2024 Blackpool September Rock & Roll Weekender

Darrel Higham & The Enforcers

Born in Bedford, England in 1970, Higham grew up listening to the music of Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Through the influence of these artists, Higham took up the guitar in his early teens and joined his first band whilst still at school.

In 1992 he spent 6 months living in the USA; touring and recording with Eddie Cochran’s original backing band, The Kelly Four. His first solo album was released in 1995 on Nervous Records, entitled Mobile Corrosion. 

Higham played lead guitar in the West End production of Elvis: The Musical in 1996. He co-wrote the first biography on his musical hero, Eddie Cochran for Mainstream Publishing in 2000. 

Along with solo albums and records released with his Rockabilly band, The Enforcers, throughout the 90s and 00s, Higham also played lead guitar and produced many other artists. He co-owns Embassy Studio in Hampshire and oversees a great many sessions there. 

In 2007, Higham started work with Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom. Together they recorded 2 albums and toured Europe, even making an appearance on BBC’s Later With Jools in 2012.

In 2011 he shared the lead vocal duties with Imelda May on the Jeff Beck DVD and subsequent CD, A Rock 'n' Roll Party.

He has played guitar for Robert Plant, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Sharon Shannon, Shakin’ Stevens, Jeff Beck, Billy Lee Riley, Rocky Burnette, Bono, Paul McCartney, to name but a few.

Darrel is endorsed by Gretsch guitars, Peavey amplifiers and TV Jones pick-ups. Darrel also helped design The Rockingham semi-acoustic guitar for Peavey.

Joining Darrel onstage throughout 2024 will be his regular bass player, Adam Miles. Adam has played in the band since the early 2000's and has played on the CDs, Monochrome Dream and Rocky Burnette's Rockabilly Boogie. Adam plays upright and bass guitar. 

Drummer Rob Tyler has worked with Restless and Dave Phillips and The Hot Rod Gang, amongst others. He also was a member of The Enforcers in the early 2000's for a couple of years and played on the bands Urban Jamboree CD for Foot Tapping Records. 

The Firebirds 

The Firebirds are an excellent 4 Piece Rock n Roll Band loved by audiences all over the world. 

Recognised as one of Europe’s top Rock ‘n’ Roll bands, The Firebirds; Jim Plummer, Dan Plummer, Rich Lorriman and Paul Willmott, four first class musicians/vocalists able to cover the complete spectrum of music from the 1950s and 1960s, including rockabilly, doo wop, instrumentals and ballads.

Over the years, the band have a built a reputation in the country as the go to act when it comes to 50’s rock ‘n’ roll. This has led to the band being invited to perform alongside Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lonnie Donegan as well as the Holladay Sisters (Elvis’ original backing singers) to name but a few.

As well as being incredibly popular in the UK, they continue to enjoy success on the European rock ‘n’ roll scene and are regularly invited to perform at Europe’s top rock ‘n’ roll festivals as well as headlining sell-out tours.

To date, the band have released three singles and twelve albums. The last five, recorded in their own studio and on their own label ‘Rockville Records’, include a Rock’n’Roll Special with Linda Gail Lewis the sister of ‘The Killer’ Jerry Lee, and two Doo Wop albums – the second featuring guest vocalist Den Hegarty of ‘Darts’ fame.

Glenn Darren & The Krew Katz

Venture Away is delighted to welcome back this fabulous band with their charismatic leader Glenn Darren, the Krew Katz are certain to get you on your feet dancing the night away. This quality Rock & Roll band from Nottingham is known and loved by many.
What can you say about the brilliant Glenn Darren the Leader and vocalist of one of the most popular Rock n Roll Bands on the Circuit today. Simply Superb. The Dance Floor will be packed and the party will go on!