Horse trade

“The deal was completed in the finest manner – on a pool table in the back room of a bar in Indianapolis,” says guitarist Joe Philpott.

Island became interested in the band last year when their D-I-Y How Far Have You Come? album topped several internet sales charts.

“We’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who bought the record, came to the shows, downloaded the MP3s, signed the mailing list…” Philpott continues. “You helped rekindle the recording industry’s interest in the band which lead to this contract being signed.

“We’ll soon be heading back to Nashville to record some new tracks for the international release of the album.”

Arriving in the States with just $1,000 in their collective pocket, the band eked out a living on the Boston bar circuit where their admirers included former Aerosmith manager Tim Collins. Through Collins they signed to Interscope – a deal that turned sour when Universal took the label over and axed most of its roster.

Unperturbed, the ‘horse men took to the road and started amassing their huge fan base.

“We drove across America in a van for 12,000 miles this summer, opening for Culture Club. We literally drove from town to town. And that brought us together more than we’ve ever been. We’re ready for anything now.”