23rd July 2011 -
Urgent - Urgent - Urgent -
Postponed - Tonight's gig at The Star has been postponed due to the illness of a band member. Sincere apologies to all and thanks to the venue for their understanding...a new date has now been set for Sat. 17th December...the illness is so debilitating that a performance at this moment is impossible, so the band have had to take the uncharacteristic step and call off the gig at the 11th hour...we trust you will understand...thanks and see you soon...Straighten Out.

We are sorry to inform you at such short notice that the gig at The Box (Crewe) has had to be cancelled. We've been contacted today by venue owner Ray who expressed his regret in pulling the gig but it seems that the combination of an exceptional period of Bank Holiday's and the continued 'economic crisis' is having an undesired impact on the live music circuit...Ray has taken the band's expenses and travel times into consideration and concluded that it's of mutual benefit to postpone the gig for the time being...
On a positive note, Ray is planning on putting on a tribute band's festival in September at The Box and he will be inviting Straighten Out to appear at the event...more information will follow as and when we know...
Apologies again to all who planned on attending the gig tomorrow...

27th April 2011 - Straighten Out - Important gig ates...
Two gigs added, one venue change and one rescheduled (maybe!) read on...
Firstly, the Coventry gig in July has been pulled due to a band member being unavoidable unavailable at that time. Shaggy has tried frantically to reschedule the gig and his numerous phone calls and texts have not received replies, making his task somewhat difficult...does anyone out there know of a possible alternative contact number for organising gigs at the New Arches Snooker and Music venue in Coventry? Drop us an email if you do...
The gig venue change is for Arbroath (Fri. 23rd Sept)...it's been switched to Dundee at the 'Beat Generator Live!' venue. Apparently the Arbroath venue only want bands going on stage at midnight as part of their club night – and according to the guy who booked the band this is "not suitable for this show and wouldn’t work". The band agree...
The venue opened about 6 weeks ago and has already had some top gigs with 'Sham 69' and 'TV Smith' and the 'Valentines' already having appeared there with the 'Angelic Upstarts' and 'Anti Nowhere League' to come soon...sounds like a very decent venue...
And now more good news...two further gigs added in November...Sat 19th/Sun 20th in Scotland and Gateshead...see gig guide for further details...

--- 22nd March 2011 ---

Straighten Out - 'Black and Live' CD clips to whet your appetite...!
'Black and Live', the release date for Straighten Out's CD is set for Monday 4th April. And to give you all a taste of the excellent tracks recorded you can listen to four samples on the above 'jukebox'...their craftsmanship is exceptional and a fitting tribute to the unique sound of The Stranglers...all live and all recorded in a matter of hours! Straighten Out have made a statement of intent with this compilation...!
More information to be provided soon...

--- 16th March 2011 ---

Straighten Out - studio CD and gig date change...plus one cancellation.
Straighten Out's CD is almost ready to go on sale and should be available when the band start touring...and please try to get to this Sunday's 'audition' for the 'Glastonbudget Festival' - let's make it impossible for the judges to say no!
Hope & Anchor gig - date change...now Sat. 18th June
Unavoidably this gig as been put back from 14th May to Sat. 18th June...we hope you can still come along to what will be the band's first live recorded gig...
Tickets are on sale now at the usual outlet: Hope & Anchor tickets
Also the Sunderland gig set for Sat. April 30th at The Wheatsheaf has been cancelled due to PA system difficulties...apologies to those who planned on going to the show.

--- 14th February 2011 ---

Straighten Out - studio CD set for release...
Straighten Out have been busy recording tracks recently and a CD release is imminent...watch this space...!

--- 24th January 2011 ---

Straighten Out - Hope & Anchor tickets on sale now...plus Swindon gig...
Get your tickets now for the Hope & Anchor gig, the first ever event by the band that is to be recorded and released on DVD...be part of the history...!
Also, tickets for the '12 Bars' gig at Swindon in June can be purchased too...
Buy now at: Hope & Anchor tickets
Buy now at: '12 Bars' tickets

--- 23rd January 2011 ---

Straighten Out - Witchwood gig date switch...
Due to those unforeseeable 'unforseen circumstances' Straighten Out's gig at the Witchwood (set for 9th April) has now been changed to later in the year - Sat. 15th October...

