THEY'RE a four piece band from Ilkeston who describe themselves as raw, romantic, rock 'n' roll.

Appearing on our on-line video showcased of the best of Nottingham's music talent, are guitarist and singer Alex Strongman and bassist Adam Crooks.

They tell me that their shared interest in New York Dolls, Jack Kerouac, Joy Division, Libertines, The Smiths, Jimi Hendrix, Charles Baudelaire, Andy Warhol, Rolling Stones, William Blake and The Kills is what makes them tight as a band.

But they don't share everything. With Alex at just 17, Adam had to leave him behind when he went to see the The Kills at the Rescue Rooms in November.

Alex also tells me about meeting Pete Doherty in a vintage shop when he was out shopping in Hockley.

ZOE KIRK presents This Is Live:

And you are?

Alex Strongman (vocals, rhythm guitar); Matt Beech (lead guitar); Adam Crooks (bass); Rob Brighton (drums).

History?

Alex and Adam spent the summer of 2006 at school in Ilkeston messing around with a few covers. Rob came in shortly after, having never played the drums in his life and Matt came in last March after we'd gone through a whole bunch of other guitarists who didn't quite fit the bill. We've been playing as a unit for about a 14 months.

What's with the band name?

It's a song by the New York Dolls called Jet Boy about a guy stealing someone's girlfriend. We don't intend on doing that, we just thought it sounded cool.

Describe your music and influences.

We usually call it raw, romantic, rock n roll. Our influences range from the Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, Johnny Thunders and The Beatles, to The Kills, The Strokes and Nirvana.

What are the day jobs?

Alex is studying A levels; Adam is working in Greggs in Ilkeston saving up to go travelling in the summer, Rob does work but seems to spend all his time checking our MySpace and ringing Alex and Matt is doing a BTEC in Horticulture - he even has a tractor license.

Claims to fame?

A shopping spree with Pete Doherty's manager. And my dad is good friends with Dale Winton.

Which other Notts bands do you rate?

Satnam's Tash. They're unique. We are also very big fans of Nephu Huzzband.

Next gig?

Thursday June 11 at the Salutation Inn around 7pm.

Music for sale?

We have an EP which we're giving away but it's all on the MySpace anyway. We're back in the studio soon doing three brand new tracks.

Web address?

www.myspace.com/thejetboys1

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