The Black Velvets
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | August 2007 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Black Velvets were a rock group originating from Liverpool, England, established in 2003 and dissolved in August 2007 after issuing a single album.
History
The band was founded by guitarist Robbie Ross, drummer Nick Kilroe, and cousins Dave Dutton on bass and Paul Carden as vocalist. They secured deals with Vertigo Records and Sanctuary Management, with prominent figure Liam Gallagher attending their signing ceremony.
Their initial single, "Get On Your Life," debuted in November 2004. In 2005, they co-headlined the Nokia 'New School of Rock' tour alongside The Glitterati and Hurricane Party. That same year, they released several singles such as "3345," which peaked at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, along with "Glamstar" and "Once in a While." These releases coincided with their eponymous debut album produced by Mike Crossey.
Recognition came with a commemorative signed brick at Liverpool’s The Cavern. The band embarked on extensive tours, supporting renowned acts including The Who, Mötley Crüe, Mark Lanegan, Razorlight, and The Killers. Additionally, they appeared at major music festivals like Oxegen, T In The Park, Reading And Leeds, and Glastonbury.
After changes in management following their album launch, The Black Velvets continued to showcase new songs live throughout 2006. Their track "Fear and Loathing" was featured in the 2005 video games Burnout Revenge and Burnout Legends, while "Get on Your Life" was included on the soundtrack of the TV series Sugar Rush.
Upon disbanding in 2007, members Carden and Dutton formed 'The Marvellous Medicine Band' and 'The Dave Dutton Blues Explosion'. In 2013, Dutton established the band 'Kingdom', while Carden progressed to a coaching role on Danny O'Donoghue's team on The Voice UK. As of 2021, Carden produces music under the moniker This Is War!
Musical style
The group described their genre as "Glam Punk Rock 'n' Roll," drawing inspiration from artists like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and T. Rex. In 2005, drummer Nick Kilroe characterized their sound as "Classic Rock 'n' Roll" aiming for an "Oasis-style vibe." A live review from 2004 highlighted their strong '70s influence, featuring swaggering guitar work paired with dynamic drumming.
BBC’s Carol Hodge summarized their music as combining Motörhead’s energy, guitar stylings reminiscent of Jimmy Page, and vocals comparable to Roger Daltrey. Michaela Annot of Drowned in Sound described their sound as "big, stomping boogie-woogie rock infused with just enough glam." Another critic noted their blend of "the gritty chug typical of primetime Slade with the raw vocal rasp characteristic of AC/DC."
Members
- Paul Carden – lead vocals
- Nick Kilroe – drums
- Dave Dutton – bass guitar
- Robbie Ross – guitar
Albums
- The Black Velvets (12 September 2005, CD, Vertigo)
Track listing (composer[s] indicated):
- "I Won't Lie Down" (Kilroe/Carden/Dutton) 3:21
- "Get On Your Life" (Kilroe) 3:23
- "Once In A While" (Kilroe) 2:57
- "Not All The Time" (Dutton/Ross) 2:56
- "3345" (Kilroe) 3:14
- "Glamstar" (Kilroe) 2:47
- "Lady Lime" (Kilroe/Dutton) 4:25
- "You Won't Be Changing Me" (Kilroe) 3:08
- "Save Me" (Carden) 2:51
- "You're Not Giving It All" (Kilroe/Carden/Dutton/Ross) 4:03
- "Fear And Loathing" (Kilroe/Carden) 2:52
- "This Time Later" (Kilroe/Carden) 2:20
The final two songs were exclusive to the Japanese release titled "Summer School Of Rock '05".
Singles
- Get on Your Life (2004, Vertigo)
CD format: "Get on Your Life"/"Rude Boy"/"Fear and Loathing" 7" vinyl format: "Get on Your Life"/"This Time Later"
- 3345 (2005, Vertigo) – Reached #34 in UK charts
CD format: "3345"/"Not All The Time"/"You're So Rock 'N' Roll" 7" vinyl format: "3345"/"Soul Saviour"
- Glamstar (2005, Vertigo)
CD format: "Glamstar"/"Sing My Melody"/"Close Your Eyes" 7" vinyl format: "Glamstar"/"Good Times High"
- Once in a While (2005, Vertigo) – Peaked at #75 in UK charts
CD format: "Once in a While"/"Sing My Melody"/"Close Your Eyes" 7" vinyl format: "Once in a While"/"Now Listen"