powertrain played on through their set with the audience (ranging from the very young to those owning a bus pass) eating out of their hands, and calling for more. The lads left the stage with the sound of applause ringing in their ears, and surely set to become a starring attraction at future Barge Inn events.

29th September 2006   PowerTrain’s Swindon debut gig at the Swiss Chalet – What a night!

These classic rockers never fail to entertain – and tonight was no exception. A fantastic first set saw the audience warm to their special brand of classic rock covers, in front of the ever growing audience. The eagerly awaited second set was well received, with the good people of Swindon singing and dancing to the end of the evening. Cries for encores were ably met, and a well satisfied audience showed their appreciation with warm rounds of applause and calls for more.

All in all a great night out enjoyed by all. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of PowerTrain at this venue in the future. Keep checking the website for future dates.

30th September 2006  The White Horse Inn – Highworth

This hard rocking venue proved PowerTrain able to please the most hardened rockers. This was a hot and heavy evening of rock classics in a venue renowned locally for it’s great music. Complementing the usual great vocal from Darren was a guest appearance from the Landlord’s brother - giving us a storming version of “Pretty Vacant”. The audience was up and dancing for the whole second set, and PowerTrain look set to be seen many more times at this great venue. All in all, and outstanding evening – keep rocking guys!

6th October 2006  The Trout Inn, Lechlade

An unusual venue – an unusual evening!  PowerTrain’s usual philosophy of “If it’s too loud , you’re too old” proved true for this historic building. The guys had to subdue the volume as it was severely shaking the upper windows of the Trout.

For those who have seen the band in bigger venues, the change was immediately obvious. As Dave Curzon worked hard at keeping the volume down, the rest of the band delivered a lower volume but high enthusiasm evening. The minute venue precluded any dancing, but the audience still sang along and clapped their way through the set. As Darren’s voice began to show signs of strain, the night began to draw to a close. Not too sure the lads will be playing inside at this venue again in the future, but in the summer, the marquee may provide the ideal space for their regular brand of loud rock.

7th October 2006  St Edmunds Football Club, Dunmore Junior School, Abingdon

A great venue for a great band! Tonight saw the PowerTrain guys doing their bit for the community – raising money for the St Edmunds Football Club. With an ideal performance space, excellent lighting from Rod, the band were well on form. With ample room for dance it wasn’t long before the audience was up and dancing to all the classic rock that PowerTrain is known for. For a change, there were lots of guys dancing too – and the audience was amply rewarded for attending this brilliant evening. What can I say – a great time for everyone!

More photos here

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