The UK's top ska tribute band

The Refinements are a two tone ska tribute band, with members in London and the Midlands. Brainchild of keyboard player Chris and drummer Rich, an idea was formed - a ska tribute band that both looked the part and sounded the part. Too many cover bands were poor imitations of the real thing. This one would be different.

Living in Coventry in the late 90’s, Chris became aware of the creeping power of ska music and its continuing relevance to the world today. A move to London in 2001 cemented his love of Madness' three-minute tributes to life in the Big Smoke. Meanwhile, Rich had lived ska the first time round, witnessing the now legendary "two tone tour" as it reached the capital. The seeds had been sown. This would be a covers band with the passion of an originals band, driven by a genuine love of the music.

The band came together in 2008 through a series of musician's wanted ads, phone calls, auditions and general networking. Chris and Rich were confident that they had created the most authentic two tone ska experience available. The band consists of six experienced musicians, each of whom have played in numerous bands and orchestras previously, and with a huge amount of live music experience.

We know exactly what it takes to make a great live performance - energy, enthusiasm and a passion for getting the crowd involved.

We have since played venues across the UK including pubs, clubs, wedding venues, birthday parties, festivals, army gigs and more.

Alan - Vocals

Lead singer "Dangerman" Alan is a livewire on stage and a true entertainer. Hailing from the Midlands, this man has lived 2 tone and knows his stuff.

Anthony - Bass

With 15 years experience, Ant’s first taste of playing live was in forming a reggae band with two brothers, after being inspired by the music of Bob Marley. Influences include Jaco Pastorius of Weather Report.

Chris - Keys

Chris remembers seeing Madness in the charts as he was growing up, and has always loved first wave reggae and ska. Classically trained on the clarinet, his influences include Elliott Smith, Blur and Bowie.

Paco - Sax

With over 20 years experience on the sax, Paco has played various styles of music at events across Europe, including Glastonbury.

Rich - Drums

A self taught drummer and child of the 70's, Rich's main influence is the legendary John Bonham. Rich formed his first band at 13 and started attending gigs at 14. He remembers seeing the original 2-tone tour at the Lyceum Ballroom in the Strand, London in 1979.

Sean - Guitar

Guitarist Sean escaped from Broadmoor in 1976 and remains a fugitive from justice. He was mentored in guitar by Jack "The Hat" McVitie, inventor of the Jaffa Cake. His key influences are MC Hammer, S Club 7 and The Village People. Not all of this is true.