West Sussex's Jive Aces top 140 live-streamed daily concerts

Spokeswoman Grazia Clarkson said: “The UK’s number-one jive and swing band and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists have delivered their 140th consecutive live-streamed concert. And they are still going!

“They have featured special star guests, including Strictly’s Len Goodman, Officer Crabtree from ‘Allo ‘Allo and Kevin McNally from Pirates of the Caribbean – all making virtual appearances on the shows. Over 140 hours of music, banter and fun have included requests, competitions, comedy and a popular boogie-woogie challenge.

“Starting in mid-March, the band live-streamed their concerts on Facebook and YouTube from their rehearsal studio in East Grinstead, with people from all over the world tuning in and the viewers soon routinely topping 15,000 daily. During lockdown, the band were relocated in one household and continued performing from the Red Brick Studio.”

Ian Clarkson, lead singer of the Jive Aces, said: “When all our upcoming shows, including a US tour, had to be cancelled, many of our fans asked us to do a live stream – so we tried it out. Word spread, we continued, and the live audience grew daily, with hundreds of song requests, ideas and positive comments sent in. We realised that in these unprecedented times, this was how music fans could still follow their favourite bands, and we encouraged other musicians and performers to do the same.

“We are the artists – it’s our job to keep everyone else up! Hence the show’s motto, The Show Must Go On! We have played all over the country, particularly south east, near home, and we can’t wait to go back out on tour performing live and seeing our fans, but meantime this is a great way to stay in touch with everyone and entertain you all!”

Fans stream daily from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Canada, America, New Zealand and more.

Live audience participation became a key part of the shows. One couple created red T-shirts with the logo Jive Stream, The #Show Must Go On and sent them in to use as competition prizes. Another fan created a detailed Lego version of the Red Brick studio including the band and their instruments.

The show goes live every day at 8.30pm. Rock ’n’ Romance, Vivien Of Holloway vintage clothing reproductions and Big Finish (official Doctor Who audio books producers) are among those that have donated prizes to win on the show.

In a glowing career, The Jive Aces have received the prestigious Boisdale Music Award for Best Band presented by Jools Holland in London. The six-piece band have a collection of awards for their contribution to music and constant charity work, including one from the Variety Club of Great Britain for their efforts in drug prevention. They have also worked with many of the top names in the business, including Jamie Callum, Van Morrison, Status Quo to name a few. To watch the live stream simply go to Jive Aces Facebook page, or YouTube channel at 8.30pm UK time.

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