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A huge thanks to everybody who e-mails feedback
It's really encouraging to hear your comments about your appreciation of Andy's music, recollections of gigs and the people he has performed alongside.
e-mail AndyRobertsMusic at GUESTBOOK

Elisa M. Golden
Dear Mr. Roberts, Our theatre in Greenville, South Carolina is staging Caryl Churchill’s play, CLOUD NINE in May. As resident dramaturg, I am looking for the music for the songs mentioned in this work. I understand that you worked on the music for the production with Ms. Churchill. We need the melody for the songs. Could you please contact me about the music for this play. I appreciate any assistance you may provide. Sincerely
Christine Boulton
Hi. Have just bought The Great Stampede CD – sounds as good as it did when I first bought it on vinyl so long ago. Great.
Joan Ludlam
A friend of mine who I work with claims she was on the RCA album. Shes the tall blondfe on the back cover with a sheepskin and shades. She was then Hilare but is now Chloe Bissell....anyone out there remember her, it would be such a treat. Cheers
Eivind Trana
Hi.. I was lost to The Liverpool Scene when hearing "The Entry of Jesus Christ Into Liverpool" and "I've Got Those... ". A Bread On The Night" was a remarkable LP for me, just turned 15 then and open to everything. Someone stole it from me after some years. Does someone know where I can get the music back? I have tried and tried to find some (at least) MP3's of "The Scene" on the Net, but nothing found until now. Please, help me.
Suzy Bourke
Hello there, I am really really hoping that you may be able to help me. We are currently in the midst of rehearsals of Cloud Nine at the Almeida Theatre, and I know that Andy composed the original music for the piece many years ago. However, the first song in the piece is called Come Gather Sons of England, and on the original script states that it is copyright of Anthony Wilkin 1902. I am now presuming that there is an original score somewhere of the original song, and I would love to know if Andy has this, or it was indeed something totally created from scratch. If you could get back to me I would be most grateful. We are in the first week of rehearsals, but I know that our musical director needs to crack on with this as soon as possible. If there is any information that you have, that would be brilliant. Many thanks
Ezmerelda Gorey
WOW! ANDY ROBERTS!! I'm constantly amazed at the breadth of the net. I LOVE the LIVERPOOL SCENE!!! Though I only have one album "The amazing adventures of" My friend and I stumbled upon it back when we were 16 and tripping on LSD, found it amongst her parents records but no-one seemed to know anything about it. What a mind bender coming on to Acid and listening to Tramcar to Frankenstein!! Can you image?? It just blew our minds. We wore though several taped copies of it and I lost access of the original LP in the break-up and after searching high and low for years I finally found another copy of "The Adventures of " hanging out in a groovy lil record shop in Berkeley, CA. It has been and shall remain on of my favorite records of all time, I simply must turn everyone I meet on to it. in fact I'd like to start a MYSPACE fan site for TLS. if that's ok with you.I'd be happy to get it started and turn it over to you. I'd really like to hear the other albums too and find out WHERE I can get my hands on this CD!!! I checked amazon and they are out, itunes doesn't seem to have a clue. Can you help me out here- Can I buy them from you???
WOW- this is wild! Best to you.
Stephen Terrell
I'm trying to request some information about Andy's show (which I saw!) CENSORED SCENES FROM KING KONG. As a director-choreographer and the head of musical theatre at Emerson College in Boston, I've been interested for years in getting hold of the script and score for a possible production. Any way it's available?
Al Simms
Hi Andy, Just discovered your web site. I saw you with Grimms about 30 years ago - a very enjoyable gig. I bought a copy of 'Home Grown' on RCA in 1974 for 50p in a cut out rack as I knew your name from Liverpool Scene albums, Grimms, Scaffold etc. I have to say, all these years later, I have got rid of tons of vinyl, but this album is one I still love and would never willingly lose. Every now and then I dig it out and sing along. I know every note sung and played on it. Best wishes
Louis van Londen
Last year I bought the excellent 3 CD box set SCARBOROUGH FAIR. On it was a haunting song by Andy Roberts. Now my question to you is if you could, please, send me the lyics of Andy Robert's arguably greatest song The One Armed Boatman and the Giant Squid. So far I have not succeeded in finding its lyrics, so hopefully you can help me out.
