Bellissima are Richard (guitar) and Belle Erskine (vocals)

Currently storming their way around London’s best and most exclusive live music venues, they continue to astound audiences with their passionate, fresh and intense sound with each and every performance.

The combination of Richard’s innovative guitar style and Belle’s exceptional vocals is a unique one amongst the contemporary live music scene. You will not experience another acoustic duo this impressive.

A typical response to a Bellissima performance is one of screaming, dancing, stamping, clapping and all round heightened excitement and exhileration. Followed by CD sales (£10 per CD) in abundance and audience members overflowing with compliments…the most common phrases being, “ why are you not HUGE!!” and “ you are incredible!!”

Bellissima began performing at Soho’s exclusive Kabaret club. Christopher Peyton - the promoter at the time - was so impressed with them after hearing them perform only two songs, that he asked them to come back and play every week.
They proceeded to headline every Monday night, alongside other acts including Gem and Nizlopi. Week after week, famous actors/models and other UK acts and bands would flock to see them. In a press interview, Christopher Peyton described them as “..resident geniuses who take your spirit in the palm of their gifted hands and lift it up out of the daily grey in a single, benevolent act of acoustic salvation..”
Christopher Peyton (founder of Monday nights at Kabaret, Woodies and Boujis)

“Playing live is really the most important thing for us, as you get the immediate feedback and support from the crowd.’ The public let us know how much they love what we do….it’s an unbelievable feeling and makes us very happy!!
Music is for people …and we are reaching people on a regular basis, therefore we continue…always’

Bellissima have been featured on BBC radio London live and are firm favourites with DJs Gary Crowly and Sadie Nine.

“I can quite honestly say I cannot remember the last time a band of this quality and talent walked into a BBC radio London studio. I have had all the top artists in here recently and you guys are better than all of them…and you can quote me on that!!!”
Sadie Nine (BBC Radio London)

 

Bellissima have had many original songs featured on compilation albums alongside world class artists and bands such as, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Jarreau, Blue oyster cult, The Supremes, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Faithless, Oleta Adams, Tears for fears, Roberta Flack, Reef, Wheatus, Republica, Toploader, The wonder stuff, Kenny Rogers,The Gap band, Aswad, Mungo Jerry Paul Young, Bonnie Tyler, Santana, Meat Loaf, John Lee Hooker, Sam & Dave, and Groove Armada.

They supported Jamiroquai at last Summers Clapham festival, London and also played for Elton John’s Aids foundation Ball 2005 at the famous and star studded Kensington Roof Gardens.

Most recently, Bellissima have been performing at Rock and Roll Kabaret, the hottest and most outrageous live music event in London.

Having been asked to play at each event, Bellissima continue to amaze and shock the crowd with their performances.
Sasha Selavie from QX magazine reviewed the last performance….

“ Bellissima, a husband and wife duo, Belle’s a tiny blonde and Richard’s a self –effacing guitarist. That, however is where the confusion ends! One second in, Madame’s exposed as a shockingly strong, a diaphragm-driven Joplin ablaze with raw-snatch raunchiness!
It’s an instant reaffirmation of the blood, guts and sheer spunk of rock and two minutes in, I’m speechless; it’s like being serenaded by Patti Smith in a glorious S&M session!”