The Sidekix began in 2003 after soloist ‘Robbie Lee’ and KJ/DJ ‘Gary ‘O’ decided enough was enough of their respective solo projects, Robbie didn’t want to just be a solo singer and wanted to pick up his guitar again and Gary was looking for an adventure beyond doing karaokes and discos so then The Sidekix was born! Gary has been around for years in various bands and other projects, most recently as part of the reformation of Wayne Tulsa's Satellites along with Jim Onslow, Simon Tomkins and Bish on the drums. Robbie however had been part of top Telford duo 'Back 2 Beat' between 1998 - 2001 with Rich Farmer who now plays a big part in the Heart Tribute band 'Heart-UK', also top new Staffordshire band '4 A Reason'. After Back 2 Beat split up Robbie tried his luck as a solo artist but wasn't enjoying that lifestyle and after regular attendances at Gary 'O's karaoke they became good friends.
'The Sidekix' started as an idea of a four piece band, with Robbie as the vocalist/rhythm guitarist, Gary as the lead guitarist, a drummer and a bass guitarist. The idea never took off as they were having trouble finding a bass player so a duo idea was the only way. With regular practice sessions and demo recording sessions they were soon ready to go on the road and in October 2003 after visiting pubs looking for gigs they were told they wanted someone to play in their pub in 2 days time so they were kind of in at the deep end!
Gary 'O' Live On Stage 2006
The first gig went well with minimal minor teething problems and within weeks they were getting a name around the Telford area where they were based. They played such venues as the Madebrooke, Unicorn, Dun Cow Dawley, Bulls Head Dawley Bank, Lord Hill Dawley amongst others in the area…
Over the years they produced CD’s averaging one a year with all their latest material on them. They did write 2 songs which they featured on their second CD but their material consists of mainly cover versions from the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis, Beatles, Beach Boys etc right up to modern day stuff like McFly, Busted, Green Day, Robbie Williams, Take That with a bit of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Rod Stewart, Eagles, Steve Earle etc, they even venture into a bit of Country, Ballads, Rock and Pop so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!!
Robbie Lee In The Studio 2006
The Sidekix are currently in the process of making a ‘Live’ CD and DVD so that people that come to see them can take them home with them and watch again and again and again!!!
There seems to be a lack of live acts going around at the moment, mainly soloists and with respect to the soloists we need to see more live bands in the area, The Sidekix intend to keep it live and although they are just a two-piece, with their full band sound and extra backing vocals they can be known to sound like a proper full band. “We like people to be able to close their eyes and think they are sitting in front of a showband in their nearest holiday park or concert hall but we do our best and try to sound professional, we’ve had no complaints so far!” explains Robbie!
The Sidekix intend to be around for a while yet and hope you enjoy listening to them and hope to see you there bopping away and tapping your feet and having a good time. Check out the gigs section for their upcoming performances!!
Enjoy the site!!!!