--- 17th January 2011 ---

Straighten Out - another festival confirmed...!
Straighten Out will be appearing at this year's 'Tribfest' on Saturday, 20th August...

--- 11th January 2011 ---

Straighten Out - the DVD...live at the Hope & Anchor...
Straighten Out's gig at the legendary 'Hope & Anchor' venue in Islington, London (now 14th May, note change of date from 21st) is to be recorded by a professional film crew and subsequently released on DVD for your delectation...! Using film and TV industry standard pro equipment [Sony ProHDZ5 camera with pro shotgun mics for clear audio] the results will be of the highest quality...!
And in appreciation of those who attend the gig, your name will be taken (with your approval!) and featured on the DVD sleeve (in the mode of The Stranglers' Hammersmith Apollo gig last year...) plus you will be able to purchase the DVD for half price...
This is looking like one of the highlights of the year...and Shaggy had hoped to combine his trip to London on this day with a certain football match going on across town on the same day - the F.A. Cup Final! He obviously anticipated Sheffield United playing down the road at Wembley but alas, Aston Villa bolloxed that dream for another year! However...Sheffield Wednesday are still on course to represent the city on this prestigious occasion...what d'ya mean don't mention them...??? It's only a game...well, maybe not......!
Anyhow, get down to the 'Hope & Anchor' in May and participate in the historic event...you know you wanna...
See you there...

--- 11th January 2011 ---

Straighten Out - another gig added for December...
Straighten Out will return to The Railway, Bromley Cross (Bolton) on Saturday, 10th December...

--- 6th January 2011 ---

Straighten Out aim to play 'Glastonbudget 2011'...
Glastonbudget is Europe's premier tribute-band festival. Starting up in 2005 it's come a long way since in size and stature and is, by design, a 'budget weekend music festival' which aims to show as many top quality tribute bands over 3 days on 6 stages as it can...all whilst not adhering to the usual 'rip-off' mentality that shames some of the countries other 'established festivals'...hence the 'budget' in Glastonbudget...! This year's event takes place at Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold, Leicestershire, over the bank holiday weekend 27th-29th May...For further details check out their website: glastonbudget
In order to get the gig Straighten Out will be doing an audition (that's the rules...!) in front of a panel of judges at the Shed in Leicester on Sun. 20th March. This will probably be about 40mins and as yet we don't know the start time, but we'll let you know by 10th March as we'd appreciate you coming along to create that special atmosphere we know you generate and assist us in 'strangling', I mean convincing, the judges into submission...We know the band has the ability to rock Glastonbudget, and I know they'll appreciate the bigger platform to show it...!
Further news as we get it...so keep that date in mind...

--- 21st December ---

Coming your way soon...[Ammended 23rd Dec.]
Straighten Out can now reveal their 2011 tour details...
The tour starts on Saturday 9th April and stretches into December...
The Moses Gate gig (Nov. 12th) has naturally been cancelled because of The Stranglers' Convention weekend 'activities'...! And a further gig has been added in May at The Box in Crewe...So, first up is The Witchwood (Ashton-u-Lyne) followed by the Yardbirds then a new venue for the band, The Wheatsheaf (Sunderland). Also in May the band return to the legendary Hope'n'Anchor in London and then a second appearance at the northwest's premier punk-fest Nice'n'Sleazy (Morecambe) follows...A real treat amongst the gigs next year will be a show at THE STAR (Guildford) which all Stranglers' fans will recognize as the venue where The Stranglers 'made their name' back in the mid-70's. There's new venues confirmed for Birmingham, Coventry, Arbroath and Fife too before a trip back to London's Dublin Castle (Camden Town) in October...
Further gigs will be added soon so keep checking back for the updates...!
We'll take this opportunity now to wish you all a great festive season and best wishes for 2011...
See you on the road --- Straighten Out (Dec. 2010)

