We are named after famous hobos, who according to our songs were thieves, killers, and even worse, fare dodgers. We ourselves are none of these things of course (okay, we've done a bit of fare-dodging when times were tough) but we liked the name, trains and hobo's. This band has been playing for about four years but we've all rubbed shoulders with one another in different line-ups over the years playing similar kinds of music, music with scraps and patches of country, blues, gospel and skiffle all stitched together to make something we called 'Hobo Blues'. Four, five or six of us will perform depending on the venue, but we are always a 'live' band. We even avoid fixing set arrangements for our songs which keeps us all fresh!

Ali and the Beachcombers was an idea Al came up with during 2 years travelling and writing these songs. The band formed in January 2009 and subsequently had their first gig in March. Ali, Tom and Amaya are all from Scarborough and have previously collaborated with each other in various bands including Railroad Hobos and Amaya and her Merry Men. They met Kevin earlier this year, having advertised for a bassist at Scarborough Uni, where Kevin, originally from Hartlepool, is currently studying.