After several years in Canada, where Roy Thompson formed in 2003 a band called “Roy Thompson & His Royal Acadians”, and some tours in Canada, USA and Europe, playing in countries like France, England for the Rockabilly Rave, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Austria and Holland, backing artists like Billy Lee Riley and Eddie Bond, Roy decided to return to Europe in 2005 and started the band again in 2010 with a new line-up called ‘The Mellow Kings’, composed of some of the best  and ‘Rhythm and Blues’ musicians in France.

His musical influences are quite broad, ranging from Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Swing and Rockin’ from the 50s to the early 60s, referencing artists such as Ike Turner, Ray Charles, T-Bone Walker, Larry Williams, Little Richard, Young Jessie, Junior Watson, Bobby Blue Bland and the Memphis sound, Freddie King, Johnny Otis, Guitar Junior and the Louisiana style, plus many songs written by himself that enrich his shows.

The style ranges from late 50s Rhythm & Blues to early 60s Blues and Rockin’ tempo, with a rockin’ and kickin’ atmosphere, sizzling guitar and powerful saxophone. The band started touring again since 2010 with new songs in their repertoire… and an album called “Back on Tracks” produced by Sleazy Records in 2012.

Tours and concerts were planned all over Europe during 2011 and 2012 to promote this new album, with big festivals like the Rockin’ Race in Spain, the Rhythm Riot in England, the Live & Jive Festival in Sweden, the Cahors Blues Festival in France, the Rock n Roll Festival at Disneyland Paris, and concerts in France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, England…

Later, they played at festivals such as Tremblay Blues in Paris, the American Festival in Tours, the Rockin’ Horse Festival in Limoges, Blues en Loire in France, the Moondogs Festival and the Summer Jamboree in Italy, Let’s Get Wild Festival in Germany and the Firebirds Festival in Leipzig, plus concerts in Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England, Sweden and Spain… a major European tour supporting Gizzelle, the California Soul Diva from Los Angeles, in November 2013, July 2014 and August 2015, plus Turnhout Festival in Belgium, Vintage Roots Festival in Milan, Festi Jump Blues in France and Get Rhythm Go Wild in Germany ….

A new album called “20 Days” was released in 2016 on the German label Stag O Lee Records and again they participated in important festivals all over Europe. In the autumn of 2019, the last 10 inch album called “Ride with me Baby” was released with Sleazy Records, but shortly after that the band had to stop for almost 2 years due to the pandemic. Now, in 2023, Roy is back with new music and songs for you to discover and enjoy!

Report by ’24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright 24/7 Valencia

RICHARD THOMPSON

Saturday 6 April 2024

18:30h (doors) / 19:00h (concert)

‘16 TONELADAS’

C/ Ricardo Micó, 3

46009

Valencia

TICKETS: https://movingtickets.com/Entradas-Roy-Thompson-concierto-en-16-Toneladas-Valencia/

Advance ticket 12€(+gg) (movingtickets.com); Box office 16€ (Ticket sales subject to availability)