A brief history and introduction to the band
Soul Brothers Syndicate began life around 2013 as a eight-piece band called the 45 Sound, named after the replication of the old 45 records, performing quality cover versions of original Mod classics at venues and scooter rallies around Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.
The initial set included a few Northern Soul classics, such as The In Crowd, The Snake, The Night, and Out On The Floor. In those early performances it was clear that there was a natural affinity for the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive style of Northern Soul.
As public demand grew, more Northern Soul songs were added and before long a major proportion of the set comprised Northern Soul classics as well as few obscure soul tracks. The 45 Sound naturally began to get recognition for its true and grass-roots sound of Northern Soul. The then lead singer Alex sadly departed but we decided to carry on with the band, trying out a few new vocalists. Unfortunately we couldn’t find anyone to commit. That line-up was:
John Thorington (guitar)
Alex Bradbury (lead vocal)
Karl Wayne (keyboard)
Rich Wells (bass)
Ray Butcher (trumpet)
James Morris (saxophone)
Dean Fradley (drums & self-appointed manager/band leader)
In 2014 we had a reshuffle and still as The 45 Sound, Gavin Ball joined the band as lead vocalist. After a fantastic four years of playing festivals, scooter rallies and private hire functions all over the UK we all decided to give the band a break in October 2018 and played our last gig in Buxton.
That line up was:
Gavin Ball (vocals)
John Thorington (guitar)
Martin Alcock (bass)
Dean Fradley (drums)
Karl Waye (keyboard)
Alistair McKenzie (saxophone)
Roger keys (tenor Sax)
In February 2019 we are asked to join forces with the Northern Soul YouTube sensation Passion & the Veins.
Intensive rehearsals began before touring around the country with Sal & Pops until March 2020, when sadly we went into the infamous lockdown. So we decided to give the band a break.
That line up under Passion & the Veins was:
Poppy Beresford (vocal)
Sally Malloy (vocal)
John Thorington (guitar)
Karl Waye (keyboard)
Dean Fradley (drums)
Martin Alcock (bass)
Adrian Waters (percussion)
Ben Oakes (saxophone)
Following the end of the Covid pandemic in June 2022 we decided to get back on the road and name ourselves The Soul Brothers Syndicate. As a backing band (like the Funk Brothers), we work alongside vocalists such as Johnny Boy Pryers, Alisha Jean and Gavin Ball. Now in 2023 we are open for bookings again. Recent gigs have included Jesters Scooterfest in Leek, many private functions and playing at larger venues such as Telford’s Oakengate Theatre. It’s already looking promising for 2024 with a lot of venue and theatre bookings. So watch this space and we’ll hopefully see you Out On The Floor...
Current line up:
Johnny Boy Pryers (featured vocalist)
Alisha Jean (featured vocalist)
Gavin Ball (featured vocalist)
Karl Waye (keyboards)
John Thorington (lead guitar)
Sam Johnson (bass)
Dean Fradley (drums, manager & agent)
Adrian Waters (percussion)
Steve Bryant (saxophone)
Morgan Davies (trumpet)
