Eighties indie band, the Chesterfields, make their Isle of Wight debut later this month when they play a special free show at Ryde’s Blacksheep Bar Club Lounge in Union Street on Saturday, September 17.

The band includes Island guitarist and singer, Andy Strickland, who first came to prominence in Island new wave band The Confusers and later played in national band The Loft.

The Chesterfields launch their new album, New Modern Homes and latest UK tour with the Ryde show.

Having scored a string of hits on the UK indie charts, toured Europe and Japan and headlined shows in recent years in New York, the band was due to play this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, before Covid struck.

“We were gutted when two of us tested positive just days before we were due to come and play,” says Andy.

“Then three weeks later, with a festival slot in Somerset two weeks away, our drummer, Rob, was knocked off his bike and broke his arm.”

The Chesterfields did, however, manage to release two new single, Our Songbird Has Gone and Mr Wilson Goes To Norway/Year On The Turn.

“We’ve been thrilled that radio has picked up the singles and we’ve had great feedback from fans all over the world who’ve seen the videos and are eager to hear more,” said Andy.

“Our new album is out on September 23 and we’ve recently been holed up in Seaview rehearsing for the tour.

"I was really keen to play our first show of the year over here. It just feels right, so we’ve made it free to get in.”

The Ryde gig also features local bands, The Geckos and The George Street Kids, with an indie DJ and ‘pop up’ record shop completing the line-up.

Andy said: “I’ve told the band that Islanders love their live music, so I’m hoping for lots of friendly faces on the night in Ryde.”

New Modern Homes is released on the Mr Mellow’s Music label on vinyl, CD and all digital formats and will also be available from AAA Records in Scarrots Lane, Newport.

The band tours the UK in September and October — check social media channels for the latest updates.