Band names can be big. They can be clever. Or they can even be shit. But Dirty Rock & Roll do what it says on the tin. And then crush the tin so hard your ears start to bleed.

Formed from the ashes of North East noiseniks Baby Rattlesnakes, DRnR fuse punk, pop, metal and madness to deliver the best live shows around. They’re loud and very proud. They punch above their weight. And they’re well worth the wait.

Singer Adam found fame fronting the dearly departed Rattlesnakes for three years - supporting the likes of Electric Eel Shock, Quireboys and Tokyo Dragons. But the former basketball pro was always happiest crunching up Foos-style riffs with his rumbling vocals. In fact classic rock was never his cup of tea, so forming DRnR was the natural move for one of the region’s most imposing musos.

Surrounding himself with a rhythm section tighter than Metallica’s band security, Adam unearthed a killer combo. And if you don’t believe the hype then don’t tell Lee (bass) and Steve (drums). They’ll kick your arse from here to Blyth and back. Really. Tattooed millionaire Lee might look skinner than a lamppost but he rattles out some heavy shit. And if tub thumper Steve doesn’t cause his battered kit to collapse then it’s just not a DRnR gig.

The New Year means a new focus for one of Tyneside’s best kept secrets. In 2009 expect new tunes, a new attitude and even a new album. Expect DRnR to take it to the next level. Or demand a refund.