ARM Web Weaver
Better than that Louis, we've now loaded the lyrics to the 'LYRICS PAGE'. HERE >>
Jez Rippon
Does anyone have any contact information for Pat Donaldson the bass player ? Thanks.
Untidy Barry
Its strange how AR runs through my record collection and gig going memories and somehow I hadnt quite noticed how much. One of my biggest debts of gratitude is for the lyric in Songs of the Stars that opnede my ears to Tammy singing Almost Persuaded. Hitch hiking to buy In Search ..... and riding on the tube in suitable costume on my way to se Grimms at ULU. Anyhow my Untidy buddy and I have been spurred by such reminiscing to post a Scaffold retrospective at www.biguntidy.com and would welcome comment criticism and correction from visitors, this site was a good help and general memory nudge, thanks.
Barry Eaton
Hi, Have just downloaded 2 video clips featuring Andy from the early 70's. The first is a gig from The Olympia in Paris 30/6/71 featuring Ian Matthews, Andy & Tim Renwick from Quiver. It's 5 songs long (although the last one is cut as the credits roll). Amongst the songs is Radio Lady featuring Andy's lead vocals. The other is Plainsong at the ICA, London Oct.'72. 2 songs- Call the Tune & Truck Driving Man plus interview. They cost 6Euro each to have permanent downloads or 2 Euros for 8 hour access. The site Is: www.ina.fr/archive. Search Ian Matthews and you'll find them. To download you need to get a DviX player (which I downloaded free, using google). If anyone does down load them, you can burn them to DVD. What I can't do though is get the burnt CD to play on my PC, laptop or DVD player. Anyone does it please let me know how!
Thomasina Dearlove
My friend Lesley and I saw Andy and Roger Gough at the Epsom Playhouse last night, it was a great evening, I came away with a spring in my step. Andy has an extraordinary talent that I've not seen in a long time. Brilliant.
NIck G
Great website - somewhere to point those unbelievers who just look blank when I mention bands like the Liverpool Scene, Plainsong and the Grimms! One thing, as an occaisional torturer of music at the local pubs' acoustic nights I would love to be able to do some of Andy's songs, is there anywhere I can buy or beg the music? Alas I am as yet not accomplished enough to copy directly from the songs to guitar so help would be appreciated. The songs I would like to be able to do are The Raven, Moths And Lizards in Detriot, and to cheers things up, 64. Thanks in advance.
Rita Davies
We often used to go to Liverpool's Everyman Theatre in the late 1960s to see The Liverpool Scene and later The Scaffold. I was then a young art student at Liverpool College of Art - Roger McGough used to be a part-time tutor & taught us general studies! This was just after he'd written 'Monica'. Can't wait to see Andy & Roger at the Sheffield Crucible on 29th October, should be a nostalgic and entertaining evening.
Rebecca Maltby
I'm sorting out the archive for what was the Perrier Comedy Awards (Now Intelligent Finance Comedy Awards) and am trying to figure out the line up for 1984's Hank Wangford show that was nominated in August of that year. Is anyone able to enlighten me as to what the lineup was at that time? I can't quite establish if it is before or after Andy Roberts left the band. Many thanks
Tim
Hello, Thanks for the excellent Andy Roberts site, bought back a few memories ! I just wondered if you had any news of Dave Richards who used to play bass with Andy, I knew him when I was in my teens in Ealing, but the last time I saw him was about 35 years ago. I doubt if he would remember me, but I sometimes wonder how things panned out. All the best.
Louis van Londen
Last week I bought SCARBOROUGH FAIR; the best of ENGLISH FOLK (3 CD), which included an incredible song of Andy Roberts: 'The one armed boatman and the giant squid'. Now my question to you is if you could please send me the lyrics of this song (for educational puposes only). I would like to thank you in advance. With kind regards,
Alan Collins
Ever since a magical evening in Bristol many years ago, "In Search of Amelia Earhart" has always been the first choice on my list of albums to take to that desert island. My old worn out vinyl has now been replaced by the CD, and will probably soon have to be replaced again by the new double CD! However, I was always disappointed not to be able to get "Bold Marauder" on vinyl or CD, as I still remember it as one of the highlights of that first concert. Now, having found this website, I see that it was available all the time on "..And That's That"!! However, I can't seem to find anywhere to get hold of it!!! Can anyone help? Is it out there somewhere??
