A Little Bit Of History

Formed in Bristol in the mid-nineties, The Suspects’ blend of energetic stage performances coupled with frontman Russ Laurence’s gravelly vocals and lovable stage presence has earned the band a loyal, almost fanatical local following. An eight piece soul band, The Suspects line up includes the classic three piece horn section, and a rock solid rhythm section consisting of guitar, bass, drums and Hammond. The band’s renowned interaction with the audience ensures that every gig is different – this is a marked and refreshing change from most other bands and perhaps goes some way towards explaining their ability to fill a big stage and entertain large crowds in a way that few other soul acts seem able to achieve. In essence, it’s a stonking, non-stop, old school soul review show from a band who really mean it. Ran by soul enthusiasts who know what Soul music should sound like – Rocking, Raw and in your face!

The past few years have been an amazing time for the band; ‘discovered’ by WOMAD originator Thomas Broman, the band has moved onto the national then international stage. Top billing performances at WOMAD, Rivermead UK and a headlining slot at LAS PALMAS to an audience of 18,000 propelled them to a position none of the band ever dreamed of!

Such good fortune culminated in Performing at WOMADS's Christmas party at Peter Gabriel's Real World, where they entertained a star-studded audience with their blend of flat out soul and funk.