THEY'VE been together for 20 years and have performed more than 3,700 gigs.

Not bad for a band without the backing of a major record label - and with a seriously dodgy name.

The Hamsters chose their name in homage to the Sex Pistols, who used the ironic pseudonym to fool councils that a gentler act had come to town.

Since then The Hamsters have become one of Britain's best live R n' B bands.

Their set is a virtuoso mix of their own material and the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top, played with so much energy that they were voted the UK's best blues-rock band by the readers of Blueprint magazine.

They have played as support for Status Quo and band members have performed with Eric Clapton, Alison Moyet and Doctor Feelgood.

Slim plays guitar with blinding confidence and skill; Rev Otis holds together a fantastic, tight rhythm section with Zsa Zsa on bass; and together they play blistering blues-rock that's hard to beat.

The Hamsters will be playing at the Subscription Rooms, in Stroud, on Friday, November 9, at 8pm with Stroud favourites Lookin' Back as support.

Tickets cost £14 (students/OAPs £12.50) and there is a special offer of two for £25/ two concs £22. All tickets are available from the box office.

The gig is timed to coincide with what would have been Jimi Hendrix's 60th birthday.