Over the last twelve months [as at 5/00] the Serious Hat Band has established itself as one of the top young acts in the south. They play a mix of classic tracks and latest hits combined with their original material. In contrast to the name, they are not at all serious on stage and their performance is both exhilarating and funny.

They are noted both for their enthusiasm and musical ability, and in particular their complex three part harmony vocals which enable them to perform many tunes a six piece band would hesitate to tackle.

They have released three albums selling 20,000 CDs and they have a fan club of 7000 people. What is more, they have done this independently of any record label, publishing house or manager. The Serious Hat Band is proof that a high level of success in the music business is possible through hard work and talent.

The three piece band is equally at home playing cover versions as their own original material. The audience having a great time is all that matters to them.

Media interest in the Serious Hat Band is starting to snowball. They have done shows for the Daily Express, The Daily Star and Chiltern FM Radio as well as numerous interviews for BBC and independent radio stations. They have featured in national publications such as 'O' Magazine, Making Music and The Stage as well as much of the country's top regional press.

"We knew we'd arrived when we got stopped by armed police outside Downing Street during a bomb scare. We were running late but fortunately one of the officers was in our fan club and we were waved through the road block and allowed to drive on to the gig." says lead singer Ed Dewson.

Album: 'Don't Rush Me' released on 14th May 1999 at the Bordlerline, off Charing Cross Road, London. Album launch party in aid of The Samaritans.

Line up: Ed Dewson (Vocals/Guitar), Michael McCabe (Vocals/Drums), Barrie 'Baggy Trousers' Trower (Vocals/Bass)

Record Label: r.e.d. records, 0973 110075

Category: Pop for the thinking man (or maybe 'the drinking man')

The serious Hat Band is part of a national campaign, with musicians from groups such as Radiohead and Jamiroquai, to improve the image of The Samaritans (the lead singers brother killed himself a few years ago)

The band were attacked on stage by a man with a baseball bat. The bass player was hospitalised and over £3000 of damage was caused to their equipment. A local man was jailed for the attack.

The Serious Hat Band can boast of having the worlds youngest music fan. Little Alice Nevard from Clacton first came to see the band aged 3 weeks and has come to several gigs since. Now at the age of ninteen months, she is a grizzled veteran of the Essex music scene!

For more information, please contact Rick Darris or Rob Dewson at Dewson Entertainments on 020 8372 0836 or visit the bands website at www.hatband.co.uk