David Edwards
Thanks for the write-up of the 2006 Bonzos gig at the Astoria. I'm glad that you thought the audience was superb - I was in it! To my eternal regret I never saw the Bonzos in the 60s, but did see GRIMMS 3 times in the early 70s, as well as Viv's Big Grunt (or was it Gargantuan Friends, or both?) and RR Spear and his Giant Kinetic Wardrobe at the Roundhouse (along with Ron Geesin, I recall). Of course, I've got all the records and I listen to them often. It's Very Important Art. Best wishes.
Dennis Homes
It’s been a real delight reading the pages on this site, I’ve long admired Andy’s work and this website has brought back very many memories. Back in 1969/70 I had a three piece band managed by Sandy Roberton and we did quite a lot of gigs as support act to The Liverpool Scene. My band was called Synanthesia and I played vibraphone and guitar. Prior to this I had been a bass player in quite a number of bands, but this was my first endeavour as a group guitarist. I’d regularly watch Andy’s fingerwork, and can remember watching him play The Raven at a gig and then going backstage, grabbing my guitar and trying to work out his playing technique!!!
There are a number of gigs that we did alongside the Liverpool Scene that really stand out in my mind. Manchester University in the spring of ’69 was a great evening with John Peel as the compere. The Marquee Club in July that year was also quite outstanding. This was around the time that The Liverpool Scene did the Isle of Wight Festival. My own band went down a storm that evening, but that was nothing compared to the rousing reception that Liverpool Scene got. These were the days of bands travelling up and down the motorways in rusty old transit vans, cramped up between speakers and guitar cases. I can recall that when our old van finally died on us we borrowed The Liverpool Scene’s van while they were away on their American tour. Another gig that comes to mind was shortly after they returned from the States. Sandy Roberton promoted a concert at St. Pancras Town Hall to showcase some of his September Production artistes. Also on the bill that night was Jeremy Taylor, Robin Scott and Keith Christmas. This was where I first heard Andy sing “Moths and Lizards in Detroit”, a truly poignant song performed with great sensitivity. I’ve always admired the way he could jump with great ease from rock n’roll and comedy to soulful folk ballads.
We also supported The Liverpool Scene at Warwick University where they did a live recording. Their ‘Bobby and the Helmets’ routine went down really well and they ended the evening with a wild and impromptu rock n’roll medley, (Long, Tall Sally, etc)! But probably the best gig that we did with them was at Mothers in Birmingham on 31st December 1969 where we said goodbye to the sixties and welcomed in the seventies in real style.
A few tracks from my band’s Synanthesia album have appeared on compilation albums alongside Andy’s. In 1970 we were both on the 49 Greek Street compilation. Then in 1972 on both Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Club Folk albums. And then released just last month (January 2006) the 4 CD boxed set Anthems in Eden (an anthology of British and Irish folk music) on Sanctuary Records includes tracks by Synanthesia and also Andy with “I Saw the Movie”, a truly beautiful song.
Andy, over the years you’ve proved yourself to be the all-round musician in the most creative sense of the word. Long may you continue. I’m still gigging at folk clubs, but solo nowadays. You never know, I might catch up with you at a gig one of these days and I’ll buy you a pint! Cheers.
Mike Walters
Yeah... good old Andy Roberts- a much under-rated guitarist. With Peely's sad demise, I got to playing my old radio recordings of The Man, and realised just how blinkin' good Liverpool Scene were. Stan McCarthy always had excellent taste. We..ell, I'd forgotten just how good Andy was...an opinion I've formed mainly, I must admit , through my wandering through my old radio recordings of the Peel Show. John always was a great champion of Andy's work. Nice to note that me old mate Stan McCarthy agrees!
Stan McCarthy
Great web site which brought back memories. My university days were spent at Liverpool and I lived in a hall of residence in a room facing that of Andy. Recall listening together to R&B records amongst others. Remember 'Through The Looking Glass Boutique' and John Gorman noticing a name etched on the wing of a 2 ton GPO Telephones van we had parked outside - twas 'Nellie'.
Remember bumping into Andy again in Corby where I had gone to work after Uni - Liverpool Scene were playing there. My daughter Ellie(14) raves over one of the albums in my vinyl collection - it is 'Home Grown' - the original RCA one. Music that stands the test of time!
