Rock band bad-ego will be strangely familiar to many readers - most of these musicians, about to release their debut album, can usually be found busking in Southend High Street.

Bad-ego - Luke Mitchell, Nick Farmer, Neil Joseph, James Goulding and Adam Smith Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Lead guitarist James Goulding, 22, of Rochford, singer Nick Farmer, 20, rhythm guitarist Luke Mitchell, 19, of Westcliff, and bass player Neil Joseph, 28, of Southend, play and sing under the railway bridge most days of the week.

Together with drummer Adam Smith, 22, from Rochford, who doesn't usually busk with them, they may be set for a new stage. They are recording ten songs for their self-titled debut album.

Neil said: "We have a big local following and people recognise us through our busking." They plan to release the album on November 26.

It will be available through their website www.badego.co.uk or internet music distribution sites CD WOW and CD Baby.

Published Tuesday July 20, 2004

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