Band name: Rising Force (aka Rising Damp)

Members names, age and where they are from:

Ray (vocals), Barry (guitar), Ann (drums), Kevan (drums), Tony (guitar), Ian (12-string bass and vocals). All from Farnworth, except Ann. None of us can remember our ages, but we are over 21.

When and where did you form?

Rising Force goes back about 10 years or thereabouts. It has always been based in Farnworth. Along with Tony (who replaced Adrian on guitar, yet another of Ray’s brothers), I (Ian) am the most recent member — joining early last year.

What is your sound and who are your influences?

We’re a classic rock band and our second set is mainly Status Quo stuff, as we are huge fans of theirs. We are great mates with State Of Quo — definitely the very best Quo tribute band of the lot, who are also from Bolton.

What is the biggest gig you have played to date?

With Rising Force, it would probably be the annual States Charity show in aid of Bolton Hospice. The next one is at The Phoenix Club in Farnworth on April 25. Tribute band Stated Quo are headlining and Dakota are opening the show. The band has played at Quofests round the country in the past.

For myself, either supporting Slade or The Quireboys, or the really big event at The Guild Hall when Preston became a city.

If you are not already, is it your ambition to become professional?

It is just an occasional band, really — we just want to go out and have fun when we can get together. Rising Force certainly IS fun.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Sadly, due to conflicting schedules, I am bowing out from Rising Force after these next two shows to concentrate on my own band Wizdom, so if they replace me and carry on (which I really hope that they do), I will go and watch them and maybe get up for the odd song or two. There’s no falling out, I just can’t do both and others also have other commitments — Tony plays excellent guitar with Drop Zone and Ann is also the drummer with Dakota. If they need me for the charity show next year, I will be there like a shot for that.

Is there anything unusual or interesting about the band?

Possibly we can boast the best following any band in Bolton has. Mainly Ray and Kev’s relatives. They breed like rabbits.

We are also a walking guitar exhibition whenever we play. Tony and Ian are both absolutely OCD guitar and bass collectors.

And we have two cracking drummers.

Upcoming gigs?

The Venue Bar, Bolton on April 3

States Charity gig for Bolton Hospice at The Phoenix Club in Farnworth on April 25. Tickets £5 on the door.

Then…… who knows??? So don’t miss either of those two shows.