--- 12th December ---

An eventful year...
Well, Saturday night's gig brought the curtain down on an eventful year for Straighten Out...
From Bathgate to Swindon and many places inbetween, Straighten Out have delivered the music!
The band has finished the year stronger than ever...along the way we've had the tremendous contributions from Stu and Mickey and then uncovered another gem in Phil and Casey returned to the fold for the last few shows, stalwarts Shaggy and Mick (the 'Doc') were their customary, consistent professional selves and the gigs were delivered with the high-quality, high-energy and passion that the musical content demands...
It's been a magnificent effort by the band to get out there and perform over the months and a pleasure to experience it when it all comes together...!
And to all the fans who came along to the shows - we wish to thank you for expressing your continued support and appreciation at each gig and we look forward to meeting you on our journey's in 2011...!
Straighten Out (Dec. 2010)

--- 3rd December ---

Tonight's gig is definitely ON...
The gig at The Railway, Bromley Cross goes ahead tonight despite the adverse weather conditions. This has been a tremendous effort by the band to beat the elements so get along there and show your support and appreciation...
See you there...!

--- 2nd December ---
Weather woes...we urge you to keep checking the website for gig updates as they could be cancelled...
And news for 2011 gigs...new songs and your chance to suggest further tracks...
Well, once again the country is in the midst of a snow and ice onslaught - well the vast majority - and travel in certain parts has grinded to a halt. It's been well reported on national news that Sheffield has experienced some of the worst weather in decades, as our Sheffield correspondent Shaggy has confirmed...he's stuck there! He's almost been snowed in and the picture below gives an indication of the severity of the conditions...you will note however that there is a large egg on hand to provide nutrition should food stocks run low in the next few days...!

On a more serious note, this current bad weather could unfortunately lead to a cancelling of Saturday's gig in Bolton, in fact due to the uncertainty of the length of time the country will be affected the Gateshead gig could also be called off...
Shaggy may not be able to venture out of Sheffield, Phil could have trouble travelling up north and indeed fans themselves may be snowed in elsewhere in their own towns and cities...
So, we ask you to keep checking the website for the latest updates on the last two gigs of the year...thanks.
On a positive note...Straighten Out have confirmed a lengthy tour of the UK for 2011 (new places and venues too) and all the gig dates will be posted up in the gig guide in the next few weeks! We can also reveal that (at least) 3 new songs have been added to the setlist: 'Baroque Bordello', 'Shah Shah a Go-Go' and 'Golden Brown'...! The band are often asked to play various songs at gigs and with this in mind I now give you the chance to send your 'requests' to us via the website...What tracks do you wanna hear at next year's gigs? What would be your 'ideal' setlist? Get involved, let us know and you may be pleasantly surprised when you go to one of next year's Straighten Out gigs...which won't be long now...!
Cheers...hopefully see you on Saturday...!

--- 21st November ---

Band Announcement...
We have taken the decision to bring back Casey on drums...ultimately we couldn't turn our backs on the opportunity to re-unite with the original drummer and painful as it is to make the replacement, we feel that we should re-instate Casey in the band... Micky has been a star and all the fans at gigs have praised his efforts. There is no disappointment in Micky's ability, no disagreement about his attitude and nothing but admiration for his commitment during the past year. But Casey's burning desire to return to Straighten Out is something we can't now ignore. We feel that we are compelled to recreate that chemistry that we experienced before...instinctively, we believe that we must allow Casey the opportunity to return to his role in the band... To Micky, we're truly grateful for your time with the band. Great times, great memories... We sincerely thank you for your work and dedication over the year...and that is from the heart, from all of us... Straighten Out

--- 18th November ---

Another storming gig by Straighten Out at Moses Gate last week...tables knocked over and good beer unfortunately spilled as the guys at the front were rather 'enthusiastically' showing their appreciation to one or two of their favourite songs during the night - I think it was 'Go Buddy Go' that tipped them over the edge ultimately! - all in good spirits though...the atmosphere was great and the room grew hot and sweaty, but alas, not hot enough for any nubiles to partake in the usual 'Nice'n'Sleazy' ritual...y'know what I mean...
And so the train moves on and the next stop is at Bromley Cross in December... The landlord and lady used to run the 'Hark to Towler' pub (Bury), and you know how much they enjoyed and promoted live music...they're doing the same over at Bolton now so a top night's entertainment with Straighten Out will be guaranteed...!
Once again, see you down at the front...!

