Tribute kings The Honey Sliders join star-studded WILD AID lineup

WHEN Danny Widdicombe was asked to put together a house band for Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall in Brisbane, he did what any seasoned muso would do – called in his mates from the many groups he’d worked with over the years.

The four-piece outfit came together in 2013, blending retro, rock, soul, country and blues. It wasn’t long before their unique sound and chemistry led to gigs beyond their residency.

“We started coming up with themes for concerts, like ‘let’s do a Jimi Hendrix album’, and people just went crazy for it, so we just kept doing it,” Widdicombe said.

“We keep giving ourselves these challenges and coming up with ideas and learning them.

“We do a concert performing songs from Neil Young’s album Harvest, one which is all songs from the year 1969, and a Beatles rooftop concert.

“We’re starting to wonder how many songs we can hold in our heads at one time because they are building up over all these years.”

While the group also performs original material, it’s their themed tribute shows that consistently draw crowds and keep fans coming back.

The band features a lineup of well-established musicians: bass player Bos Borley, formerly of hip-hop group Resin Dogs and a contributor to Bernard Fanning’s Tea & Sympathy album; keyboardist Dan Mansfield, who has played with You Am I and folk-rock ensemble The Gin Club; and drummer Ben Carstins, who hails from the alt-country/indie rock band Mexico City.

Widdicombe himself is no stranger to acclaim, having been a member of the country blues band The Wilson Pickers, who were nominated for three ARIA Awards. He’s also played lead guitar for You Am I frontman Tim Rogers.

The band was recently invited to join the lineup for the upcoming WILD AID benefit concert after Byron Wildlife Hospital founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil saw them perform at the Byron Theatre.

“I was amazed that he’d want us to play at his big fundraiser with the Hoodoo Gurus,” Widdicombe said.

“I was like, ‘we just do these theme shows’, but he said it would be cool. We’re pretty stoked to be part of it.”

The group plans to perform a mix of original songs and covers at the event, set to take place at the Green Room at Tyagarah – the home of Bluesfest – on September 27.

Also on the bill are Grammy-nominated artist Toni Childs and Brisbane power pop favourites Screamfeeder.

Tickets are available via Moshtix.