The Hoosiers play packed-out gig at Rutland store Rockabuy Records, in Oakham,
A chart-topping band has asked to return to an independent town record store after playing an intimate gig to a packed house last weekend.
The Hoosiers performed a 45-minute set at Rockabuy Records, in Oakham, on Saturday to a full house of 80 punters in the shop.
A further 50 fans listened in outside to the show.
“There was about 120-130 altogether, plus the band, plus us, so about 150 in this tiny, tiny little record shop,” said Chris Poole, who helps run the family business.
“It was tight, it was like sardines, but it worked really well. It was nice and intimate and the band really loved it as well.”
He added: “The atmosphere was buzzing.
“It's very rare that something like this happens in little old Oakham, so when it does they come out in good spirits.”
The multi-platinum selling pop group, featuring original members Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland, had been due to play a slot at On The Green in Peterborough that night, but offered to play at Rockabuy when the festival was cancelled at short notice.
Fans with festival tickets were given priority at the first-come, first-served event.
Gig-goers were given wristbands to allow them to nip out to the Crown Tavern around the corner to fetch drinks and use the toilets.
The band then stayed on after the set to meet fans before eventually hitting the road at around 11.30pm.
“They did a couple of covers and all the bangers as well, like Goodbye Mr A and Choices,” said Chris.
“Once they finished we got everyone outside and made another queue so they could all come back in a few at a time to do some meet and greets and sign a few things.
“The band stuck around until about 11.30. They were brilliant - really down to earth.”
And fans may not have to wait too long for a return.
“They messaged us the next morning saying ‘we can't wait to do that again if you’ll have us’ and how much they love intimate record store gigs,” Chris said.
“They’ve got a new album coming out so they’ll hopefully promote it in record stores. Hopefully it could be in the next few months.”
The record shop, which celebrated its fourth birthday on Thursday, has hosted live music before, with singer-songwriter Will Varley next up on Wednesday (June 4).
But this was the store’s biggest event to date and has whetted the appetite for more.
“This is something that we're going to push more because it gets people in the shop,” Chris added.
“And it keeps live music going - everyone's a winner.”