Dave Cliffe
Hi, Just got a copy of "Just For The Record" and what a real pleasure it is to hear the music again. I last saw Andy when he appeared with Plainsong at The Citadel at St Helens and what an excellent night that was. Hope this is just the start of Andys back catalogue being released on CD. Thanks for all the music.
Pete Rose
I have been searching for years for a single from 1968 by the Liverpool Scene called "SON,SON" - is it available anywhere? are there plans to re-release it in the future? could you please advise me accordingly? I think it was out on RCA.
David Haslam
So many Andy based memories all re-triggered by the wondrous "Just for the Record Compilation". As a student at Birmingham University 1967 to 1972, I saw the Liverpool Scene over and over and over again at Mothers - one of the greatest clubs ever. Andy's guitar playing on Love Story still remains one of the most stunning examples of guitar that I've ever heard. And up in my loft, on a pile of reel to reel tapes, I have a recording of Andy and Roger McGough doing Summer with Monika at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. Even thinking of that brings a tingle down my spine. And now the inevitable is going to happen - a re-buy of all Andy's work, replacing my vinyl with CD, then onto the i-pod. Thanks so much for this site.
Tim Saunders
Andy, Thanks for sending me the "just for the record, the solo anthology"CD, It's great to hear the dream tree sequence, and many of my other favourites again. I still have nina & the dream tree, the great stampede, and all of the liverpool scene albums in my old record collection, but they never see the light of day now in this cd age. I see you have plans to re issue the great stampede on cd, are there any plans to re issue some more of the older liverpool scene albums. I am particularly thinking of the st adrian & co. broadway album. I always loved night song, from that album, it always brings back many happy memories for me. Keep up the fine work.
Eddie Gaines
The long awaited article on Andy is in this month’s Record Collector – and what a revelation it is - detailing many facets of Andy’s long career from the very early days. I did not realise that Andy was born in Hatch End – this is close to where I grew up myself ( South Harrow ) and Hatch End was a regular playground with my friends in the sixties. I wonder if Andy ever bought any records in his youth at South Harrow Market or “the Greengrocer shop ” in Harrow – both rich sources of rare and undiscovered vinyl. Elton John – or “Reg” as he was known then - was also regular at the South Harrow Market record stall in particular when he was feeling a bit low – getting a shot of vinyl always bucked him up somewhat - and probably helped him with his session work when he was doing covers for the cheapo labels – did Andy ever do any of these sessions himself? I can remember going to see Andy at the Shakespeare’s Head in Carnaby Street soon after the Liverpool Scene ended – probably one of his first solo gigs – really good night or so it seemed to me at the time – no doubt Andy will have his own views / self criticisms of those times. Still think that the first Pop Prom at Royal Albert Hall with Blodwyn Pig and Led Zeppelin was an all time greatest Rock Music moment- in particular when all 3 bands were on stage together for the encore! Last saw Andy playing great guitar with the Neil Innes and the remaining Ruttles – unfortunately not featured in the article - last year in Bristol – Shangri La for now….
Chris Merlinai
I met Adrian at the london Arts Theater Club back in 1968 when the group were there. I also have a copy of son son from that time although a bit scratched these days.
John Pearse
Hi, I really would like to get back in touch with Andy. Since I moved to the States in 1978 I have completely lost touch with him. I am now living in a medieval town in Southern Germany, relaxing and gigging again. Please pass my address on to him. Thanks!
Justin Silver
I really enjoyed the Andy Roberts website. Thanks. If you are able to contact Andy, please tell him this is Justin Silver, Bernard Silver’s son, and I currently have the Kriwaczeck String Organ. Paul Kriwaczek recently helped to get the instrument working again, which is no small feat, considering how ancient the electronics all are.
Mike Coker
Hi, Love the ARM site and have been looking for some of Andy’s old stuff for years. Any idea where I’d get a copy of the Yellow Dog album and particularly the track “for whatever it’s worth”?
