Pete Bentham and The Dinner Ladies
Liverpool, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Music
Press
When all of the band kick in, the sound is tremendous; Pete thrashing away on his guitar trying to wear out the scratch plate (and his elbow); Gabrielle bashing the hell out of the drums. Marigoldy thunderously playing the bassiest bass possible and John ‘The Caretaker’ Lewis going cross-eyed trying to inflate either the sax or clarinet. The crowd loved them.
Click for large image
‘Work’ and ‘Anger In The World’ were closely followed by another dip into the album for ‘Anger In The World, which was then followed by ‘The Lorry Driver Song’. Those diehards resisting the kitchen assault were all to be reigned in with the totally interactive ‘Hip Potater’. Here, Pete had the crowd in the palm of his hand, ordering them to shout back the words ‘Hip Potater, Hip Potater’ at his command. A truly marvellous spectacle.
Unfortunately, due to two more bands due to appear they stopped serving and with no time left for seconds, they left the stage.
You must give this band a listen, preferably live; Failing that, hunt down their excellent album ‘New Underground’. - Room Thirteen, UK
Pete begins by inviting everyone to pray for more good weather “so we can riot in shorts and t-shirts”. Comedy is as much a part of Pete’s act as the music; he enthusiastically explains the meaning behind songs, such as ‘Nature’, which was inspired by a conversation with a self-righteous hippy:
“I don’t eat animals cos they don’t eat me.”
“Well let’s pop down to Chester Zoo and stick your head in a lion’s cage so we can test that theory, shall we?”
‘Cats and Dogs’ is about how the former would probably destroy the human race if they had opposable thumbs and access to heavy artillery.
By the second encore, it’s turned into a right old organic cider-fuelled knees-up; everyone obeys Pete’s command to kneel on the floor before leaping back up for one chorus. Despite a lone stage invader almost spoiling proceedings, the show is a triumph. - Purple Revolver, UK
Discography
CD Album 'The New Underground'
Released Oct. 2009
CD Album 'Hip Potater'
Released Nov. 2010
Photos
Bio
The band was formed in 2008 by Pete Bentham, former guitarist with Probe Plus Records band Halfway To Eddies and Liverpool art-rockers OUT77. The name is a tribute to his mum a retired Dinner Lady* and reflects the working class humour of his songs.
The Dinner Ladies are a 'People's Band' made up of band members who are mix of different types, ages, races and sexes. Their unique mix of characters and influences make up a band who have a rare quality of being able to cross over into different genres and audiences.
Pete grew up the youngest of seven in the musical hotbend of Merseyside listening to the British Invasion bands like The Beatles, Stones, Who and The Kinks and American music like early rock & roll and the soul of the Stax, Atlantic and Tamla Motown labels. Later he enthusiastically embraced the punk rock and Two Tone ska scenes. This has helped shape his socio-political views and dedication to the DIY ethic.
Bassist Marigoldy, is a British asian who grew up on Indian music, flamenco, dance and drum and bass. She brings a different influence to the band from Pete's rock and roll roots.
Drummer Gabrielle is a strong drummer and likes powerful bands like The Pixies, but is also into bands with a theatrical approach like Dresden Dolls and brings that theatrical element to the band.
Complimenting the band and adding texture to the music is John 'The Caretaker' Lewis who plays saxophone and clarinet. He is a classically trained musician and is experienced in playing jazz, folk, blues and rock & roll. This helps the band to embrace so many different influences.
*Dinner Ladies are usually middle aged ladies who serve the meals to kids in school. They normally fall into two categories; kindly aunt or Gestapo Officer!
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