The Story So Far...
Unfinished Business were formed towards the end of 2006 when brothers Andy and Mike Barke (drums/guitar) decided to rekindle their love of blues & rock music and start playing seriously again after many years of "noodling" at home.
They responded to an advert in a Lincoln music shop for bass player Mike Batt, looking to play regular gigs following the demise of his previous band, and were soon joined by experienced guitarist Bob Bates. After trying out several singers they eventually recruited vocalist Bob Fenwick early in 2007 and rehearsals began in earnest.
Although band members' musical tastes varied from classic blues through 70's rock to more modern guitar-based sounds, they quickly built a solid set list revolving around blues-influenced rock covers by the likes of Cream, Free and Gary Moore, with a few less obvious twists such as Ten Years After and Lenny Kravitz.
Their first gig came in the spring of 2007 with a 30 minute support slot at a pub near Grantham. The night went well and convinced the band they were ready to hit the road! Regular gigs followed in the Lincoln area throughout 2007 and in January 2008 they went into Tabby Road studios near Lincoln to produce their first "demo" CD.
With family commitments and an increasingly busy lifestyle, Bob Fenwick decided it was time to hang up his microphone early in 2009 and the search was on for a new vocalist.
Fortunately it didn't take long to secure the services of local singer Paul Lusby, complete with a bluesy vocal style ideally suited to the band's blend of rock and blues. Not only that but Paul soon proved to be a great bloke who fitted in perfectly!
Then in the summer of 2009, following a change of job and increased travelling commitments, Bob Bates announced he would have to leave the band. Two Bob's gone in just a few months! They knew he would be a hard act to follow but after several weeks of auditions they managed to find Chris Bull, another experienced and accomplished guitarist. A few quick rehearsals to get Chris up to speed and the band were ready to hit the road again.
Numerous gigs and another spell in the studio to record some more tracks followed but sadly, after a couple of years health problems meant that Chris too had to call it a day and the search was on again for a new guitarist.
After having such talented gutarists to date they were determined to find someone of equal ability and so took their time auditioning a number of people. In the meantime the band carried on gigging as a four piece.
Their patience paid off when they eventually found David Martin, another very experienced and talented player, in November 2011. Unfinished Business were back up to full strength and ready to get back on the road again.
The story continues...
Unfinished Business play regularly throughout Lincolnshire and surrounding areas and are available for bookings.
Click here for more info or listen to tracks from the demo here.
Unfinished Business are (click for each member's profile):
Paul Lusby (vocals)
Mike Batt (bass)
Mike Barke (guitar)
Andy Barke (drums)
David Martin (guitar)
