Not that Dick Taylor likes the old media tag these days but the original “bad boys of Rock ‘n Roll” are set to play Ventnor in January in aid of St Catherine’s Charity. Yes, they’re back and kicking with R ‘n B, psychedelia, pure acoustic blues and a mix of all their most recognisable numbers - every bit as good as the reputation that precedes them, if not better with age!

Featuring the hoarse vocals of Phil May, delivered with more energy and power than Mick Jagger alongside the stinging leads of “rock-royalty” guitarist Dick Taylor (who actually played in early versions of the Rolling Stones with Jagger and Keith Richards), the Pretties recorded a clutch of raunchy R&B rockers in the mid-'60s that offer a punkier, rawer version of the early Stones sound. Remember their first two albums? As well as a brace of fine major and minor British hits (of which "Don't Bring Me Down" and "Honey I Need" were the biggest), it featured first-rate original material and covers and remains the group's most exciting and influential of recordings.

The Pretty Things went through the 60’s and 70’s via their psychedelia phase, creation of the rock opera “S.F. Sorrow “ in 1967 that influenced Pete Townsend’s now renowned “Tommy” the following year, changes of line up, the punk era, the 1970’s progressive and hard rock phase without Taylor and reunited along the timeline for various gigs in their original RnB vein. Then in 1999 they reformed and created “Rage…Before Beauty”, followed eight years later with “Balboa Island”.

Now they are here on stage at Ventnor’s Winter Gardens - two young ‘Pretties’ in the line up – George Perez on Bass & Jack Greenwood on Drums - with three total originals still going strong – founders Phil May and Dick Taylor, plus Frank Holland also on guitar, who has been with them for over 20 years.

The Pretty Things are playing the January gig for free, in order to raise funds for St Catherine’s School’s charity – a charity that Dick Taylor supports and holds dear. Joining them for the night’s entertainment are Dick’s young trio The Malchicks, local favourites Amen Boogie Blues Band and Ventnorian DJ Kaf-Tan. The night starts at 7.30pm as The Malchicks rev things up ready for Amen Boogie who get the sweat up ready for The Pretty Things to pump up the volume at 10pm for a 90 minute straight set. Ending the night until 1am and keeping the pace going in the gaps is DJ Kaf-Tan on 60’s and 70’s vinyls.

Quite a mix for all tastes and ages to shake off the post-Christmas blues and a rare opportunity to see the real line up of The Pretty Things here in Ventnor. After this, they are off on tour of Japan and then the USA.