Pengy
hello. my dad has a 45 single its on a rca victor rca 1762 of son son from 1968
Mark Moerman
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your website. I just played my "Best of Andy Roberts" CD and was inspired to see if there was a website for him. I run a website devoted to the Charisma and B&C labels, and thought you might be interested in the page I have recently put up about Andy at my site which links to yours. It includes a photo I took of Andy in 1990. I had the pleasure of meeting Andy on a few occasions in the early 90s when doing Nancy Covey's (Mrs Richard Thompson) tours to the Fairport Convention festival and other musical events. I saw Andy play with Neil Innes in Edinburg in 1992, and we had him a couple of times in our private boat concerts on the Thames. One year they had Mike Berry doing sound on the boat, and one other fellow and I helped Andy and Mike lug equipment off the boat afterwards. At the conclusion of this, Mike remarked, "Get these lads some Lucozade or something!"
Keith Hodgson
Glad to see that Andys site has now been expanded and is fully up and running. Logged on a while ago and got nowhere, it seemed to be still under construction. Knew Andy back in the sixties, I was always with Mke Hart & Adrian, which leads me to pose the question...Could you give him a mention, please? I know that it is AR's site but for old times sake...and where are Percy, & Brian?
Yes O'Connors Tavern is still there, but it has changed hands and names that much it bears no resemblance to the original. Come back Jimmy Moore. Have got that ' Nostalgia sickness ' that we all get as we grow older, and have started to collect all the songs from those days...TLS, Mike Hart, and yes even Andy Roberts. At least I now have somewhere to go, somewhere that takes me back
to the good old days, and somewhere that will keep up to date with what Andy's doing. You never know, I may turn up at a 'gig one of these days!!! Best of luck Andy.......did you ever get your degree???
Eddie Gaines
I have just read your John Peel recollections which resonate with my own recollections and memories of John as a DJ - turning myself on to the music of my time. I can remember him playing Country Joe & the Fish’s Electric Music for the Mind & Body - still overdue for the type of appreciation of the Forever Changes type. I remember listening to you in the Liverpool Scene over several weeks doing a residency for the first pilots for live sessions. John was the compere wasn’t he? Led Zeppelin also played on these and I saw you all playing at the first Pop Prom at the Royal Albert Hall with Blodwyn Pig in tow. Seeing you ( all 3 groups) playing a final encore together was one of the greatest “live” moments I can remember. The live Sunday radio sessions that John hosted gave an excellent platform for many new bands and this obviously led the scene at that time. John’s ability to recognise new music trends was second to none and his vision and more importantly family values and young spirit will be much missed. Enjoyed seeing you with Neil Innes and the Admiral John Halsey in Bristol Fleece & Firkin earlier this year.
Malcolm Chambers
I have just come across your web site by accident and was impressed!! I have also been trying for ages to track down a copy of ‘Son Son’ by the Liverpool Scene and like one of your other correspondents, have tried to contact the Beeb but did not get a reply. Can you help me please???
Tom Noble
I've seen Andy on numerous occasions - supporting Steeleye Span, with Grimms, with Roy Harper, with Plainsong and recently at Newcastle Opera House with The Rutles. I once interviewed him for a local radio station after a Roy Harper gig and he was a perfect gentleman. But my overiding memory is of seeing Grimms at Newcastle Poly and being 'invited' (grabbed out of the audience!) onstage as a stooge during part of the show. I was terrified, wondering what they were going to do when I heard a reassuring voice from behind me saying 'Don't worry'. It was Andy. Incidentally, is it likely that the second Plainsong album will ever see a release on CD? Not the demos but the real thing - it does exist, somewhere. Plus will Urban Cowboy be reissued at some point. My vinyl is wearing out.
January Musson
Hi there. I'm trying to get some lyrics (& music if poss) for a couple of Andy Roberts songs which my band would like to play. I used to play with (Young) Iain Campbell & have a tape of Tex Maniacs doing Ten Ft Tall & Bullet Proof amongst other gems but can't make out the lyrics clearly. i'm now in australia playing in a band called Gone Fish'n'. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Bryan Higgins
I came across Andy in 1974 when I found a copy of Nina and the Dream Tree LP in a Sheffield record shop going for 69p. The next week I found a copy of Home Grown in the same record shop for 59p. 30 years have elapsed but Andy's "Nina" LP is still by far the best record I have ever bought. Beautiful lyrics, well sung and timeless.
