The Tigers quartet will be performing a unique set at the Mason and Brooke pub in Oadby on Tuesday, May 6, for which there are only 80 tickets available for the general public. The gig kicks off at 7pm and is expected to finish at approximately 9.30.
Tickets for the event, which will also feature special guest appearances from Martin Corry, Aaron Mauger and George Chuter, can be purchased from Matt’s official website at www.matthampson.co.uk
England centre Hipkiss is the lead singer of the foursome, previously known as Slo Progress but now simply going by the name of The Progress instead. The 25-year-old, who will be belting out a variety of tunes from bands as diverse as Credence Clear Water Revival and Oasis, explains the reason behind the subtle change of identity:
“We’ve decided to change the name of the band to The Progress for two reasons,” says Hipkiss. “The first is that bands that begin with ‘The’ are in, and the second is that our progress isn’t so slow any more, or so we’d like to think!”
As well as a name change, Hipkiss and his team-mates are more than ready for an image makeover, with the 1980s apparently the order of the day.
“We’re going all out to be ‘80s rock stars. I’m thinking about pulling out some tight stonewash jeans and a Miami Vice-esque white jacket with the sleeves rolled up. We’ve been rehearsing hard at some pretty special venues including Sapcote Working Men’s Club, Enderby Youth Club and the back of Gary Sherrard’s car on the way home from London Irish. We’re all perfectionists so we pretty much use every opportunity we have to practice. I think we probably need it!”
As for any pre-performance nerves, the World Cup finalist is determined to convince himself that things will be more than just alright on the night, even if his sense of humour might be hiding a sense of slight apprehension.
“We’re born entertainers,” Hipkiss says jokingly. “I feel at ease on stage. In another life, I was probably a roadie for Elvis. I was born to rock!”
