Cold Blooded Groovers

Once upon a time a long time ago.

So long it was in the last millennium.

'Twas in a stable in the depths of the Somerset countryside, that two old friends were excitedly talking "music". But although indeed, they were so old, and yet only recently acquainted, they both coincidently, still possessed youthful exuberance and naivety. This was undoubtedly less to do with a carefully monitored diet and lifestyle, but rather to the fact that neither of them had properly grown up.

Incredible as it may seem, over the following months, others felt the call to the stable. ( some even had initials after their name, like BSA and sidecar, or WC and chain) They who came also had secret desires to behave like irresponsible teenagers, and drink and play "music" deep into the night. Sometimes they got so carried away, they nearly missed last orders in the local tavern.

Despite the lack of experience and equipment, undeterred they would gather every Monday evening to make music and have fun! And so they did, week after week after week. But there was something missing. They were a band with no name.

Various suggestions were bandied about and thrown out, including Five Furious Farts, and Laurie Van Truck and the Automobiles.
Then Lo, the big breakthrough came one evening...

...when someone came up with the name. It only took a moment, once the fighting and swearing had been stopped and the more serious wounds had been dressed, for the group to realise that this was indeed the final cog in the wheel, or the last straw, as one of the assemblage muttered as he waved good-bye with two of his fingers.
But it did not matter, because they now had a name. And that name was,

Louis & the Iguanas

Throughout this early period, each time the band played out, they would be approached by someone wanting to join the band, as another singer or a brass player or percussionist, in fact they became such a large outfit, that they "outfitted" nearly all the local venues.

Things eventually settled down, and the line-up has remained the same eight people for the last couple of years.
These days when they play out, they get another booking, rather than another member, which is obviously more desirable. Although if there's a good Trombonist out there......................


The Band Are......

Russ Needham - Vocals, Percussion & Anecdotes

Joe O'Sullivan - Vocals & Percussion

Alan King - Guitar, Vocals & String Breaking

Harry "the doctor" Proctor - Saxophones

Neil "JJ" Woods - Trumpet & Percussion

Robbie "fingers" Howlett - Keyboard

Andrew "Greta" Garbutt - Bass Guitar & Stage Managing

Colin "the box" Mansfield - Drums

What's My Number

(A Selection of Songs From Louis & the Iguanas Repertoire)

Turn on tune in cop out, Smooth, It Must be love, Reggae to the rescue, Johnny B Goode, Whole of the moon, Pick up the pieces, I feel good, Play that funky music, Mustang Sally, Harlem Shuffle, New Bell, Diggin on James Brown, Night Train, Superstition, Your latest trick, 54.46, Everybody needs somebody, Last Night, Ain't no sunshine, Love of my life, Low Rider, One step beyond, One Blood, Moondance, Sweet home Chicago. and may more.

( Titles in Bold can be found on the recently made demo recorded live at the Newt Beer Festival if you want one contact Glen)

And there you have it. There is no Louis, there are no Iguanas.

LOUIS AND THE IGUANAS are a mighty fine eight piece band of

"Cold Blooded Groovers"

They play an eclectic mix of anthemic, though not so often heard numbers, with a range of styles rarely heard "live" from one band, yet all delivered with the same youthful exuberance, unbefitting of the advancing age of some of it's members. Ska, Reggae, Soul, Funk and Rock'n'Roll. They play it all.

To get more information on "Louis" E-Mail Glen

postscript: The day they played at the Newt Beer Festival, Robbie became a father for the second time. The name of his new son........ Louis.