Rock band Classique are gearing up for a gig this weekend.

The band emerged from jam nights at the Cross Roads pub, Keighley, and their influences include Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Whitesnake. Classique guitarist Steve Blades is from rock band Excalibur. “I’m a little concerned with the direction today’s music is taking,” he says. “There’s too much that sounds very bland. What we think we have achieved is that classic Seventies rock mixture of energy, adrenaline and great performance.”

Bassist Rik Packham also plays bass for Eyesore Angels and drummer Tony ‘Rocker’ Riley played drums for Smart-Ass.

The latest member of the band is Claire Bannister, who replaced original singer Jonjo McColgan.

Claire was vocalist with Skeletal Family until they split in 2009. “Classique is a complete break from the goth sound and are taking me back to my blues-based rock roots. It’s a new vocal style for me and I’m really loving it,” she says. “The guys are all great and we have such a good time together.”

- Classique’s next gig is at the Ryshworth Club, Crossflatts, on Saturday. For tickets, ring (01535) 642689 or 07521 609847.