Musicians and singers support Record Store Day by performing at Real Time Live, Chesterfield

Real Time Live hosted the event in support of Record Store Day this afternoon (Saturday, April 18) with 11 bands and soloists entertaining the crowd.

The afternoon was compered by Ashley Hutchings, founder of Fairport Convention, who launched his latest record Twangin’ & A’Traddin’ today by signing copies and introducing a live performance by The Velveteens who feature on his new release.

Ashley shared anecdotes about how the soloists and bands playing during the afternoon had been introduced to vinyl records.

They included Dino Bedrocker, whose music and songwriting had been influenced by his dad’s record collection which included The Everly Brothers, The Crystals and Bruce Springsteen.

Pete Dodd and John Roog, original members of the Thompson Twins who went on to enjoy chart success, made up two-thirds of the highly skilled guitar trio The Flow.

And Sam Nash, who works in Chesterfield’s only independent record store, Tallbird Records, came out from behind the counter and into the spotlight to entertain the crowd with an instrumental set, backed by two friends.

Even a wedding didn’t stop play for the gig headliners The Amber Herd. While their drummer was tying the knot, the band performed as a four-piece, premiering their new number Northern Sky and whipping up support for their song Kite - which will be the first release on Tallbirds Record label.

Ashley Hutchings praised Maria Harris, owner of Tallbird Records, for arranging Chesterfield’s celebration and opening her shop in town following the closure of two other record outlets.

After the show, Ashley he added: “It’s been a lovely afternoon. I’ve heard a lot of bands and a lot of music that I haven’t heard before.”

While Record Store Day may be over for another year, the music goes on at Real Time Live. Tonight sees a gig by The Black Hands, whose credits include supporting The Answer and playing at YNot Fetival and Winter Rocks Festival.