Mike from Northwich

I've seen The Rapiers live on four occasions now, and am knocked out by the sheer professionalism, authenticity of sound and musicanship which is always to the fore of each performance. They go to inordinate lengths to ensure that they replicate perfectly the original Shadow sounds, so much so that... [more]

Event Date: Sept 2007
Event Venue: Shadowmania

I've seen The Rapiers live on four occasions now, and am knocked out by the sheer professionalism, authenticity of sound and musicanship which is always to the fore of each performance. They go to inordinate lengths to ensure that they replicate perfectly the original Shadow sounds, so much so that Bruce Welch himself says that The Rapiers are the best in the business.  The lead guitarist, Colin Pryce Jones, is a great guy and a perfectionist, and if you close your eyes during a performance you would swear that you are listening to Hank B Marvin.   His equipment is the same that Hank used, even to a piece of fag packet paper under the guitar nut, just to create that same 'twang'.  He has scoured everywhere for equipment that was the same as Hank's and has put together an awesome array of it, all in the name of authenticity. And what a result. It's mind blowing to hear him play.  I have all The Rapiers CD's and never tire of listening to them. I would urge anyone who has not yet had the privelege of hearing them live to grab your tickets for the next show near where you are, you'll rejoice that you did, believe me, and I'd bet you too will be after the CD's as well.
Long may this brilliant band perform.
Mike Burrows, from Cheshire. [less]