What's on: The Hamsters, Colne Muni, February 11 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

What's on: The Hamsters, Colne Muni, February 11

2:49pm Friday 20th January 2012 in Music: What's on By John Anson, Features editor

THEY are known as the hardest working band in the business but, come April, the Hamsters will be touring no longer.

“Basically we all need a rest,” said Barry Martin, the band’s frontman.

“Doing 25 gigs a month for 25 years takes it out of you and we’ve all come to the point where there are so many other things we’d like to do while we can.

“We’re not quite at the pipe and slippers stage yet but we’re not getting any younger.”

The Hamsters have been among the most popular visitors to East Lancashire with their shows, which feature tributes to the music of both ZZ Top and Jimi Hendrix plus their own material, with their combination of showmanship and musicianship winning them legions of fans.

Their final show in the area is at the Muni in Colne on Saturday, February 11.

“We might be a band from Essex but Colne has been one of those venues where the audience has taken us to their hearts,” said Barry.

“We have had some great shows there over the years and I think it will be a poignant moment for all three of us when we play there for the last time.

“None of us are saying that we will never perform again. Who knows, we might be persuaded to play to odd festival in future but we are certainly putting the days of spending most of the month on the road behind us.

“We have always done everything ourselves so even when we’re not gigging you spend your life on the phone of sending emails, arranging gigs and chasing up dates.

“We’ve been fortunate to have been involved in something we’ve all loved, but the time has come to slow down.

“It is going to be strange not to be working virtually every night but I don’t think I’ll be going to any rock and roll shows for the next few months. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.

“I’m a bit of a culture vulture so there are so many exhibitions and concerts I’ve not had the chance to see.

"I’ve also got hundreds of books I’ve never read.”

The Hamsters' final show will be at the Half Moon in Putney on April 1, which sold out weeks ago.

“It will be strange not to see our fans around the country every year,” said Barry.

“We have made some good friends over the years.”

The Hamsters, Colne Muni, Saturday, February 11. Details from the box office on 01282 661234.