Third Degree

In the early 1980s guitarist John Holmes founded Third Degree, but other musical commitments, and the lead singer emigrating to New Zealand(!) resulted in the name going into abeyance when the band ABB (originally The Average Blues Band) came into being in 1987.

Over 37 years ABB released 5 albums, and garnered plenty of radio plays (including 3 BBC sessions) but the retirement of some band members led to the reformation of Third Degree in early 2025.

Apart from John, the band features award winning harmonica player Hugh Budden, veteran keyboard player John Ackroyd, former Paul Weller bassist Paul Francis, and drummer Brian Heeley, who has an extensive track record of professional percussion work over 6 decades.

The band play a combination of blues, R&B, mixed with jump, jive and boogie – and some soulful songs!