Rock band Kornastone head back to Telford venue this August

West Midlands band Kornastone will make a welcome return to The Firefly in Oakengates, bringing a refreshed line-up and new material when they perform on August 1.

The songwriting duo behind the band, Dave Lawrence and Jamie Davey, will be joined by new members Rick and Sharon Benton, with support on the night from Rachel Mainstone.

Music fans may recognise Rick Benton’s name as the keyboard player with Birmingham melodic hard rock band Magnum, which formed in 1972. Rick has toured extensively across Europe and the USA, performing with a variety of artists including The Eagles, Status Quo, John Mayer and Paul Young.

Crowd at Kornastine gig, The Wakes, Telford | ©Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead

placeholder image — Crowd at Kornastine gig, The Wakes, Telford | ©Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead

Kornastone’s music blends a range of genres with original songs shaped by decades of songwriting, friendship and collaboration.

Dave and Jamie’s musical partnership began in the late 1970s when they started writing and performing together, sharing stages with established artists including Raymond Froggatt. Jamie also built a close friendship with acclaimed songwriter Clifford T. Ward, performing numerous shows with him and collaborating on songs, while Dave continued to develop his own songwriting and gained recognition through several awards.

The band was formed in 2018 when the duo teamed up with fellow Wolverhampton musicians Stuart Ward, Martin Ratcliffe and Keith Allen, formerly of 1970s punk band The Neon Hearts. Their debut album, Oh My Days, was released later that year and featured Slade’s Jim Lea playing violin on the title track.

Jamie Davey, who is also a renowned guitar builder associated with artists including Robert Plant, Status Quo, Robert Fripp, The Charlatans and Albert Lee, said the band was looking forward to returning to The Firefly.

Kornastone At The Wakes, Telford | ©Pale Fire Music & Left for Dad

“Grassroots venues such as the Firefly are where bands start their careers, such venues need to be supported,” he said.

Kornastone are currently back in the studio recording their new album, Breathe, featuring fresh songs and a renewed passion for creating and performing original music.

Tickets for the show are available through Skiddle and Ticket Telford, priced at £5 plus booking fee in advance. Tickets on the night will cost £6 plus booking fee, subject to availability. Doors open at 7.30pm.