West London had a big treat last night at Subterania, near Portobello Road. The amazing STAKS Band performed with special guests, Beverley Knight, Steve Overland & Roachie & the legendary Madeline Bell. The band also were filming a new video to accompany their forthcoming debut CD (& Vinyl album). It was a long day which included quite a bit of filming. The doors opened early evening and the crowd were treated to quite a brilliant band called Jawbone. They were so good and if you get the chance to see them, I would thoroughly recommend it as their music was contagious and one of those bands that you would love immediately.

Just after 9pm The STAKS BAND took to the stage and they were fronted by the superb, Steve Overland. This was his first time performing with the band. But, he is no stranger to performing live. I have been told that he has been voted as one of the worlds top vocalists and he has been in great demand by many bands throughout the years. They opened up with a sublime version of the classic ‘She’s Not There’ then many other songs including songs like, Norwegian Wood (Beatles), Down by the River (Neil Young). They also performed some of their own songs including, one fabulous song actually written by Mr Overland himself. Steve sung around 8 songs and then handed over to the larger than life, Roachie, who flew in from his home in the Bahamas. His performance was red hot and made up for the freezing weather and snowstorm outside at the time. Like Steve Overland, the audience loved him. After around 3 songs, Roachie handed over to the lovely, Beverley Knight. She was, like the other performers on the night, quite phenomenal. She gave such a brilliant performance and the crowd were loving it. I have to say that even the many celebrities who I spotted in the crowd were really into it and letting their hair down, so to speak. The legendary Madeline Bell was also there last night, but she kept a low profile. She had just arrived from Australia and possibly that was the reason why she was quietly at the back with the other INCREDIBLE backing vocalists. The whole of the STAKS band are SOOOOOO good. I have worked with some amazing musicians in my time but I have to say that this band are probably the best & nicest bunch I have worked with. Every one of them is absolutely ‘Top Drawer’ as far as musicianship. They work so well together and they have a sound that is unbelievable. I have heard other people say this and I have also said it, there are echoes of Joe Cocker’s Mad Dog & Englishmen’s days and also, The Band.

The STAKS BAND are now the band that everyone who is someone (if that makes sense), wants to come and perform with. After all they have had some stunning artists perform with them already, like Steve Winwood, Jack Bruce (Cream), Lulu, Imelda May, Kiki Dee, Paul Carrack to name a few. Oh and now, Beverley Knight, Roachie, Steve Overland & Madeline Bell.. Phew! What a band…

Here are some photos from last night.. I hope you like them. Spread the word about STAKS BAND. The world needs to hear them!

Sarah Mason - one of the fantastic backing vocalists

The final song of the show. All three guest singers onstage together singing Sam & Dave’s ‘Hold on I’m Coming’

Madeline Bell & Beverley Knight Backstage after the show.