THE ROCK OF TRAVOLTA are set to headline a special gig at the Zodiac on Saturday the 17th of November to celebrate one of the most successful and creative years in Oxford’s musical history. The gig has been organised by Nightshift in recognition of the number of exciting new local bands that have emerged in the past few months. Joining The Rock Of Travolta - who were heralded as the best new band in Oxford by Nightshift back in January - will be Eeebleee (pictured), Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia and Six Ray Sun.

After the excitement of Radio 1 Sound City in 1997 many of Oxford’s best bands, amongst them local favourites like The Candyskins, Beaker, Unbelievable Truth and The Egg, have split and some local fans believed the local scene would struggle to regain its glory years. 2001 has proved them wrong. In the wake of Radiohead’s incredible global success and musical experimentation have come a new wave of great new bands. This year has been remarkable for local music fans, from Radiohead’s homecoming gig in South Park in front of 45,000 people, to the success of labels like Truck and Shifty Disco, as well as regular events like Truck Festival and the Oxford Punt. Each of these separate elements has enabled the best new bands to emerge within a supportive infrastructure.

Only a year on from their inception The Rock of Travolta have earned themselves a publishing deal with Rough Trade as well as an American record deal. Although signed to Truck Records subsidiary Juggernaut, they have become one of the hottest properties for major labels and favourites with both Steve Lamacq and John Peel on Radio 1. Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia too have been enjoying Radio 1 patronage for their emotional brand of art-rock while both Eeebleee and Six Ray Sun have followed debut Shifty Disco releases with sessions for Xfm.

November’s gig will be the first time all four bands have appeared together in one night, although they have all been appearing with each other around the country in recent months. The gig will provide new comers to Oxford with an opportunity to see just how strong the local music scene is and regular gig-goers a chance to celebrate its latest renaissance.

Tickets for the Zodiac gig are available now from the venue box office (01865 420042) or online from www.the-zodiac.co.uk, or from oxfordmusic.net.

º The Rock Of Travolta
º Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia..
º Six Ray Sun
º Eeebleee