Dave Roberts
I am no relative (well...at least not immediate) of Andy's and, until 1991/92, had never even heard of him. It was then that I saw him performing with Iain Matthews at a strange but wonderful folk-rock festival in an Arts Centre in Bracknell and was simply bowled over by his guitar playing. I reckon Plainsong's "Dark Side of the Room" came out not too long after that and that would have been the first thing I ever purchased with Andy on it - great album too (in my opinion probably the best Plainsong album, even shading Amelia!). I think I've only seen Andy on stage on two subsequent occasions, once in Burgess Hill in 1999 on the Plainsong "New Place Now" tour when Clive G. was briefly in the band. Then the following year at Cropredy 2000 as part of the trio "Plainsong Lite" (IM, AR and MG) which was actually billed, as I recall, as just IM and AR. So just 3 sightings and no meetings. Enough to convince me, however, of the man's unique and fabulous talent. Unfortunately, in the sense that it caused me to miss the IM / AR duo tour in Spring 2001 at which they were flogging A to B, my work brought me to Vienna at the beginning of 2001. IM came to Vienna in May or June 2001, I think with Ad Vanderveen, but it is a location which has remained sadly off limits to all other members of the extended family of Great British folky rocky performers ever since (with the exception of another venerable Brightonian - Allan Taylor, with whom I had an illuminating conversation about, inter alia, Nick Drake, after an extremely intimate concert he played to about 40 or 50 connoisseurs in an Adult Education Centre 100 yards from my abode at the beginning of October).
Dave provided ARM.com with cover images of the Nadia Cattouse EARTH MOTHER and 49 GREEK STREET albums.
Harold Walton
What a lovely surprise!! Great site, first saw the Liverpool Scene at The Magic Village off Market Street in Manchester (Roger Eagle on the door!!!)..Then with the Bonzos at the Free Trade Hall (A Viv Stanshall dummy was thrown from the balcony in a mock fight!!) finally saw them with Led Zepplelin and Blodwyn Pig at the same venue..Liverpool Scene were indeed a special band..strange days indeed..they dont make em like that anymore..keep making the music Andy All the best!!!
Pete Cownley
Can anybody help in tracking down a copy of "Son,Son" by The Liverpool Scene, please ? My best mate had a copy but his younger brother sold it, along with most of his treasured vinyl collection at Romford Market (he wasn't pleased!).
and later
Many thanks - I really appreciate your response, even though I've got more chance of finding a hen with teeth climbing a beanstalk. I guess I'm just an old git trying to relive the days when music (not to mention those who made it!) had character and originality. My last success was finding "Strangely Strange But Oddly Normal" by Dr. Strangely Strange on their Kip of the Serenes album. Not everybody's cup of tea perhaps! All the best
Ian Pyper
I've just come across your site whilst on a nostalgia trip regarding the Liverpool Scene. I used to go to the Liverpool Poly Art College in Hope Place/ Street (1972-1974) and often used to see Adrian Henri coming out of his house in Mount Street. I also used to go to O'Connors Tavern on a regular basis and Mike Hart's occasional appearances always left me in awe ('Gliders and Parks' always left me feeling quite sad for some reason!). Thanks for keeping the memory of TLC alive. Best wishes.
Nigel White
Hi there, Good site, Andy doesn't look too bad considering how long ago it was I last saw him. It was when we were in a band together called 'Blues en Noir', quite a good band I seem to remember, if Andy remembers, get him to email me. All the best.

Roger Merrick
Just thought I'd send a few words of thanks for the Andy Roberts/Liverpool Scene/ Adrian Henri site.
I was shocked when I heard of Adrian's death and continue to be shocked that this highly creative person hasn't been fully celebrated afterwards by reissues of his work - where are the rest of the Liverpool Scene reissues on CD? Where are the collections of his readings and broadcasts - over the years there were many broadcasts involving Adrian Henri that must be in BBC or personal archives. As everyone who's heard him would know, Adrian's poetry takes on an additional dimension when he spoke it. I only had 2 LPs - St. Adrian co. and Recollections (now lost) but I bought the BGO reissue of Bread on the Night etc recently. You say there's a story to the reissue but I can't find it on the site. Well done on your work, and good luck with further endeavours.
Martin J. Gee
After having been introduced to the Liverpool Scene by a couple of my older friends, I have written an article. I'm actually a musician and poet myself and not a journalist; the article was written for my own satisfaction and because I feel more people should be aware of the wonderful music created by yourself and the other members.
