THE Hairy Buskers describe themselves as a ‘musiedy’ (musical comedy) duo and promise ‘dressing up, audience participation and mayhem’ from their increasingly popular shows.

The Barrow twosome are Tony Grayless and Rick Currie - an acoustic act playing folk, country, soul and reggae, as well as their own compositions.

Since getting together nine months ago they have also become known for their comedy versions of established songs, including the immortal ‘Delilah’, by Tom Jones.

“We started out thinking we were going to be taken seriously,” said Tony, “but it’s all turned out rather cheesy because we’ve found it gets a good response from the crowd.”

Rick has been a regular face on the local music scene for more than 15 years, playing in Barrow band Dead Man’s Tequila, while Tony is getting back into the game after a 20-year break looking after family commitments.

They decided to join forces after jamming together at an acoustic night run by Tony, and can regularly be seen at real ale pubs and intimate venues around the Lakes.

They also have also penned several of their own tracks, described by Tony as ‘folk, rock and a bit of blues’ and say an EP ‘could be’ on the cards soon.