The Scooters (3)

The Scooters were formed four years ago (1997) in Cardiff, South Wales (UK). Regular visitors to Los Angeles, California, they have played the Viper Room and Spaceland to rave reviews. The Scooters are: Anthony Carey - Lead Guitar and vocal Chris Kelly - Rhythm Guitar and vocal Bob Molcher - Bass Guitar and vocal Simon Rooney - Keyboards and backing vocals Timothy Rooney - Drums and backing vocals Touted as one of the finest unsigned bands in Wales (UK), the band have had a busy time recently. With a mini tour to Los Angeles successfully completed in September 2000, they then geared themselves up for the launch of their debut album ‘Peepshow’ at the Toucan Club, Cardiff in October, supported by two promotional videos. Over the years, The Scooters have built a reputation as a must see live act. Brimming with boundless energy, melodies to weep for and a dedication to their craft that leaves many gasping. Their live act leaves you humming their songs as if they were your favourites. See them once, and you’ll wonder how you survived without them. At the end of August 2000, they set off to L.A. This whistle stop tour took them to some of the city’s top clubs, including the Viper Room, Spaceland and The Mint, as well as a memorable appearance at the Pershing Square Summer Festival in downtown L.A. After rave reviews during their last visit, there was considerable interest in their return. The new album raised a few eyebrows on its release in October 2000. A self-financed project - another mark of the bands dedication to their cause – it was recently reviewed by Dave Bash in Bucketful of Brains as " A stunning debut by a band that you will be hearing about for years to come, and you heard it here first!" In a world, where angst and misery seem to dominate - it’s refreshing to find a band with a lighter touch and an ear for tune. The 8 self-penned songs (and a couple of hidden surprises) are the sound of a band confident in what they’re doing. There’s a hint of California sunshine with a wealth of Welsh passion, but this is unmistakably The Scooters’ own sound. The songs fill any room, any stage - colourful observations, and an ease of musicianship - all part of the Scooters experience. (You can now purchase the CD online through the bands official website:www.thescooters.com) The Scooters recently collaborated with up and coming director Ed Talfan - who was behind the BBC’s Henry’s Heroes adventures – on two promotional videos. The first was for the single Bones to Ashes which was shot in Cardiff and featured a mix of live action footage of the band with animation. It was premiered at the CD Launch party last October. The second promo, also shot in Cardiff, was a short film commissioned by Channel 4 called 'It Could Happen to You' which featured the Scooters' song 'Except Me' as its soundtrack. After being premiered at the International Film Festival of Wales in December 2000, it was later shortlisted for the highly prestigious DM Davies Award. More live shows, recordings and TV documentaries have continued to increase the band's profile as they reach a larger audience. One of the hi-lights was a headline slot at one of the Radio One Official Fringe events during Cardiff’s Sound City week. But even amongst the glitz and glamour of the States and star studded launch parties, these guys’ hearts will always be at The Royal Oak Pub on Broadway, Cardiff. It’s their spiritual home and rehearsal room. As appointed ‘house band’, it’s a chance to catch them in action up close and personal. To see them perform here is to truly understand what The Scooters are about. There’s a banter, a knowing wave, a nod and even a four-letter greeting for the oldest of friends. It where’s the band has grown up - and no matter how far they fly - The Oak is home.