--- 9th November ---

Moses Gate...
Next show, a return to Moses Gate beckons this Friday, a venue that is always crammed with a most receptive crowd - so get there early! Gig should start around 9.00pm.
Once again, see you there...!

--- 20th October 2010 ---

The Witchwood...
Next show, Sat. 23rd October, sees the band return once more to the Witchwood where there's always been an excellent reception, at one of the regions best music venues...The gig should start around 9.00pm.
See you there...!

--- 5th October 2010 ---

The Woodlands...
Next show, Great Sankey, (Warrington) on Sat. 9th October...at The Woodlands, on the outskirts of Warrington (5 minute cab journey from Warrington Central train station)...Should start around 9.00pm...
See you there...!

--- 15th September 2010 ---

Gig at the Witchwood brought forward one week...
Straighten Out's gig at the Witchwood (Ashton-u-Lyne) will now be on Sat. 23rd October as opposed to the 30th...there has been a 'double-booking' oversight and hence the re-scheduling...we hope you can all still make it down there...!

--- 2nd September 2010 ---

More good news...a further gig added in October...!
Straighten Out will be in Great Sankey, Warrington on Sat. 9th October...the show is at The Woodlands, on the outskirts of Warrington (5 minute cab journey from Warrington Central train station)...

--- 30th August 2010 ---

Three Tuns gig is definitely ON...
Paul, the manager at the venue has been in touch with us to bring to our attention that a rumour is circulating around the region of the Three Tuns pub (Gateshead) and maybe beyond, that Straighten Out's gig on 11th September isn't happening...we can state quite categorically that this gig is definitely ON, and if anybody knows who is propagating these false rumours we would be interested in hearing from you...

--- 23rd August 2010 ---

A great debut for Phil...
And a little more info on the new band member...
New lead guitarist Phil Harvey made his first appearance with Straighten Out on Saturday night and went down a storm. He gelled immediately with the band and the crowd were the most enthusiatic (border-line 'wild' at the front!) that I've seen for a while...lead by FBJ, of course! They opened with 'I feel like a Wog' and raced through all the crowd favourites (in no particular order): 'Nuclear Device', '5 Minutes', 'Bring on the Nubiles', 'The Raven', 'Tank', 'Toiler', 'Walk on By', the customary 'Straighten Out' leading up to 'Go Buddy Go', 'No More Heroes', 'Something Better Change' and bringing the house down with 'Down in the Sewer'...! A very encouraging debut by Phil who enjoyed the gig as much as the punters did! One or two very minor glitches on the night but the guy had only had two hours previous practice with the band...impressive to say the least! Looking good for the future...catch them next in Gateshead on Sat. 11th September.
Phil has supplied us with some information on his musical background to date...which certainly highlights his credentials!
Phil has been a semi-pro musician for over 20 years playing thousands of gigs all over Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. He has played at festivals and made several TV and radio appearances. Over the years he has played live with many great and well known musicians including Alan Price (The Animals), Mick Avory, John Dalton, John Gosling (The Kinks), Carol Decker (T’Pau), Ray Weston (Wishbone Ash). Phil is also currently playing keyboards and 2nd guitar in retro-rock band 'The Wolfmen' with Marco Pirroni of 'Adam & the Ants'. As part of the 'Wolfmen' band, Phil recently recorded some tracks with Sinead O’Connor.

--- 14th August 2010 ---

New guitarist to take up the reigns...and new gig at Three Tuns for September...
Somewhat sadly we say 'goodbye' to guitarist Stuart. He has persevered with a problematic hand condition (similar symptoms to arthritis) during his tenure as guitarist/vocalist for the band but now he considers it best if he 'retires' from the role. We thank Stuart for his commitment and contribution to the band over the last eight months and wish him well in whatever he pursues next...and it would be nice to see him at a gig or two in the future! Cheers Stuart!
Straighten Out's new co-frontman is...Phil Harvey...Phil hails from Watford and, as expected, is a huge Stranglers fan. He's played in a few bands over the years and now relishes the opportunity to join a group with whom he'll be playing his favourite tunes...! His debut with Straighten Out will be next Saturday, (21st August) at Moses Gate...Get there to welcome him on board...!
And another gig has now been confirmed for Saturday, 11th September at the Three Tuns in Gateshead...

