Scot rockers Balaam and the Angels preparing for Reading gig

A night of Scottish rock, via Cannock, is coming to The Face Bar this November thanks to Balaam and the Angel.

Founded in 1984 by siblings Mark, James (Jim), and Desmond (Des) Morris, the band’s roots are from in Cannock in the Black Country … a long way away from their childhood in Motherwell.

Initially the band self-released a series of EPs and an album entitled Sun Family via their own Chapter 22 label and played some tour dates opening for The Cult.

This caught the attention of Virgin Records, who signed them and released their debut album, The Greatest Story Ever Told, back in 1986.

They toured in the United States with The Mission, Kiss and label mate Iggy Pop.

A second guitarist and the first non-sibling, Ian McKean of Twenty Flight Rockers, joined in 1988, and the band began to move away from gothic rock music styles into a sound that had more in common with hard rock.

With their new-found style, they recorded the album Live Free or Die.

This was followed by Days of Madness, before leaving Virgin Records.

Their song I’ll Show You Something Special appeared on the soundtrack for the film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

This is a rare chance to hear the band in Berkshire.

Support for their gig comes from Christchurch New Zealand’s 80’s punks Desperate Measures, now reborn and rocking the UK, and Fluoxetine, a four-piece indie/alternative band from Litchfield.

Also appearing will be The Go Go Cult, a Berkshire-based band.

The night is presented by Club Velocity and New Mind promotions, and takes place on Saturday, November 9.

The Face Bar is in Ambrose Place, off Chatham Street, in Reading town centre,

Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £22 including booking fee.

For more details or to book, log on to: www.wegottickets.com/clubvelocity