BBC HomeExplore the BBC

30 November 2009
Accessibility help
Text only

BBC Homepage

Local BBC Sites

Neighbouring Sites

Related BBC Sites


Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

Introducing

You are in: Suffolk > Entertainment > Music > Introducing > Tuscan Raiders

Tuscan Raiders

Tuscan Raiders

The Tuscan Raiders formed in 2004 with several members having played in the Ipswich band Spontin. The Tuscans' debut album "They Can't Take What You Haven't Got" was released in 2006.

Paul Haley - guitar, backing vox
Martin Hynes - bass, backing vox
Scott Wheatley - guitar
Al Bloomfield - vocals
Dirk Forsdyke - drums

The band played their first gig in September 2004 and have been regular fixtures around Ipswich's music venues ever since.  They have several modes - original material mode, covers-and-original material mode (which they say is good for any working band) and acoustic mode.

The name was selected during a meeting at the Fat Cat pub in Ipswich and Star Wars fans should note that it's spelt differently from the Tusken Raiders!

"Guitar rock reflecting influences from the sixties to punk and grunge. Songs are there but do they have enough of an edge to break out of Suffolk?"

Mini Review

Guitarist Paul Haley says their influences range from The Beatles to Pixies via NWA and Radiohead: "Our simple aim is to show our tunes to the world!"  Paul also runs Spontin Music which offers live and studio recording, music tuition, event management and he plays solo as well.

The band appeared on Ipswich's Cornhill on the first John Peel Day in October 2005. You can look at a review and gallery of the 2006 John Peel Day gig at the Ipswich Steamboat by clicking on the links on the right.

Tuscan Raiders at Ipswich Music Day

Tuscan Raiders at Ipswich Music Day

They've also been behind events such as the Stop The War all-day gig at the Steamboat in September 2006.  Paul also runs Spontin Music which offers a recording studio, music tuition and management.

For the latest news, how to buy CDs, gigs and more visit the band's website. 

last updated: 23/04/2008 at 16:14
created: 26/09/2006

Have Your Say

Have the Tuscan Raiders got what it takes?

The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

Tom
Musical diarrhoea water. This laughable group are simply a bunch of sad old dodderers who want to 'get down with ver kidz'

Tabby
WOO GO DIRK! haha your music is pretty awesome!

Warkey
I agree with jonny rub rub,avoid playing for the Railway, and play with the big boys in Norwich.

pepper corn.
I have not heard any of that bands music, and from the reviews read and those god-awful pictures I very much doubt they will 'make it'. + they look disorderly AND pretentious.

Lewis p
Alrite lads jsut want 2 say ur stuff rocks i love it, keep up the good work maybe we can get a gig sumtime soon, all the best lew

Jo Oldham
They don't want to be take that but are enjoying themselves and entertaining gig goers in Suffolk. And the bassist is cute :o) Up the Raiders!

Kev
The Raiders have done so well when you think about, a bunch of guys that got together 2 years ago that learnt a load of their fav tunes just to get a gig in the milestone. The next thing you know they've made a record by themselves looking forward to hearing the new stuff guys ignore the doubters. KEV IPSWICH

cramer vs cramer
oh my good same old c**p

jonny rub rub
I hear the raiders are going to have a break and reassess their musical angle. I think while thier out perfecting the new material they should plan to avoid playing venues run by IDIOTS i.e The Railway in ipswich. The guys could do well but think they need to stop playing crowd pleasing covers and really concentrate on original material if the new stuffs any good of course..........

Ian Grant
I've seen the Tuscan Raiders a few times in and around Ipswich and the one thing I will say is "them boys got energy" this is reflected well in their album. I think the boys could make it outside of suffolk but they need to sort out their identity, are they Tuscan Raiders or Spontin music? If the boys really want to make it they'll need to seperate business from pleasure. Come on boys you can do it bring Tuscan Raiders back to the forfront. Ian.

Jim Supforth
The Tuscan Raiders do NOT have what it takes. They are basically a covers group with nothing original or unique to show for themselves. They have failed to live up to all the hype around these parts. Avoid.

Paul Miller
the tuscan raiders sooooo have what it takes, and their drummr is amazing!

Trudy May
I think the Raiders have what it takes. They are all incredibly talanted musicians and performers, but if you go to one of their gigs, they make you feel welcome, allowing their own enjoyment of performing to overspill into the crowd, Its a great night out watching the Raiders. Go Guys.

Ely raider
Have moved to East Cambs now. Would love to see the band over here. Great band.

You are in: Suffolk > Entertainment > Music > Introducing > Tuscan Raiders



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy