Music Spotlight: Chimps On Death Row raise profile at The Box in Crewe

Feb 9 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

ROCK and metal is well and truly alive in Crewe. Despite losing the Limelight over twelve months ago, the town has never lost touch with its old musical flame.

And there’s been something of a renaissance with a new crop of bands emerging to take up the mantle.

Last December’s Rock verses Thrash Metal gig at The Box proved a turning point for all involved.

Crewe’s own metal heads Skeletal Damage are set to join the likes of System Of A Down, Linkin Park and Pendulum at Download in June.

Now a three-piece, The Resistance prepare to support Sham 69 with other big plans in the pipeline.

Just!Don’tPanic have reached the regional finals of Live And Unsigned while Chimps on Death Row made a huge impact on debut.

In fact Bidder (vocals/guitar), Howie (bass), Nik (guitar) and Chaz (drums) won over a lot of new friends with their stunning set.

“We were surprised because we didn’t know how we’d go down,” explained Bidder.

“But in the end it was the perfect night for us because we are a rock band with an inkling of metal.

“We got some great feedback and a lot of interest.

“We’ve played everywhere since that first Box gig, we’ve been up to places like Bolton and we’ve had quite a few shows over the past couple of months.”

With Chimps now a big part in that recent revival, Bidder is adamant the scene is thriving once again.

“The Box is a place for live music and there’s not too many about these days,” he added.

“We’ve only been together for six months and it’s great to have a venue like that to play.

“I’d played in bands when I was younger but I hadn’t done anything for seven or eight years.

“I was in a band called Desert and we had The Limelight as well as The Red Rose past Nantwich.

“Howie worked in my local pub and was looking to form a band so we started it off as a bit of fun at first.

“But it sounded that good we decided to take it on the road and here we are.”

Chimps return for their second Box outing, supporting fellow rock-metal outfit Junker this Friday.

Revelation and Leave Me A Whisper complete a heavier night at the Pedley Street venue.

“We’re all looking forward to it” continued Bidder.

“After this gig we’re going to take a month off to write some new material and record but after that we’re looking to play as often as possible.

“We’re really looking forward to being a part of the festival in May.”

Doors open at 8pm, tickets are £5. For more details visit www.theboxcrewe.co.uk