Matt Ayres meets a group of Oxfordshire lads with a love of killer rock covers

If you’ve ever been to a party with the atmosphere of a hospital waiting room, you’ll know that there are some situations that only one type of music can really remedy: hearty, impassioned, classic rock.

The kind that turns grumpy old men into the swaggering, knee-sliding superstars of yesteryear. The kind that gets reluctant teenagers tapping their feet, while their younger siblings discover the timeless joy of air guitar for the first time. The kind that Oxford’s premier covers band, The Rock Doctors, have been injecting into rock ‘n’ roll deprived rooms since 2009.

“Rock Doctors’ live performances are a journey,” lead vocalist and bassist Richard Marshall proclaims. “We take you through several decades of great rock tunes, going from the ‘60s with The Band’s The Weight through the ‘70s with bands like Free, Black Sabbath and Fleetwood Mac, and forward to the 80s with songs like Iron Maiden’s The Trooper and Rush’s The Spirit of Radio.

“We love playing live and always give our performances maximum energy, awash with guitar solos, big choruses and all the riffs and harmonies you know and love. “At an average gig you will find lead guitar duels, blistering drum solos and a towering band sound. We are always thrilled to be on stage with each other and enjoy every gig as a new opportunity to bring music to people.”

Such high-octane music often takes virtuoso talent to pull off. Fittingly, the Rock Doctors have it in spades. The older members of the band have played through decades of classic rock music, while 24-year-old Richard makes up for his comparative lack of experience with his natural skills as a frontman – he’s also known around these parts for playing with prog-rock prodigies Unknown Flow and tech-metal shredders Prospekt.

They’ve certainly earned their licences as verified classic rock practitioners.

So where can Guide readers find the Docs for their recommended dose of musical nostalgia? “We are playing at Eynsham Social Club on November 2, as well as The Black Horse in Kidlington on December 13 and The Bell in Wantage on December 29,” promises Richard. “If you want your local pub to book us then tell them to get in touch.”

Find the Rock Doctors on Facebook at facebook.com/rockdoctorsoxford