Nine Below Zero

Since forming in 1977, Nine Below Zero have earned a reputation as one of the finest blues bands in the UK. By the time they signed with A&M Records in 1980, their explosive live show was already the stuff of legend, a legacy captured forever on their classic concert album Live at the Marquee. Legendary producer Glyn Johns then took the helm for 1981’s Don’t Point Your Finger, and the band soon became regulars on influential TV programmes such as The Old Grey Whistle Test and The South Bank Show. They also delivered a memorable performance of “11+11” on the very first episode of the anarchic comedy hit The Young Ones. High‑profile tours with The Who and The Kinks followed, and although their musicianship continued to soar, 1982’s Third Degree marked the final release from the band’s classic lineup.

During the band’s break, Dennis Greaves formed the soul‑pop group The Truth, scoring two UK Top 20 singles and a Top 5 R&B hit in the United States. Meanwhile, Mark Feltham became one of the most in‑demand harmonica players in the session world.

Nine Below Zero returned in triumphant fashion in 1990 to celebrate their 10th anniversary, this time with a new rhythm section: Brendan O’Neill on drums and Gerry McAvoy on bass, both from Rory Gallagher’s band. A sold‑out UK tour with this lineup led to a new deal with China Records and tours alongside Sting, Ray Davies, Brian May, and an extraordinary 12‑night run at the Royal Albert Hall with Eric Clapton.