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Hope Street in Hanley’s city centre is like it's own music shop village - being home to three independent stores which are helping out Staffordshire’s local bands to hit the big time.

My mission was to find out more about their instrument havens. I kept it to three precise questions, so they wouldn’t get annoyed and chuck me out, in front of the queuing traffic!

3 main stores

Kays Music Shop was the first, where they sell everything from multi coloured guitar picks and harmonicas to pastel pink ukuleles! En route, Route 66 was next with enticing neon lights and flash guitars lining the walls.

Last, but not least, I crossed over the road (almost being run over by a motorbike) to visit The Rhythm House. It’s former name was R'n'B Music for 25 years but in the hands of it’s new owner,�� it’s name changed to The Rhythm House in 2001.

Question 1: What can you do for local bands?

RICH STUBBS from KAYS: “We do instrument sales, repairs, part exchange and discounts for repeat customers. We also do instore promotion – for both bands and venues.

Another example of our service is that bands can take two instruments to a local venue like The Sugarmill, if they aren’t sure which one is needed. We will then go and pick up the instrument which isn’t needed and take payment for the purchased one, before the gig.This just helps the band’s gig to run smoother.”

Don Clayton from Route 66

DON CLAYTON from ROUTE 66: “We undergo repairs to guitars, amps and customise them if needs be. The customising can be anything from changing hardware to general re-finishing it.”

CARL FINNEY from RHYTHM HOUSE: “We promote bands and venues by displaying gig lists; E.P releases leaflets, anything music related really. The store also hires out instruments and amps, PA’s and lighting for local gigs.”

Question 2: What local bands or famous bands have you, as a shop, worked with? And have you, yourself worked with any famous bands?

KAYS: “Loads of local bands come in. Sworn To Oath; Extreme O.D; Hollywood Tease; The Skimps; Black Road Home; Demon; Headrush; Already Gone. Most of the local bands really." (see photo at the top of the article!)

Rich also revealed that in the past he was a roadie for Saxon, Pat Travers, No Sweat, Wolfhate, Dirty White Boy and Gary Newman.

Rich Stubbs from Kays music shop

ROUTE 66: “Local bands are always coming and going. In the past we have supplied guitars and instruments to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull.”

RHYTHM HOUSE: “Oh there’s just too many local bands to list.” Neil, the shop owner belongs to the local band Demon, who’ve done a lot of touring around Europe. “Kelly Clarkson and Reuben are a few of the big artists that have also shopped here.”

Question 3: Which local band, in your lifetime has been your favourite?

KAYS: “Sworn To Oath. I’ve got to say that ‘cus Daves here.” Dave who also works in Kays with Rich, is guitarist for local metal band, Sworn To Oath.

ROUTE 66: “In the 60’s it would have to be The Maurauders, a bit of 60’s pop. One member actually came into the shop the other day. The 70’s would be folk rock group, Cyrildagworth Band, who David Partner belonged too, his later hit was‘ Isn’t she lovely’.

Carl Finney from the Rhythm House

Finally in the 80’s, Any Trouble, who were of the indie/punk genre. Oh and I’ve also got to mention Discharge. This local band had songs covered by Metallica.”

RHYTHM HOUSE: “Demon. Obviously! And probably the late 70’s Climax Blues Band.”

For directions (if you’re like me and you've lived in Stoke-On-Trent all your life, but still don’t know how to get to anything) visit the stores’ web-sites, which are located on the top right hand side of this page.

So if you’re one of the local music makers and a guitar string snaps or you just fancy a new tambourine, it looks like Hope Street is the place to go.