By Gemma West
Tribute band Liqueur paid homage to rock band The Cure in a Leicester city comeback headlining at Duffy’s Bar.
Lifelong Cure fans Chris Peters and Mark Ireland, both 50, gave an insight at the gig on Saturday, May 4, into what life’s like being the band rather than just supporting the band.
After being in separate bands for years and meddling with Britpop and original material, forming and joining Liqueur “seemed like a logical step” for all five members, with them all being Cure fans.
Thanks to travelling up and down the country and sounding frighteningly similar to the original band, Liqueur have gathered a generous following since 2006.
Being a tribute band has its drawbacks however.
Chris, the band’s Robert Smith, said: “The main problem with smaller venues is that we have to cut down on our gear and we love our gear.”
A small venue isn’t always a problem for Mark, who added: “For me as a drummer, I can hardly see the audience as it’s all darkness/smoke and shadows – it could be Wembley you’re at, rather than the back room of a pub in Leicester!”
After gaining a great response from Leicester fans for the past two years, Chris suggested: “Hopefully we’ll get asked back again next year if we behave.”
Liqueur are a big fan of their fans, who are willing to donate to fork out hotel or travel costs just to get to see them.
When tickets to see the real The Cure can be hundreds of pounds, fans are eager to visit small, intimate venues including Duffy’s to catch acts such as Liqueur.
Mark wants to provide the best experience for the fans.
He said: “I am most keen on us getting things right, striving for as close a thing as we can get to the real thing and sometimes that’s frustrating.”
For more information on the band and their upcoming tour dates, visit www.liqueurband.com.