Nine Below Zero

Event information

Nine Below Zero are one of British rock & roll’s most enduring and respected R&B combos. Emerging from the vibrant London pub and club scene of the late 1970’s, their arrival coincided with the punk explosion, although the band had more in common with the great Chicago blues heroes of the 1950’s than with bondage trousers and pogo dancing. Nine Below Zero gigs were (and still are) energetic affairs; non-stop parties where band and audience are whipped into a frenzy – sweat-soaked, thrill-a-minute stuff. This no-frills, punchy and direct approach quickly won them a loyal following, and they soon landed a record deal with the then hot A&M label.

The bands’ “Live at the Marquee” album was an instant classic, catching on tape their awesome full-on live effect. Front man Dennis Greaves led Nine Below Zero (then as now), his rasping vocals and stinging guitar work winning a place in the hearts of fans, music critics, and fellow musicians alike. For a while it seemed that the band were rarely off the road, covering many thousands of touring miles, adding new fans, selling out gigs and building up a loyal fan base.

Nine Below Zero were the first band to be featured in the classic “Comic Strip” sitcom The Young Ones, belting out a tough version of “Eleven Plus Eleven”. From 1979 through to 1982 the band played non-stop eventually headlining at the Hammersmith Odeon. Shortly after, through sheer exhaustion the band split. Nine Below Zero reconvened in 1990, selling out the dear departed Town & Country Club in North London, playing to crowds of 2000 people a night. The shows were very much a homecoming for the band, and the incredible reception afforded to them saw Nine Below Zero reborn, rejuvenated. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength. Never shy of taking their music out on the road, Nine Below Zero have played all over Europe and memorably in Bangladesh, at the invitation of the British Council. The band even provided backing for actor and part-time blues musician Bruce Willis at a bash at his Planet Hollywood eaterie.

The end of 2011 saw Gerry McAvoy play his last show for NBZ and pursue a new solo career.
2012 saw the return of Brian Bethell who played on 'Third Degree' and who was a natural replacement.