The band was formed almost by chance in early 1987 following a meeting at a Christmas party where Arthur Billington (ZZ Birmingham to you) was singing - his regular guitarist was indisposed (thanks to a bottle of whisky), and JJ Kemp sat in. Although not previously a blues player he found a natural affinity for the raw, rootsy music that Arthur was playing. Initial gigs were fairly informal, but the duo grew to include percussionist Roly Quesnel, and the trio became known as ZZ Birmingham's Country Band. Somehow this then expanded to a four-piece with the addition of Mark Grebby on bass (recruited from the local pub). His background in punk and indie bands (most notably The Shrubs) gave the sound a raw edge quite unlike any other blues band playing at that time - not having a blues background he simply played the bass-lines that fitted the song. Some of his original lines are still used to this day.

Mark Grebby on stage at The Dial, Derby, 1989

Gigs and equipment materialised, and very soon the band found that they were recognising songs from one gig to the next. The early band was a ramshackle outfit, but had the true blues spirit - just get out there and do it! No-one expected the band to have such a long life, and although along the way it saw four different bass players, at least seven drummers and a lap steel player pass through its ranks, the core duo of Arthur and JJ remained constant until 2001.

An early incarnation of the band, circa 1988, with Roly Quesnel and Paul Hailes

Since 1987 ZZ Birmingham's Blues Band have established a reputation for their dynamic, passionate performances of blistering blues. They have played festivals across the country, including performances at The Great British Blues Festivals in Colne; visits to Burnley National Blues Festival, and also Redcar, Edinburgh, Wallingford and Barnsley Blues Festivals, and Off The Tracks roots festival in Castle Donington; they were regular guests at numerous blues clubs and at motorbike rallies, beer festivals and private parties. The band recorded a cassette album in 1993, and in December 1999 released their first CD, "Midnight In Memphis". They were also featured on the four CD compilation "It Came From The Pond", produced by Matlock Bath venue The Fishpond. The years of constant gigging paid off, and they became recognised as one of the top blues bands working in the Midlands. Their gigs were always an event, whether you liked to listen or get sweaty on the dance floor. This most enduring line-up featured Arthur, JJ Kemp, Gareth Williams on bass, and Roger Moggs on drums; in the four years they were together the band made huge strides both in terms of musical content, and the type of venues they were playing. However, in January 2001 both Gareth and JJ Kemp left the band to pursue other ventures, leaving Arthur and Roger to recruit new band members. And so the story goes on... For up-to-date information the band now has a new website.

This line-up stayed together for about five years, and recorded the first album, "Serve You Right To Suffer", in 1993. Grebby on bass, Shep on drums.

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