--- 29th July 2010 ---

12 Bars and even more beers...!
But the economic crisis claims further victims...
Straighten Out will be at 12 Bars on Saturday night, down in sunny(?) Swindon...so get along to support them...!
But, unfortunately there will be a few gigs cut from the list as certain venues shut down or simply can't afford to put live bands on any more, due to the hard-hitting economic and financial crisis that is affecting the whole of the UK. A couple more have been cut for reasons of 'timing' (for want of a word). The 'casualties' are, in order, The Forum (Darlington, 28th Aug.)...Yardbirds (Grimsby, 16th Oct.)...The Venue (Shaw, nr Oldham, 27th Nov.)...Rockers (Glasgow, 10th Dec.)...
To those places that are closing, we hope you can re-open in some form or other in the near future, best of luck...

--- 12th July 2010 ---

All set for Bilston...!
Straighten Out will finish the month off with 3 gigs in 10 days starting at Bilston, then Grimsby and then down to Swindon. Shaggy has recovered from his back injury and the band are eager to get back out there and deliver their show...so get along to support them...!!!

--- 10th June 2010 ---

URGENT NEWS...GIG CANCELLATION...
Shaggy has suffered a severe injury whilst working, damaging his back - it's not life-threatening, so don't be overly alarmed - but as a result, tomorrow night's gig at Rockers in Glasgow has had to be cancelled...Shaggy is in no fit condition to perform and is unable even to drive, so bad is the pain and movement restrictions he's subjected to at present. His injury was sustained whilst lifting and carrying a 'RSJ' (a rolled steel girder to the non-engineering/non-construction workers who are reading!). We hope a trip to A&E will help him to find a quick cure and some pain relief...but as always, some time will be needed to get back to 'normality'...we apologise for this unexpected and unavoidable cancellation and hope to still see you all at the Rocker's gig later in the year...

--- 1st June 2010 ---

Shaggy and The Radiacs...and Three Tuns GIG CANCELLATION update...
Shaggy is taking over bass guitar duties for The Radiacs, whose drummer is close friend and ex-Straighten Out drummer, Shaun Williams...Shaggy joins them as they get set for their first summer gig at the Psychobilly Meeting 2010 in Spain, on Thur. 24th June...Further gigs are in Germany in Oct/Nov...
Shaggy wishes to emphasis, however, that his number one priority is still Straighten Out. His efforts and ambitions for Straighten Out will not be diminished by his role with The Radiacs. The circumstances of both bands allows him the luxury of performing with the two of them! That, plus his ability to adapt to different styles of music...!
So, you can catch up with Shaggy and the rest of Straighten Out this coming Saturday at the Hark to Towler, in Bury (Gtr. Manchester) and if you're interested in finding out what The Radiacs are up to (and sound like!), check out their website via the Links page...
CANCELLATION : Three Tuns gig (scheduled for Sat. 12th June): Paul, the pub manager has informed us that the England-U.S.A World Cup match is to be screened live all around the venue on this night...as the game will finish around 9.15-9.30pm it has been decided that this leaves no time for the band to get set up and ready to start at a suitable time to fit in their 2-hour set...the band don't want to undersell themselves either and just put on an hour of songs, so the gig is now cancelled and a later date will be announced shortly...we trust you understand, bloody football eh? Hahaha!

--- 25th May 2010 ---

Festival weekend ahead...
'Straighten Out' head west to the seaside at Morecambe this weekend to join the punk festival extravaganza where they will bring the curtain down on Saturday night/Sunday morning with their blistering set which starts at 00.15am and should round off a full day's entertainment that includes earlier sets from the band's close friends 'Cash from Chaos' (3.30pm), another band I've seen and recommend - 'Last Gang in Town' (5.00pm) - and headliners 'Eddie and the Hot Rods' (10.00pm)... The day's events begin at 11.45am and a full 13 hours of music and mayhem will no doubt proceed...! Incidently, Goldblade are performing on the Friday night (10.20pm) so if you're there for the weekend you'll be able to catch John Robb and co. too...

