North London indie quartet The Holloways played to an intimate crowd in Camden yesterday to kick start Gaymers Grassroots Gigs, a series of exclusive money can’t buy gigs which bring fans up close and personal with some of the most exciting bands on the British music scene.
Now in its second year, Gaymers Grassroots Gigs will see six bands head back to their hometowns to perform an intimate one-off set in a local venue close to their heart.
The Holloways delighted 170 lucky competition winners at the Bull & Gate pub in Kentish Town, a venue renowned for hosting some legendary acts over the years. The afternoon set also marked the start of the Gaymers Camden Crawl.
Lead singer Alfie Jackson started the set by introducing the newest members of the band Mike Baker on guitar, who was joined by new drummer Ed Harris. The set began with a raucous version of Dancefloor, which was followed by Happiness and Penniless and Re-invent Myself? The crowd went into overdrive when the band belted out their anthem Generator from their first album So This is Great Britain?
Alfie of The Holloways, said: “The new band has gelled from the word go. The Holloways are sounding better than ever and I’m chuffed to bits. I’ve been really looking forward to playing back in North London again, gigs here are always great.”
The band are just putting the finishing touches to their second album, No Smoke, No Mirrors, due to be released in September. The Gaymers Grassroots Gig gave fans a sneak preview of The Holloways' new material, including the soon-to-be-released new single.
Other acts in the Gaymers Grassroots Gigs series include Starsailor who are heading back to Wigan, The Maccabees, who will be rocking out in Brighton during The Great Escape festival and The Zutons, who will be performing a special set as part of Liverpool Sound City. The final act in the series will be announced in the coming weeks.