THE band dubbed “Class Of 76” represent an intriguing proposition when they visit the Talking Heads tonight ( Friday July 15). Made up of music veterans who have been on the scene since that year (at least), each has seen success in their respective bands and now come together in celebration of their histories and the music of those times. Midway between a tribute band and an all-star line-up, the Class Of 76 promise much with their combined talents.

They feature two original members of Canvey Island legends Eddie and the Hot Rods in singer Barrie Masters and drummer Steve Nichol. Blazing out of their Essex homeland in 1975, they had a huge hit single in “Do Anything You Wanna Do” two years later and had an enviable reputation as one of the best live acts in the business. Masters has led a version of the Hot Rods ever since (he did double duty singing with the Inmates for a while as well), whilst Nichol played on the brilliant Johnny Thunders album “So Alone”.

They were reunited last year at a tribute gig to late Hot Rods guitarist Dave Higgs and you should expect some cracking versions of the Hot Rods best material on the night.

Nigel Bennett, who has recently launched a well-received solo career, spent many years as a guitarist for Camberley Punk heroes the Members. Playing the Roxy early on, their first recording was a contribution called “Fear On The Streets” on one of the first Punk compilation albums “Streets”. After a dalliance with Stiff, the Members signed to Virgin Records then had one of the biggest and best loved hits of the New Wave era in “Sound Of The Suburbs”. Their next single, “Offshore Banking Business”, a Punk/Reggae mix, also charted and the band recorded three well-liked LPs before splitting up in 1983. In recent years Bennett has also played with Punk legends The Vibrators.

Completing the band is bass player Russ Strutter. He was a member of the band Tonight, whose 1978 novelty record “Drummer Man” found them presenting an odd mixture of Glam, Punk and Power Pop. He also has played with the incomparable Wilko Johnson. Apart from the fine records that litter their respective discographies, they also have a new single out entitled “Burning Me Up”, that captures the energy of early Hot Rods R n B for 2016. Expect to hear this and a lot more on the night in question.

Tickets: 02380 361970