The Sons of Guns deliver sun-kissed ‘70s Californian rock, uplifting Americana, and power-pop to a new generation, winning admiration wherever they go. The timeless songwriting, sweet five-way vocal harmonies, and impeccable multi-instrumentalist performances that the band infuse in tracks such as Hollywood, I Got It Right, and It’s Getting Better have won over some famous faces, including live collaborations with Rick Astley and Joss Stone, plus praise from Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes.

Before the band returns to the north for concerts, frontman David Zincke chatted about their experiences and learnt that they have famous neighbours in Nice, their adopted home city, as well as a Yorkshire man who doesn’t drink tea!


How did a Doncaster-born musician end up in a band in Nice? 

I was invited with my cousin’s band to come play in Wayne’s bar for a week. I loved it. 

You have played gigs on the French Riviera from St Tropez to Menton; which has been the most unusual one?

Coming from Sunny Donny, everything was pretty unusual the first time around, but I can’t think of anything specific that sticks out to me.

For anyone new to your music, how would you describe your sound?

I would describe our sound as a mix of blues, country and folk. With a definite touch recently of the Laurel Canyon sound. 

Does the good climate in the south of France influence your songwriting?

Yes!! In July and August it’s too hot to write anything! 

The main radio stations in France stick to playing pop, R&B and dance. Is it hard for a band that plays guitars to get exposure on radio there, be it local or national?

We haven’t really been approaching radio stations around France. I’m under no illusion that our music is mainstream. I do think there are willing ears out there for us.

You have some good musical neighbours living in Nice and beyond, such as Elton John and U2. Have you ever crossed paths with them?

Do you mean my neighbours, Elton, Bono, and Paul Chuckle from The Chuckle Brothers?  I do not like to name-drop, but since you asked – yes, we have a few times in the past. I've been invited to play on Bono's boat & in his house a couple of times. I also had a little jam with the Edge & Bono, who was telling us the story of how he wrote a song for Roy Orbison. He’s a great storyteller.  I’ve also played at Elton John’s house, & he also played a private solo gig for his guests. It’s amazing, really, and bizarre where playing music has taken me. I'm yet to meet Mr Chuckle!

The band have performed with Rick Astley and Joss Stone. What was it like?

It was random and brilliant. They’re both really ace! Mr Astley is a really funny guy & loves playing and is a great drummer too, & hearing Joss sing words I wrote was an unreal experience. 

The band are in Yorkshire for some concerts this month. What do you miss about Yorkshire?

I miss lots of things, mainly my mum, my dad & my family. I miss the kindness of people saying hello or ‘Y’arlite Duck’ as we pass in a park or street. I miss the sense of humour. The sky seems higher at home than it does anywhere else, and I miss pot noodles & the chippy!  

What do you prefer – a good French baguette from the local boulangerie or a good cup of Yorkshire tea?

I am one of the only EnglishmenI know that doesn't drink tea; now there is a headline! So baguette all day. 

The video for your single It’s Getting Better features a Dad Dancing competition. How did you come up with the idea?

I was doing the vocal take in the studio for it, & on playbackI found myself dad dancing, and it reminded me of how my uncle Steve dances. It made me laugh, so I thought it’d be fun to make a video of that. I thought it was absurd until I did my research, and I found that Dad dancing competitions actually exist! The world was a little brighter that day.

The band will perform at the following concerts in the north:
26th October: Huddersfield, Amped @ The Parish
27th October - Sheffield, The Greystones


https://thesonsofguns.com/