Firstly congratulations to Brian Houston for a brilliant opening set and a difficult one to follow. Brian is a superb singer songwriter backed by good humour and without doubt a cracking talent. If he is playing near you, get out and see him. OR buy his new CD "Sugar Queen" full details from www.brianhouston.com

 The first thing to hit you about the Storys is that they are happy. That may not sound too earth shattering, but it get's everything off to a brilliant start. Early pre-show technical difficulties were taken in their stride and with a smile. The sound bite comments in the next column are from the music critics and usually you would take them with a pinch of salt. However, they fail to get across just how good these guys are. We had a mixed age group at the gig, but these guys delighted everyone (as did Brian). The lyrics and the singing were just fabulous. The range of songs was excellent, but the big surprise (for me) was just how good these lads are as musicians. There were some outstanding arrangements which you will hear on their superb new album, but hearing it live was extra special. Whatever you do, seek out the Storys and we hope to see them back in the Northeast ..... soon

Sunderland City Centre

"Classy, country-flavoured
ensemble"
The Telegraph

"Destined to be massive"
The Sun

"Wonderful songs, great
playing and instinctively
beautiful harmonies.
The album is a gem"
Bob Harris

 "It's a cracking start"
Classic Rock

"An ability to pen instantly
classic songs which
ooze class"
Music Week

 "Tipped to be this year's
hottest new group"

Woman's Own
 

"Balsamo has a truly spellbinding voice"  Lisa Verrico, The Times

For any new band trying to make it into the big time, a call to say that Elton John wants you as the support for his UK stadium tour must be like winning the lottery, but that’s exactly what happened to Swansea band The Storys. After hearing their debut album, Sir Elton is reported to have said it was “fantastic and was excited” at inviting the band to take the support slot.

They went down a storm with a live set full of quality songs, sumptuous choruses and superb harmonies. Elton’s website and iTunes forums have many postings from new fans raving about The Storys performances which included the Riverside cricket ground at Chester Le Street. For a band not well known outside of Wales, The Storys had already supported Tom Jones and have other famous Welsh fans including Gavin Henson, Charlotte Church and Stuart Cable from the Stereophonics.

To follow up on this success they released their new single I Believe In Love on the 21st August and announced a 22 date UK headline tour for September which brings them to the Northeast on the 19^th for this gig at the Quayside Exchange.

The band has been generally touring around the country for the last 12 months building their fan base with many a story to tell from serenading some fans in the back of their van as they missed the show - to instruments going missing. They have also been making steady progress with appearances on Radio 2 becoming firm favourites of Bob Harris who is using a jingle they wrote for his show from their tune of ‘Be By Your Side' and recently played at his 60th birthday.

The Storys originally got together with the intention of writing classic songs, with great hooks, melodies and lyrics. Their beginning was prolific with songs falling out of the sky and behind every song is a story containing characters and a soundtrack of their lives. There is a natural vocal chemistry with this outfit.

The Storys strong harmonies and good playing come from Steve Balsamo on vocals and guitar; Andy Collins on vocals and bass; Dai Smith on vocals and guitar; Rob Thompson on vocals and guitar; Brian Thomas on drums and percussion; Alan Thomas on keys, mandolin and banjo. 

Get the full story from www.thestorys.co.uk