Meet The Zoots as they prepare for their event supporting the Corn Exchange Future Fund

As they prepare to take to the Corn Exchange stage in aid of our Future Fund, we chatted with The Zoots in this exclusive interview.

For anyone who hasn’t seen The Zoots before, how would you describe the experience of a Zoots show?

In the words of our review in The Stage 'The Zoots are the type of young band that's impossible not to like'. Brian Harrington from Newbury Today said, 'I defy you to see The Zoots live and not have a great time'.

You perform songs from artists ranging from The Beatles and The Stones to The Beach Boys, The Kinks and The Four Seasons. How do you choose which songs make it into the set?

This took us many years to perfect. I ask a few questions; which songs have the biggest reason to be part of the show? Is it one the audience can sing along to? Is it a song we can swap round instruments for? Do we have choreography? Which songs get the best response? How much relevance does it have to the 1960s? Is it still popular now? Does it have an interesting fact about the song or part of a story? Does it showcase the musicians' talents?

The band has performed in more than 30 countries. Have you noticed any differences in how audiences around the world respond to ’60s music? 

It's 44 countries now and we are planning to go to Brazil and Argentina in January which will make it 46! The American audiences are definitely the most enthusiastic, the Belgian venues are the most generous, the Dutch venues are best equipped and organised.

What made The Zoots want to get involved with the Corn Exchange Newbury’s Future Fund?

For over 10 years I have tried to get The Zoots to perform at The Corn Exchange and it's an honour to be part of such a wonderful event and to be involved in such an amazing cause at a venue I have wanted to play since I left school.

What does the Corn Exchange mean to you as a venue and as a cultural space?

As I grew up in Berkshire, I played some of my first gigs at The Kings Charles Tavern, The Clocktower and The Catherine Wheel in Newbury.  We've sold out Arlington Arts Centre about 5 times, and The Corn Exchange was always the long-term aim for me.

What’s your favourite ’60s song to perform, and why? 

My favourite song in the show currently is when I try to sing as many 60s songs as I can in 5 minutes. My Dad always told me to try to do something that other people can't.

What can audiences expect during the show at the Corn Exchange on 5 November? 

60 something songs sung by 5 talented young(ish) musicians who often swap instruments. There is a video show throughout including photographs, fashion, album covers and footage from the 1960s. We also have one of the most talented young drummers in the UK: Charlie Gregory.

Why should people come along, put their dancing shoes on, and help support the Future Fund?

The Zoots are a long-term product of the Newbury and Berkshire live music scene. It's important to me to keep young people engaged in music and for them to be interested in the music of the 1960s.

You can catch The Zoots at the Corn Exchange on Thu 5 Nov, book online now or call the Box Office on 01635 522733.