THEY have been through it all, from Beatlemania to boy bands, and they are still going.

Probably the North-East's oldest established rock band is still exciting audiences with its own brand of rhythm and blues.

Junco Partners formed in 1964 and took over from The Animals playing at Newcastle's famous Club A Go Go and Downbeat Club.

Boosted by the popularity they enjoyed, they turned professional and played the Star Club in Hamburg, where The Beatles cut their teeth.

The Juncos played alongside seminal rock names such as The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Rod Stewart on the British club and college circuit.

The band also had the honour of supporting blues legends Howling Wolf and Freddie King.

They made an album and single, but split in 1971.

The members went their own ways - guitarist Charlie Harcourt joined the second version of Lindisfarne following the original line-up's split in 1973 - but reformed in 1978.

An independently-produced single in 1980 attracted TV interest and a deal with Roxy Music's management, but the band failed to make any impact on the charts.

A spokesman for the band said: "Now returned to their R'n'B roots, they continue to receive fantastic support from a growing and enthusiastic audience playing only at a few well-selected gigs."

The band is fronted by singers John Anderson and Ronnie Barker and features guitarists Kenny Barker and Charlie Harcourt, saxophonist Neil Perry, drummer John Woods and bassist Dave Sproat.

The Juncos played Darlington's Rhythm and Brews Festival earlier this year and will be reunited with another of the festival's acts at their next gig in a couple of weeks.

They will be supported on Friday, January 12, at Newcastle's Live Theatre by Blue Shoulders, an up-and-coming trio of teenagers from Waldridge, near Chester-le-Street.

The youngsters, led by guitarist and singer Pete Shoulders, have won a big following over the past two years and opened the Stanley Blues Festival in the summer.

For ticket details call the box office on 0191-232 1232