Rimshots Roll On Into 2000 1999 has been a year that The Rimshots have gone from strength to strength. Their ever-growing audiences have enjoyed their unique blend of County Rockabilly with some Roll. So much so that their latest album, A Tribute to Hank Williams, a joint venture with Rusti Steel and the Tin Tax has lead to new opportunities. So impressed was Van Morrisson by the original sound of the Hank Williams Tribute Album, he recruited the Rimshots talents for a day in the studio. In all it turned into five days and 22 songs recorded. Of these fifteen have been chosen for a future album. The Hank Williams Tribute Album was also awarded the title of 'The Best British Country Album of the year'. Awarded by the British Country Music Awards, a panel made up of 150 industry professionals.
The never-ending touring dates are still continuing with an increase of festivals such as: The "Three Of a Kind" Festival in Berlin - North Wales Theatre, Country Weekend, Llandudno - Headlining Festival Ons Huis, Belgium. Last year The Rimshots played in no fewer than fourteen countries. They have been asked to add Australia to the list in the early part of 2000, due to a large following in Perth and Melbourne. On many occasions the band has not only performed their own powerful set but have also backed other artists such as: - Narvel Felts (Who has had over 60 chart hits, including a No. 1 In the USA) at the Americana, Jacksonville and Hemsby. Which if you missed the performances last year, you could have been lucky to get the chance again in May for they were booked back due to popular demand. Mac Curtis, who they have also recorded with, joined forces with them again in Rotherham last May. THE RIMSHOTS WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THEM THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.
Rimshots Receive Major AwardMega excitement here in UK because the Rimshots (and fellow hillbilly rockers Rusti Steel and Tin Tax) have won the prestigious Album Of The Year in the British Country Music Awards. This is for their superb album (lp and cd) Tribute To Hank Williams Bebe Records BEBE004. Since big names like Reba Mcintire also won awards this is a real big deal here (bit like if say Big Sandy won a CMA award). The award was announced on BBC national Radio tonight and there was an interview with Rimshots singer John Lewis. This is the first time any 50s bands have won an award like this. A Welsh band, an English band, recorded an album of Alabaman Hank Williams' songs (and two original tribute songs) on vintage equipment in Wales most famous live venue the Kings Hotel, Newport (where JLL, Carl, Sonny. Billy Lee, the Hawk, Mac, Jack Scott etc have played), and it was released on a German 50s label! It gathered great reviews in rocking and country mags and got airplay on the BBC and specialist indie shows. no wonder artists like Narvel Felts, Mac Curtis (who recorded with the Rimshots in Wales), Glen Glenn and Merrill E Moore ask for the boys to back them. Some of the Rimshots are involved in recording a country album with famous Irish rock star Van Morrison. All augurs well for the future for Europe's top band. Both John and Paul Crosby (Rusti) have been hugely influenced by Hank and this project was a heartfelt labour of love. Congratulations to both bands for reminding all the dreaded line dancers of the hillbilly roots of the world's best selling music form. .
1997 was a busy year for the Rimshots starting with TV appearances for both BBC and ITV. followed by radio shows. After their earlier CD/LP release "Everybody Bop, Lets Bop" on Vinyl Japan, Tracks One More Beer and many other received good air play from DJ's and radio shows all around Europe and still do. Sales of the album took off immediately and are still going steady. Within a month of release Vinyl Japan requested more recordings and in May '97 released a picture Disc "Planet Hop/Shut Up And Drink Your Beer" This was followed up by the July release of their "Sentimental fools" LP/CD which was received very well on both the County scene and the Rockin' scene and sales are still going strong. It also included New band member Paul Godden on steel guitar, (who has proved to be very popular every where they have played.) That was not the end of the recording for the year, next was an L.P/C.D With Rockabilly legend Mac Curtis. Which was arranged after the success of previous shows together. The recording was also tied in with a sell out concert at the Rotunda Club in Bristol. Mac Curtis & The Rimshots LP/CD is due for release on Vinyl Japan in May '98.
In January '98 they went back in to the studio to record a Hank William's tribute album teaming up with Rusty Steel & the Tin Tax for a two band album. To be released on Be Be's Records of Germany. Release date is May '98.
As for touring in 1997. The Rimshots played hundreds of dates around the UK, Europe and Scandinavia, even to the USA and some major Festivals, including.-
** The Newark Americana which had over 40,000 people through the gates. The band went down a storm and have already been booked back for July '98 on the Country stage and Rock ëní Roll stage. Also the Jacksonville weekend on the same show ground in May '98.
** The My Way Jamboree In Finland.
** New York for two shows on Broadway and the We Wanna Boogie Weekender in New Jersey USA. The shows were all a success and the Rimshots have been offered a weeks work at the Broadway club next time they are in the USA.
** Hemsby Rock ëní Roll weekend where they also backed legend Narvel Felts (Who has had over 60 Chart hits and a No. 1 in the U.S.A). Hemsby Promoter Willie Jeffrey's raved about the show and said it the best any act has ever gone down here. Magazines from "Country Music People" to 'Now Dig This" more than agreed. Straight away Narvel Felts and The Rimshots have been booked together for a show in London's Tennessee Club April 4th '98 and the Jacksonville weekend May 16th '98. The Rimshots will of course be playing their own set at these dates. Narvel Felts has also expressed an interest in joining together for a new album.
As for touring in 1998. The Rimshots are heading off to 14 different country ís .Not including the U.K. where they play many dates every year. Many thanks to everyone who has supported the Rimshots throughout the years.
This is only a short summary. Please do not hesitate to contact us for some more detailed information or a full gig list. 36, Spnngfield Place, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales, UK.
THE GROUP MEMBERSJohn Lewis - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Rob Nedin - Lead Guitar
Tony Biggs - Double Bass
Mark Kemlo - Drums
SESSIONMENPaul Godden - Steel Guitar
Bennet Walsh - Fiddle
Source : http://www.rockabillyhall.com/Rimshots1.html