A CHANCE encounter on a social networking site has catapulted one North Devon band on a tour of Germany.

Having wowed crowds at the Red Stripe Music Awards in Exeter recently, punk-rock outfit Severe Zero are now busy preparing for a German tour. It came about after a fan got in contact with them on Facebook and arranged a series of gigs for them.

"It all came about when we received a message on the social networking site, Facebook, from a guy in Germany who liked the band and asked if we would ever consider touring there," said lead singer and guitarist, Luke Bond. "A few days later he contacted us again saying he knew a booking agent, and if we were interested he could help organise a small tour. It's kind of developed from there. Germany has such a vibrant music scene out there and we're really happy that we're going be a part of it."

In the meantime, Luke has been working hard to brush up on his German:

"I hate it when English people go abroad with all the arrogance of expecting the natives to just speak English....grrr! Is it any wonder our tourists aren't much liked? I wish I'd worked harder in German class at school but I'm getting there. I did ring a radio station over there the other day and spoke to them in German and was understood, so that was encouraging."

Bassist and singer, Joe Brewer, who only recently joined the band, is keen to get going as well:

"Having got the Red Stripe Music Award under my belt, which was a fantastic night but slightly nerve wracking as it was effectively my first public gig with Severe Zero, I'm looking forward to taking the band to the next level through this tour and those to come."

Drummer, Frank Rawle, also thinks Germany is going to be a great experience:

"If all goes well, we plan to go out there again later in the year. We're really gelling with the new line up now and Germany is just going to cement our playing further. We're going to organise a gig in Barnstaple for when we get back, so don't miss it."

The band have gig dates in Hamburg and Berlin, among other cities.