Screw Loose: The Poole Covers Band Bringing Decades of Dancefloor Gold

They’ve got 222 years of life experience between them, but don’t let that fool you—Screw Loose are anything but past it. This four-piece Poole covers band are masters of musical mayhem, blending decades of classics with just the right amount of chaos, charm, and crowd-pleasing energy.

If you’ve never danced (or accidentally spilled your pint) to one of their live sets, it’s time you caught up.

🎸 Meet Screw Loose – Poole Covers Band Born from Friendship, Family and… 20p Busking?

Screw Loose Poole covers band are all about live energy, nostalgic bangers, and a proper good time—from wedding dance floors to Dorset’s quirkiest venues.

Made up of Chris on guitar, John on bass, Maddison on vocals, and Joff on drums—four musicians with enough shared gig mileage to warrant their own documentary.

Chris and Joff go way back—think kids-in-the-same-class back. Maddison? She was lurking (in the nicest way) long before becoming the band’s powerhouse frontwoman and Joff’s now-wife. And John? He was “found busking with 20p in his case,” according to Joff. “We took pity and invited him in.” The rest is raucous, riff-fuelled history.

And John? He was “found busking with 20p in his case,” according to Joff with a smile and a wink! (The real story is dull!) “We took pity and invited hi

🎤 Soundtrack to Seven Decades of Good Times

What do you get when you blend ELO, Fleetwood Mac, and a very ambitious version of Mr Blue Sky? Something that sounds suspiciously like Screw Loose. Their setlist stretches from the 1950s to the 2010s, but with a soft spot for the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The goal? Get the crowd singing, dancing, and shouting “I love this one!” at least once every three songs.

“We’re a four-piece,” says Joff, “so we get creative. John’s playing bass and rhythm guitar half the time. It’s chaos, but it works.” Add in some top-tier gear, a proper ear for sound quality, and a refusal to play it safe, and you’ve got a live experience that hits hard—without the tinnitus.

🎶 Dorset’s Music Scene? “Brilliant!”

Based in Poole, Screw Loose are big fans of the Dorset live music scene, especially in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole triangle. They average about 25 gigs a year—enough to keep things fresh without burning out.

From their debut gig at the Barking Cat Alehouse to HornsFest, Big Bike Bash, and weddings that get just a little wild, the band has built a loyal following across the region. “We’re not a ‘same-every-week’ kind of band. We keep it exciting—for us and for the crowd,” says Joff.

🎉 Favourite Gigs and Unexpected Moments

There’s no shortage of memorable Screw Loose moments. Like the time a bride sang her own version of Sunny Afternoon to her guests. Or the time the band organised a surprise flash mob with local choir Bittersweet Harmony. Or the time three of them started the same song—in three different keys.

Or the time three of them started a song - it was just three different songs!

Live music, right?

“We’ve had people fall over mid-dance, hand us shots mid-song (mostly declined), and give us feedback mid-wee. Nothing surprises us anymore.”

❤️ Songs That Hit the Sweet Spot

Every band has their crowd-favourites, but Screw Loose hold The Chain by Fleetwood Mac especially dear. Their reworked version gets hairs standing on end—especially during those final riffs.

“Some songs just connect,” says Joff. “When someone tells you a tune brought back a memory—or made their night—well, that’s everything.”

🚀 What’s Next for Screw Loose?

Plenty. The band’s calendar is already booking into 2026, with Halloween and New Year’s Eve set to be big ones. They’re also working on a new collaboration with a local musical group—details are hush-hush for now, but keep your eyes peeled.

Meanwhile, their Music Memories series on Facebook continues to grow, featuring guests like MPs, mayors, Paralympic athletes—and even a former Gladiators contender.

And for those who want to dive into their sound? Head to Screw Loose on YouTube and take a journey through seven decades of covers, captured with heart and humour.

📣 Support Your Local Scene

Screw Loose aren’t just a band—they’re champions of the local scene, and proud to be part of the Dorset music community.

Want more stories like this? More bands, more chaos, more reasons to leave the house on a Saturday night?

👉 Head to Entertainment Dorset for interviews, gig guides, and the best local talent the county has to offer.

Because without live music… we’d all be stuck in Wetherspoons.