ONE of the best live rock-blues bands on the British tour circuit hits The Wharf in Tavistock this weekend, when The Hamsters make a welcome return visit. Now in their 18th year and with a mailing list exceeding 20,000, the band has a huge following, thanks to their energetic live performances and superb musical skills. Originally formed for their own amusement, over the years their members have performed with artists such as Eric Clapton, Alison Moyet, Doctor Feelgood and the late, great Alexis Korner. They now have a huge fan base ? Damon Hill was spotted wearing a Hamsters T-shirt at the Hungarian Grand Prix ? another was spied on a member of Natalie Imbruglia?s band, when they appeared on the Graham Norton TV show. Even BBC?s Top Gear Magazine recognised them as one of the hardest working groups around, when they featured them in an article on in-car entertainment, figuring they were the ideal people to ask as they were constantly on the road. The Hamsters perform much of their own material ? but fans of Jimi Hendrix will appreciate their treatment of his classics and the band is widely regarded as one of the leading interpreters of ZZ Top material. Radio 2?s Bob Harris names The Hamsters as ?one of Britain?s very best live bands?, while The Guardian simply labels the band ?outstanding?. Andy Norman, spokesman for The Wharf, said Hamsters nights are always packed: ?They often sell out completely ? it?s certainly going to be a good night.? The Hamsters take to the stage at The Wharf at 8pm, Saturday December 18. Tickets £9 in advance, £10 on the door. Box office 01822 611166.
