Strutting into city Blitz

Fuelled by the sort of high energy not seen since the hey-day of Queen and the Rolling Stones, the Derby-based glam indie rock band – who will play Preston’s Blitz Club tomorrow night – has achieved moderate success since forming in 2011.

Not only was their debut single ‘I Just Know’ used in a Primark advert, The Struts’ second single landed at number eight on the iTunes alternative chart and they supported the Rolling Stones in France while the latter was in Europe for their 14 On Fire tour.

“It was an absolute honour for us,” says the band, who are now touring France themselves.

“The enthusiasm and passion from fans in France has been incredible, and we’ve had a lot of support from national radio over here -– the press, radio and media have welcomed us with open arms.”

Attempting to break into the mainstream music industry used to be frustrating, the band said.

“Now our fan base is growing, it seems less important to us.”

Musically, The Struts are known for their irresistibly catchy anthems and rock ‘n’ roll riffs that have the ability to awaken anybody’s inner rock star, regardless of age and melodic preferences.

They strive to put on as wildly brilliant and flamboyant a show as possible, and this has led outlandish English fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes to design the theatrical, Freddie Mercury-esque stage costumes frontman Luke Spiller is now known for – notably the deliciously electric blue satin cape adorned with glittery gold stripes worn for the Isle of Wight festival earlier this year.

“It’s just about making our live show as strong as possible and staying focused,” says the four-piece.

“We perform the way we do for our own enjoyment, as well as the audience’s.

“We are aware the music industry doesn’t throw money at acts like they once did, but we believe with a solid live show, you can secure longevity.”

The Struts began in 2009 when Luke Spiller and lead guitarist Adam Slack began writing songs together.

After recruiting bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies, the band was officially formed in 2011.

Their debut album, Everybody Wants, was released on July 28, and is heavily influenced by theatrical rock ‘n’ roll with lashings of percussive 60s and 70s rock and Brit pop.

Having finished a series of concerts in France, The Struts are currently working on new songs, and are writing both individually and together.

“We have a lot of new exciting material,” they say.

The Struts are at The Blitz Club in Preston on Friday, November 14 at 8pm.

Tickets, £5, see http://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/BLITZ-Live-Venue--And--Nightclub/The-Struts-Live/12237364/

Mayzin Han