Mark Loveridge founded the Corsairs in 1992 with his brother and in 1995 a new line up was formed, which consisted of Neil Greenaway and Craig Baird. Within three years they became a very popular Punkabilly band. Their popularity was so high, they were asked to open a Christmas Shopping Extravaganza by performing in the centre of Oxford. The thousands that gathered to listen caused such traffic flow problems that the local bus company requested that they should never perform there again.
The trio changed in 1999 because of personal commitments and then in December 2000 they recorded the CD "Under The Covers". It was during the recording of the CD that they decided to go on the road again. Craig was unable to dedicate the time that would be involved so guitarist Ritchie Hopper stepped into his shoes. The band continued with this line-up until June 2002, when Ritchie left. Craig, the original guitarist, rejoined the line-up.
Craig was welcomed back after Ritchie Hopper's departure. Mark originally met Craig in a local music shop. Craig at that time had never heard of psychobilly music, and even more so, the Corsairs were his first band. After just three weeks of rehearsals, Craig was thrown in at the deep end on his first gig.
Craigs solid guitar playing has given another dimension to the Corsairs psychobilly sound.
Mark plays the double bass and is lead vocalist. Mark started playing the bass at age 11. By age 13 he was playing in a rockabilly band called "Rockin' Lord Lee and the Outlaws", touring Europe and supporting such legendary names as Carl Perkins and Gene Vincent's Blue Caps. Rockin' Lord Lee and the Outlaws signed two recording contracts with Rockhouse and Rockstar Records. The album on rockstar was produced by, Big Jim Sulivan who played guitar for Elvis in the 70s and with Jimmy page. He also played on three of the tracks of the album. after these albums they continued to tour all over the rockin scence into the 90s.
Marks playing of the double bass is the hottest, most excellent rhythm section you are likely to hear, and his powerhouse vocals and onstage antics make him the bands very energetic frontman.
As we arrive in 2008, Mark and Craig and a huge box of different drummers have played all over the UK. From pubs and clubs to festival weekenders and biker rallies, with loads of private partys thrown in, The Corsairs have performed live at thousands of shows and produced Six albums in eight years. "Between the Sheets" was recorded early 2003 and the 2005 CD " The Man In Black", they then followed this with two albums in 2006. "Live at The Apollo Theatre in Oxford" and "Done in a Day" and their most resent album in 2008 "English Rose".
When I was asked to do a review on The Corsairs, nothing or no-one could have prepared me for this band. I went along to see them live expecting just to see a band doing covers. How wrong I was! With their refreashing characteristic sound and energy that jumps up at you whether you want it to or not, which leaves you wanting more. They are a full bodied, loud, fast sounding band consisting of just three members who literary bring the roof down! Mark Loveridge plays slap double bass, Craig Baird lead guitar and Martin Payne drums and cow bell.
Front man Mark Loveridge has a stage presence that is unique with a vibrant fun factor; Which comes through as soon as he picks up his dog house bass (european slang). He has a smile that never leaves his face and an ability to sing and play with such energy and charisma. He is a true entertainer.
Their new album, English Rose is as surprising and unpredictable, with a rawness that is lost with so many cover bands. With a line up of songs from Motorhead to The Wurzels to Fairground attraction. This album consists of an adaption of covers that have been stamped with their unique trademark of a fast, energetic beat. With songs such as The Jam's English Rose that has been changed beyound recognition and in my view sounds better.
Mark has also added some of his own original material, with refreshing lyrics which i'm sure everyone will relate to and reflect back with humour in particular Drinking and Driving, that was written about the antics of Mark and his cousin Terry Loveridge. He has captured and embodied real life experiences with a catchy tune and beat that will not leave your head.
This album will have you bouncing down to the supermarket and sniffing the shampoo!
Molly Drew
Fusion M&M
These days The Corsairs are not doing two hundred + gigs a year, they have decided to give some other bands a chance of getting gigs. So, just remember. When you are bored and you want to go to a Corsairs gig, remember they wont always be around. so try and catch them when they are in your area!
You can buy our new CD 'English Rose' at gigs, order from any major record store or from the internet by tapping into your search engine, www.foottappingrecords.co.uk.
Cat No: FT078
Check us out on youtube or view through our blog!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZMja2WnM-A
FRI 6 NOV 2009 LIVE AT THE FURNACE , SWINDON, 01793 534238 ADV TICKETS £4.50 wegottickets.com/location/1188 FEATURING PSYCHOBILLY FROM MINNESOTA USA "RECKLESS ONES" PLUS LAS PISTOLAS, COWBOY & THE CORPSE AND THE REDHOT TRIO
DAD ITS BEN. I HAVENT BEEN INTOUCH BECAUSE MY PHONE BROKE AND I HAVE A NEW NUMBER AND I LOST YOURS CAN U TXT ME UR NUMBER MY NUMBER IS 07754213399 THANKS X
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Offset Festival 2009 - featuring The Horrors, The Slits, A Certain Ratio, The Futureheads, Future of the Left, Rolo Tomassi and 150 others.
www.offsetfestival.co.uk
