On the Road with The Gerry Jablonski Band
The band are back out on tour, with a home gig at The Blue Lamp on the horizon.
The Gerry Jablonski Band have charged into 2025 with new momentum and a new voice. Well-known across Aberdeen’s music scene, powerhouse vocalist and former Royal Marine Commando Nicky Aiken has officially joined the band as frontman.
He joins guitarist and founder Gerry Jablonski, harmonica player Peter Narojczyk, drummer Lewis Fraser, and bassist Grigor Leslie. This line-up blends raw blues energy with deep-rooted chemistry built over years of touring.
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What began with a ten-minute rehearsal and a spontaneous guest appearance at their Aberdeen show last September quickly grew into a full-time collaboration. Since then, the band has been touring across the UK and Europe, recording new material, and building towards the release of a new album later this year.
Fresh from shows at the iconic 100 Club in London and Temperance in Leamington Spa, the band will return to Aberdeen for their first hometown gig with the new line-up at The Blue Lamp on 9 May.
Known for their explosive live shows and blues-driven rock sound, the Gerry Jablonski Band is now sharpening its edge with Aiken’s dynamic vocals and a renewed sense of momentum. We caught up with them while they were on the road, answering questions from the van on the way to London, reflecting on chemistry, change and what comes next.
A New Voice, A New Chapter
Bringing someone new into a long-established band is never straightforward, but this one clicked fast. “We have known Nicky for years and we knew we would get on,” they said. “To be honest, there are not many people with the right credentials to join. We wanted a voice that could deliver a strong performance on the recordings, and Nicky fits.”
For Nicky, the decision to join came quickly. “When I got the call to join them on stage I thought it was cool. I was only expecting to join for a couple of tracks. Then they got me on stage in Newcastle and asked me to join properly. I said yes immediately.”
With Nicky stepping in, the band knew their sound would shift. “We expected the sound to change and that is a good thing. Gerry is already writing to suit Nicky’s voice.”
Finding the Rhythm and the Right Balance
Kicking off with a full tour schedule, the band had no time to ease into things. “The gigs were the rehearsals,” they explained. “We had such a busy schedule towards the end of last year that we did not have much in the way of formal rehearsals. Now that we are working on new material, everyone contributes ideas and it really works.”
Nicky had to adapt fast. “I have been writing and recording my own music for a few years, so working with others felt odd at first. The guys were so tight that it made it almost stress-free and fun. I had to learn from their recordings and then pick up how they play live.”
On stage, he’s found his own balance. “It is better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. After shows, I would ask what worked and what did not. Knowing when to step back is key. Letting the guys shine lifts the whole show.”
New material is already well underway. “We have already started recording the new album. Half of it is done. The new material is different from the last album, it has big dynamics, more harmonies, and still the big guitars and harp sound.”
The Blue Lamp and a New Chapter
There’s something fitting about the band returning to The Blue Lamp, where it all began. “It is where the band played its first gig all those years ago. It feels right that we are starting again with a new singer there.”
With a hometown crowd and a full set of new songs, it feels like a fresh page. “It feels like a new chapter, with a full headline show and new material. There is definitely some added excitement.”
For Nicky, the chemistry has been easy. “I have known them all for years. I was even in a band with Lewis back in the Temple Sons days. I was a bit nervous about going on the road and I have got the worst seat in the van, but it’s been great. The dynamic works and I am loving bringing ideas to the band.”
The band is open about what lies ahead. “Let’s see where the music takes us.”
Life on the Road
Life in the van has its ups and downs, but it is part of what keeps the band grounded. “Life on the road is when it all comes together, focusing and living in the moment. That is where the ideas come from and what keeps it going.”
The soundtrack to the journey is always changing. “Everyone has a wide taste in music, so it can vary a lot. There is always chat about old shows in Europe and the long drives to catch ferries.”
Friendship and chemistry have always been the heart of the band. “It is everything. It is like a family. It takes full commitment.”
Beyond the music, mutual respect has kept them strong. “The van. Jokes aside, a huge respect for each other and a shared passion for playing and enjoying the music has kept us strong.”
And what keeps spirits high on those long drives? “Whiskey, music and bad company on repeat.”
The Gerry Jablonski Band’s story feels like it is only just getting started again. With a fresh voice, new material, and the same driving spirit, their next chapter is shaping up to be just as bold, loud and full of heart. Tickets are available now for their show at The Blue Lamp on 9th May.
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