Just over six years ago three musicians sat around a table in Kings, ( formerly The Big Easy ) Puerto del Carmen to discuss how they could offer the Lanzarote music scene something different. Back then the bars were populated with Karaoke, Tribute Acts, Irish Bars and Guitar based Rock and there's nothing wrong with any of those options but being in their late forties those musicians could see a gaping hole in the musical market. As a direct result of those caffeine fuelled discussions Concrete Jungle ( that's us, Marc, Ernie and Gazza ) decided to make a brave decision and ditch many of the absolute staple diets of any Live Music Set songs in favour of Popular 80's Hits by bands literally nobody was attempting at that time. Out went Sweet Caroline, Delilah, Sweet Home Alabama, Whiskey In The Jar, Brown Eyed Girl, 500 Miles, Another Brick In The Wall etc, etc and in came Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Yazoo, OMD, Bowie, Cutting Crew, ELO, Phil Collins, Deacon Blue, Erasure, Wham! Tears For Fears, Paul Simon and Lionel Richie.

It worked or rather was working until Covid.

The Pandemic not only took away our livelihoods, it took away our home, The Big Easy. Covid wasn't the only reason but it was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak. We survived throughout thanks to internet streaming, asking for donations and increasing our regular Sunday online band gigs to a solo piano or guitar gig on a Wednesday. People were incredibly generous during that time and the band increased its online presence exponentially. Shortly after the island reopened fully we secured an afternoon residency which, in all honesty, could've been for us but never truly felt like 'home' and certainly not in the sense of a place where we could create an image to which we were suited. The 80's route clearly worked and was working, we just needed a suitable venue.

Any extra income generated from the Live Streams was reinvested in to the band ready for a potential suitor. We'd had some superb advice during those years, from silent stages to digital mixers and invaluable advice for keyboards, drums and guitar equipment all with a vision to have a great sound and reproduce those 80's classics as close to the original as any three piece could. Over the years there have been countless hours of research, practice and implementation which still continues to this day.

In February of 2023 we received a call from our old manager, Roberto. The Big Easy, which post pandemic became a Pizzeria ( one of a very popular chain here on the island ) was available again. He and his business parter Paul ( he's the guy who was stood downstairs to coax you all up those stairs! ) wanted us as the resident band and we very quickly came to an agreement with regards to gig length, money and how many days a week we would play. We also agreed that we could continue to offer ourselves out for Weddings, something which had been essential to us post Covid.

After a total refurbishment costing hundreds of thousands of Euros 'Kings' rose from the ashes of The Big Easy becoming a very successful establishment in Puerto del Carmen for those who love mainly 80's Pop but also a fun, friendly place where they can dance away until past midnight. As for us in Concrete Jungle, well... we have our home back and everyone is welcome. It matters not where you're from as long as you love the music, you love a few drinks and a bit of banter we will welcome you with open arms.

Salud! Gazza, Marc & Ernie xxx