A support slot during a gig in Derby earlier this year could prove to be the pivotal moment in the lives of six lads with a passion for reggae.
By The Rivers were wrapping up for the night when singer guitarist Nile Barrow thrust a CD and his business card into the hand of the night’s main attraction at The Venue.
He was 2-Tone/ska legend from the Specials, Neville Staple, and, like many would-be stars of the future, Nile knew it was a long-shot. The CD and the card could so easily have ended up being left in the dressing room amid the after-show partying.
Instead, By The Rivers will be using dates like their performance of upbeat original roots reggae on the Y Not Festival’s Quarry Stage on Saturday August 6 as a warm up before they begin a 15-date UK tour with the re-formed Specials.
To say the least, Nile and the rest of the group have been stunned by the support they have received.
“Within days Neville was on the phone saying he loved the EP and would be playing it to the rest of the band,” said Nile.
“Shortly after that Lynval Golding, the Specials’ rhythm guitarist was on the phone, too, saying he would help out in any way he could.
“He was brilliant, really supportive and was adamant he was going to get us a slot as the support band, probably for one of the Midlands shows.
“The next message we got was a text telling us we would be supporting them for the whole tour – it was incredible.”
By The Rivers were formed in Leicester by Nile, 21, and lifelong friend Jordan Birtles, 18, in May 2010. Often found playing stripped down acoustic versions, they usually perform alongside Sam Read on keyboards and guitar, Matt Willars on bass, Leo May on trumpet and Will Todd on tenor sax.
They already have two five-track EPs and a single is due for release shortly before the Specials tour starts on October 11. Dates include two sell-out shows in Wolverhampton, Friday October 21 at Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena and Saturday October 29 at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.
With their love of reggae and ska, the lads have long been fans of the Specials who first enjoyed fame in the late 1970s.
The Specials split in 1980 amid the seemingly traditional musical differences and personality clashes. It took until 2009 for them to re-form and they are still performing two years down the line, albeit without founder member Jerry Dammers.
“Their music has been such a big part of my life,” said Nile.
“It is amazing to have so much support from someone whose music we respect so much. Both Neville and Lynval have been brilliant.”
The Y Not Festival is near Matlock on August 5, 6 and 7. Headline acts for the three days are the Go! Team, Feeder and Maxïmo Park.
To find out more about By The Rivers visit http://bytherivers.bandcamp.com
As well as regular gigs in and around their home town of Leicester, where they headlined this year’s Riverside Festival to a capacity crowd, By The Rivers have supported Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Toploader, Neville Staple, the Beat, the Buzzcocks and Maxi Priest.
By The Rivers are: Nile Barrow, lead vocals/guitar; Jordan Birtles, drums/vocals; Sam Read, keyboards/lead guitar/backing vocals; Matt Willars, bass guitar; Leo May, trumpet; Will Todd, tenor sax.
See footage of By The Rivers live at T in the Park and get the latest news from their website, on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter
For more information contact Nile Barrow on 07938 668010, Gaz Birtles on 07732 044940 or Marcus Duffield on 07810 210084.
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