Epsom’s musical heritage may not be up there with the Liverpools of the world.
But George Harrison, the Beatle, got married in Epsom, Jimmy Page, the rock God, formed his first band here and Petula Clark was born in Downtown... Ewell.
That’s in the past.
But did you know 80s electronic legend Gary Newman’s keyboard player owns a pub in Epsom? Bar XLR, on East Street.
People may remember Bar XLR in its previous incarnations as Locomotive, the Common Room, Bear’s, Friends and then the Vibe.
But as Bar XLR, Ade Orange, who recorded and toured with Newman for more than 20 years, has turned the pub into one of the most exciting music venues in town.
Broken Switch have played there many times. It’s so much fun.
The audience are up for a great time, the sound is spot on and the bar staff are as friendly as you can hope for.
Last week we played a cracking six-song set as part of the Realistic Music Academy night. The young bands kick it off – some playing on stage for the first time in their lives – then the older, more experienced AND MUCH LOUDER bands come on.
We played:
Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones
Gold on the Ceiling – The Black Keys
I will Survive – Gloria Gayner (rock version)
I love Rock ‘n’ Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Sit Down - James
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
Ade has recently put the pub up for sale. Please come and support the music while it lasts. Or buy the pub and keep this fantastic Epsom tradition going.
It's not broken!
Hopefully these fabulous music nights won't break up.
We're Broken Switch
Goodnight.