Dennis Greaves

Nine Below Zero
Nine Below Zero 2017
Background information
Origin	South London, England
Genres	Pub rock, R&B, blues rock, new wave, power pop
Years active	1977–1983, 1990–present
Labels	Pangea Recordings, I.R.S. Records, M&L Records, A&M
Associated acts	Rory Gallagher, The Blow Monkeys, The Truth
Website	ninebelowzero.com
Members	Dennis Greaves Mickey Burkey Mark Feltham Ben Willis Charlie Austen Andrew Noble Chris Rand Paul Jordanous
Past members	Kenny Bradley Peter Clark Brian Bethell Alan Glen Gerry McAvoy Billy Boy Miskimmin Brendan O`Neill

Nine Below Zero are an English blues band, who have a cult following throughout Europe, and were most popular during the period 1980–1982.

The band was originally formed in South London in 1977, by guitarist and lead vocalist Dennis Greaves. Taking bassist Peter Clark with him, they recruited Kenny Bradley on drums, and vocalist and harmonica player Mark Feltham. They originally called themselves 'Stan's Blues Band', and for two years built up a local following in London clubs.

In 1979, while playing at The Thomas A'Beckett pub in the Old Kent Road they accepted an offer from former musician Mickey Modern to manage them, and it was he who persuaded them to change the band's name to something sharper. Greaves chose Nine Below Zero after the Sonny Boy Williamson II penned song. At that time Modern was a musician signed to A&M Records; after producing the band's demos he persuaded A&M to give him a record label with which to launch this band's career. Modern named the label M&L Records.

Under Modern's creative direction and production, the band went full-time, and in 1980 released their first album, Live At The Marquee, which was recorded on 16 June 1980. Bradley on drums was replaced by Stix Burkey. By the end of that year they were one of the most popular club attractions in London, pulling in audiences from other genres, particularly the new wave of British heavy metal, attracted by their high-energy fast tempo sound. They headlined at the Hammersmith Odeon and featured respected bluesman Alexis Korner, a long-time champion of new electric blues talent.