Oasis backing group 'comeback' quashed

By [rwheeler]

RUMOURS of a new life for a band who once supported Oasis have been quashed.

Blues rock and roll group the 22-20s re-formed to celebrate the 18th birthday of cult record label Heavenly Records at the Heavenly Festival in London.

But a company spokesman says he believes the band are not planning any more gigs.

At the height of their success the Lincoln four-piece band supported the Gallagher brothers and Supergrass and even appeared on Later with Jools Holland on BBC2 (see video below) before splitting in 2006.

At the weekend they supported Ed Harcourt and debuted one new song at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Heavenly Records released the band's first record, 05/03, in 2003, followed by the band's self-titled studio album in 2004, but the spokesman said he thought the comeback was "a one-off performance for the event".

"The Rockingbirds also re-formed and St Etienne had some of their older members playing."

The 22-20s split up in January 2006 while working on their second album with guitarist and front man Martin Trimble indicating he was working on new solo material.

A letter to fans read: "Being in a hardworking, British blues touring band has never been something I've wished to endorse yet that's what we appear to have drifted into.

"In light of this, a decision has been made to call it a day and to go our separate ways."

Steve Hawkins, owner of the Bivouac in Broadgate, Lincoln, said the band never realised its full potential.

"As far as I am aware Martin Trimble is still signed to EMI in whatever form he produces his music," he said.

"I have known Martin since he was 17 and he does work incredibly slowly and this is what EMI and the music industry cannot cope with.

"The 22-20s only played at the Bivouac once but they played the region for years as a blues covers band under a different name.

"There was huge interest in the 22-20s and Martin is talented enough and knowledgeable enough about blues to do a fantastic job."

Chris Walker (22), of Portland Street, Lincoln, said he would love to see the band re-form full-time.

"I saw the 22-20s support Oasis and they were a highlight of the day. It was a real loss to a quiet Lincoln music scene when they split but it would be great to have them back," he said.