SIXTIES-tinged band 69 are returning to Keighley following their successful live debut last month at the Octagon.

The band, made up of veteran musicians from the Bingley area, will perform at the Exchange Arts Centre on July 30.

Drummer Alastair Harnby said he, singer/bassist Mick Jackson and singer/guitarist Dave Johnson were excited about the prospect of playing the Russell Street venue.

He said: “We see it as the first proper gig to explore our blues rock development, and to play to an audience that really appreciates musical ability and style.

“We are already working on new material, and an innovative collaboration with the City of Bradford Brass Band on two to three numbers.”

The three musicians formed 69 to record songs Mick wrote, but never recorded, in the late 60s while his band Love Affair were at the height of their fame.

Love Affair scored several top 10 hits and sold millions of copies of global hit Everlasting Love.

The album 69 One More Time was followed by a performance at the Octagon to an audience of family, friends and Sixties music fans.

Alistair said: “The concert went really well. The hour-and-a-half show was high-pace and full of energy accompanied by great lighting effects.

“We packed out the Octagon and warmed the audience up with a great soul band Bittersweet and 60s music from the club’s DJ.

“69 launched straight into a lively version of Summertime Blues. We then worked our way through a number of our own songs and several songs from Mick's original band Love Affair.

“We also produced our own versions of 60s blues rock classics by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Humble Pie, George Thoroughgood, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Steve Marriot.

“The concert concluded with a very rocky version of Hush, another famous Love Affair track. Back for an encore. We played our version of Heartbreak Hotel made famous by Elvis.”

Well-known music promoter and manager Garth Cawood , who was in the audience, described 69 as the best live band he had seen in a long time.