Ben MacNab, band keyboardist, has decided to leave the band this March. Ben has been with the band since 1998. Often seen as 'the quiet one at the back', Ben originally overcame acute enochlophobia to join the band and is now suffering from parthenophobia, which made gigs almost unbearable. What a tough world. The band will be very sorry to see him go. A replacement may eventually be sought, but only after the remaining band members recover from their loss. Exclusive Ben interview coming soon.

Last month, popular York magazine :Here, asked its readers to nominate some of the best things York has to offer. Nominations were made in a number of categories, including favourite restaurants, pubs and bands. The T and B Specialists were voted Best Band in York by a substantial margin. To quote the magazine... "The :here award for best band 2001 goes to our September covers stars and big bunch of loons, The T and B Specialists. You should go and see them before they become massive." Take heed of this advice.

Plans are underway for a new T and B Specialists album. It is likely to include re-recordings from the 'Welcome You' EP, in addition to several new songs and previously unrecorded tracks familiar to anyone who has seen the band live. It is anticipated that it will be recorded late this year for release in early 2002 on their own TBS Music label. Promotion and distribution will be on a much larger scale than before, in a push to promote the band to a much wider national audience.

"The gigs currently scheduled in the gigs section will be the last chance to see the T and B Specialists until late this year. The band have decided to spend a few months working solidly on NEW material. The result WILL BE EMPHATIC! So put aside the pain and wait for the resurrection - Sound Has Never Felt So Good!"

Keep an eye on the website for all the latest news and updates, and as always, stay in touch with the band through the message board.

Love Benji, Paul, Amber, Jonni and Ben.

The Nice gigs at Wayne's Bar went down extremely well, and got better and better through the week. There are even rumours of the local police asking the band to turn it down a little because they were rocking the town a little too much! Pictures are avaialble here, and an hour long video is in production to commemorate the event. See a preview here, (this is an MPEG file - if you have a slow connection, right click on the link and select 'Save Target As' before playing)..

The following quote appeared on The Frame's website following their advancement through to the semi-finals of Battle of the Bands as best runners-up, having been defeated in round 2 by the Rambo Sleepover and the Bedroom Nihilists...

"We're into the final 8 of the original 48 bands that took part in the fibbers BOTB 2001, and although its not looking promising for the frame, we're not the favourites .... and there is also the small matter that the bass player won't be attending. Perhaps we should take on the comedy approach this time? get the dressing gowns out and play some acid jazz or something!? What do we think?"

What a daft idea! No-one in their right minds would ever think to do that....

       Picture © YEP 2001

A tractor yesterday, about lunchtime

The T and B Specialists have won a respectable 3rd place in the York Battle of the Bands competition. Five bands competed in the final, including Parisman and Super8, the first and second place winners. The T and B Specialists were the only York based entrants to make it this far in the competition. The voting was extremely close, as was the quality of all of the bands in the final. The band received some excellent reviews in the Yorkshire evening press - see the reviews section for a more detailed review of the night.

The band are currently in negotiations for their first recording contract with Junk Shak Wreckordingz, run by DJ Mossodon and Ralph. There will be updates on the main page when anything solid is announced. If signed, an album surely won't be far behind!

The T&B's get through to round 3 of Battle of the Bands in style, beating The Frame and Alliah with their inimitable style and musical / comedy genius. See the Reviews section for more..

4th April 2001
New EP - 'Welcome You'

The band will be appearing on a forthcoming compilation entitled 'Music Made To Measure Volume 1' featuring tracks recorded by artists from the 'Modern Life' main stage at The Arc, including Real Crazy Apartment, The Spidermen, Monitor, Pleasure Beach (Acid Jazz Records), Nick Rossi Set and Headquarters (from the soundtrack of the forthcoming US film 'American Mod'. To get a copy for £6.50+p&p,  (pre-ordering will get your name eternalised in the inlay credits!), call Arc's credit card hotline on 01642 666600 open 9am-9pm, 7 days. The CD is sponsored by Lambretta Clothing. Visit The Arc, home of 'Modern Life' at www.musicmadetomeasure.com. Click on the picture to see the CD in more detail.