--- 11th May 2010 ---

Straighten Out venue change in December...
The ex-management team of the Hark to Towler (Bury), Jon Hanson and Hilary Howard have taken over at a new music venue near Bolton and they want to take Straighten Out with them...! The band's gig on Sat. 4th December has now been switched to 'The Railway Music Venue', Bromley Cross, Bolton...

--- 7th May 2010 ---

Sheffield gigs cancelled...
Due to personal issues connected with the band it has been decided that, at present, the best course of action to pursue is to cancel the three gigs scheduled for Sheffield this year (June, Oct., Nov.)...Straighten Out offer their apologies to fans.

On a positive note, more songs are ready to be brought into their already extensive set...these songs will be brought into future shows as their tour progresses...

--- 24th April 2010 ---

Rehearsals going good...and 'Q Bar' gig cancelled...
Firstly, Straighten Out's gig at the 'Q Bar' in Stalybridge (2nd May) has been cancelled as previous landlords (Wendy and Tony) have moved on to a new pub in Wales and the new owners have made an error with a double booking apparently, so apologies from the band and they hope to return there soon...They also plan on doing a gig at Wendy and Tony's new place in Wales in August too, so check the gig guide for updates...Now, the good news - rehearsals have been going excellent and everybody's pleased with the progress they've made...and there are a number of 'new' songs being brought into the set that should surprise and please people when they get to see them from next Friday onwards...!
See you at Moses Gate...cheers...!

--- 11th April 2010 ---

Witchwood gig cancelled...
Straighten Out's gig at The Witchwood, set for Sat. 24th April, has had to be cancelled...the band apologise for any inconveniences caused but they need a little more time to get 'up to speed' as they incorporate the changes that have occurred since the year began...you all know how much professionalism they have, and wish to maintain, hence the slight delay before they hit the stage again...they're raring to go but just want to 'fine-tune' a few things before they unleash themselves on you once more...!
We trust you understand...cheers...

--- 17th March 2010 ---

Band line-up change...latest rehearsal news...gig postponements...
Unfortunately we have to inform you that Casey has retired as drummer of the band due to family commitments. Casey's input to the band during his tenure was nothing short of 100% and band members and fans alike fully appreciated his efforts and are grateful for the time he gave to the band and we hope he remembers as many happy moments of his hours playing the skins as we do...if not more...!! Our very best wishes for the future Casey, from us all...x...
But the show must go on...As you will be aware, Straighten Out have a busy year of gigs ahead to fulfil and as such have already got a new drummer in place...Micky Pataki (Micky P) - formerly of the Hungarian Stranglers' tribute band, 'Rattus Hungaricus'...he played with them for four years and is well versed in Stranglers music, he now relishes the challenge that lies ahead with Shaggy, Mick and Stu. Welcome aboard Micky...!! The band has been rehearsing recently and have more than an hours material ready to play, but as anyone who has seen them live will know, they want to get that up to their customary 2-hour show before they hit the road for their 2010 gigs...As such the gigs at 'The Venue' - Shaw, Nr Oldham (Fri. March 26th) and 'Revolver' - Birkenhead (Sat. April 17th) have been postponed. The gig in Bathgate (Scotland) at 'The Lounge', Sat. March 27th, WILL GO AHEAD as the band are co-headlining with 'Cash from Chaos' and their set will be approximately 60-75mins...sufficient for now but we know you'll demand more in future!! By the way, this gig is now SOLD OUT...!! A fine way to start the tour...!!
A cautionary note: please keep checking the gig guide over the next few days as a few more adjustments to the earlier tour dates may occur...
Cheers...

--- 3rd March 2010 ---

Gig date change...
Straighten Out's gig at the Forum (Darlington) on Sat. 18th Sept. has been brought forward to Sat. 28th August due to circumstances beyond the control of the band...apologies for any inconvenience...

--- 22nd February 2010 ---

October gig re-scheduled...
Straighten Out's scheduled appearance at the Witchwood (Ashton-u-Lyne) on Sat. 30th Oct. has been brought forward one week to Sat. 23rd Oct. due to the venue making a double booking...but you've got plenty of time now to re-arrange your diaries...!

--- 4th February 2010 ---

Ex-drummer's old band reformed...and a gig in Manchester...!
Straighten Out's very good friend and ex-drummer Shaun Williams is now once more the drummer for THE RADIACS. This psycho/rockabilly band from Sheffield gained an admiral following in the late '80's/early '90's and were asked to record an EP for Link Records in 1989. A second EP was output by Tombstone Records two years later and they then embarked on a tour of Germany and France as their reputation grew...and now, after almost 20 years, the original line-up are back rocking together - Shaun (Drums), Dale Williams (Singer), Billy Oxley (Guitar) and Paul Oxley (Bass) - and, to quote them, they are sounding "as good as we always did"...! Catch them live while you can...!
The Return of The Radiacs - The band will be at Satan's Hollow on Sat. 20th February, (Princess St., Manchester)
Check them out on their own myspace website (a link has been added on the links page)...there are some excellent track samples to hear...! Oh, and good luck guys from all of us here...!

--- 7th January 2010 ---

Best Wishes to you all for 2010 and we hope to see you on the road throughout the year..!
Straighten Out can now confirm two more gigs for Glasgow...both gigs will be at Rockers - one in June and one in December...for the sake of auld lang syne...indeed!!

Secret gig venue revealed...!
Straighten Out's 'secret' gig planned for Friday 26th March will be at 'The Venue' (formerly known as 'Coolers'), in Shaw (near Oldham)...the demand for information on where the venue is to be is very encouraging and of course, we want to see as many of you there as possible...so now you know, get yourselves there...!! Also another gig has been added on 17th April - 'Revolver', Birkenhead (across from Liverpool...)

Introducing the new lead guitarist/vocalist...and 2010 gigs are all in the gig guide...
We are extremely pleased to announce that Stuart Walker is the new lead guitarist/vocalist with Straighten Out...
He has been rehearsing hard with the rest of the band recently and the results are excellent, the guys are really pleased and excited that such a fast and smooth transition was possible, which has been made easier by Stuart's tremendous ability. A key factor may be that Stuart is an avid Stranglers fan...! Their first official gig of 2010 will be up in Bathgate (Scotland) on Saturday 27th March...but, ssshh - there is a 'secret' gig planned for Friday 26th March (not 19th as stated earlier, as this would clash with The Stranglers' gig in London)...and you'll have to find out where by your own means...! All 2010 gigs are now listed on the gig guide page...check out when they're coming your way...
Lastly, but not least, a big 'Thank You' to Bubba for his contribution to the band, some great gigs along the way...we wish you success in whatever you do in the future. Cheers...

Last gig of the year...
Straighten Out will be playing their final gig of the year this Friday at the Black Bull, Sheffield. The gig at the New Roscoe, Leeds (20th Dec.) will be re-scheduled for next year...
The band will then concentrate on rehearsing with their new co-frontman to get ready for the busy year ahead...next year's gig dates are coming soon...!

2010 gigs...
A considerable number of gigs for 2010 have been confirmed and are likely to be added to as time progresses...! All dates will be posted on the website soon...but for now we wish to point out that the first gig with the new lead guitarist/vocalist will be at 'The Lounge', Bathgate (Scotland) on Sat., 27th March.
The band will be rehearsing with their new co-frontman during late December and January. We trust you understand that the band need a little time to re-adjust before they hit the road again. They take pride in their work and wouldn't want to start the year unprepared...!
So rest assured, Straighten Out will be touring extensively next year...see you on the road...!

NEW GUITARIST/CO-LEAD VOCALIST...
Straighten Out are pleased to announce that following a hugely successful audition they now have in place a very welcome lead guitarist/vocalist who is thrilled to join the guys and is raring to go...following rehearsals that is, at the end of this year/early next year...so get ready for next years tour...! The new guy hails from the Northeast of England and is a friend of the band, more information will follow soon...!

2010 gig @ Bathgate...
Straighten Out @ Bathgate, Scotland, Sat., 27th March 2010:
The venue will be The Lounge, 59 Hopetoun Street...supported by 'Cash from Chaos' and 'Combat Rock'...