With this in mind - I have sent a copy to Mojo Magazine, a natural home for the Liverpool Scene I believe. Quite what the chances of them either reading an solicited article are, who knows - but nothing ventured etc, etc. If I do hear anything from them I'll let you know; in the event of them being interested, an interview with yourself would be a beneficial addition.
The article is attached to this email - any problems reading or printing it, let me know and I'll pop a hard copy in the post to you.
To conclude, the article is based on a lot of my own opinons and interpretations, so if I'm way off the mark - do let me know. Anyway, thanks for the great music.

article coming soon ...

Ramon Perruolo
It was a great pleasure to find this web about Andy Roberts career. I was delighted reading the interview and others articles I enjoyed too much.It is a shame that next generation of young people won't enjoy the music of this great guitar player just because it doesn't exits any of his albums in the long ago common cd format. I find hard to understand how it is possible such a mistake from the record industry or whoever have the blame. I will keep cross fingers in the hope some day it will be possible the reissue of the entire Andy Roberts Catalogue, including additional works with The Scaffolds, Grimms, Plainsong and all the collaborations he did along his very interesting career.
Please, you will be very kind to e-mail me news about this matter or any possible gig to come around England, it's going to be a huge pleasure to have your news. Hope to hear from you soon.
Gail Muir
This is a bit of a long shot really! I stumbled on your brilliant site while trawling the web for information on the Liverpool Scene...about 2 or 3 years ago my partner and I were listening to the Sounds of the Sixties in completely different houses when the Liverpool Scene came on with Son Son. We called one another to say "did you hear that?" and have been trying to track it down ever since. We even contacted Radio 2 but they didn't see fit to reply. We're married with our own son now and I'd really like to find a copy for my husband's birthday. Do you have any idea where we could find one? I've tried specialist record shops and fairs but to no avail. Anyway like I say it's a long shot... Thanks for your time and keep up the great work on the website.
and later ...
I was going to email you today actually to ask if you had access to the lyrics anywhere because as I recall it's a beautiful wee poem ...
and yet later ... we sent Gail and Bryan a cd copy of Son, Son.
The package did indeed arrive last Friday...THANK YOU! First time back online since then so I haven't had a chance to let you know that you made Bryan a very very happy bunny!
He was shocked but absolutely delighted and we both couldn't really believe how much we'd remembered of the track despite hearing it just once such a long time ago. Ah the wonders of the internet...don't know what I'd do without it sometimes. Thank you very much for being so kind. I've been extolling the virtues of your site to all and sundry so I hope some good will come of that.
Thanks again...best wishes...Gail
Charlie Dixon
Cracking site! Where are the sounds though? We need some MP3s of Andy's music. Have you noticed how the value of Andys old albums has risen these past few years. I managed to keep hold of all my older stuff despite several house moves and a couple of kids. However I can't be the only one who feels that a couple of newer CDs is well overdue... come on Andy, stop making other peoples music. Your own is what we are waiting for. Sorry my enthusiam got the better of me.
Henry Block
Can you please tell me where I can purchase a copy of the ' New Liverpool Scene Album' on CBS label (1967)and about how much would it cost?
Roger Norman
Is Plainsong CD Voices Electric still available, please? If so, where in UK can I get it?
Have enjoyed the few Plainsong gigs I've been able to get to in Bristol (including one in 1971!), plus the original album and New Place Now. Thanks for all of it.
and later...
Thanks very much for getting back to me. Since I emailed you I've tracked down Voices Electric through Musicstack to a German dealer - I should receive it soon providing there are no hassles over the method of payment! Sorry, I've got no pix of Plainsong. The gig in '71 (or '72) was at the
Victoria Rooms in Bristol and also featured Harvey Andrews. There was a misunderstanding between him and the band caused by an unsavoury character called Fleet, whose main interests were financial rather than musical. Harvey and the audience were led to believe that Plainsong were, in some unexplained way, being prima donnas and trying to do Harvey Andrews down. The result was that the band got a lukewarm reception which was wholly undeserved - they played brilliantly, finishing with an anthemic version of a Richard Farina song. Can't remember the title but part of one line was "And Christ will be..." (
Meikel
I´m Meikel from Dortmund and I saw you with Plainsong here in May. I just want to signe you Guestbook but dont know how. I want to thank you for a beautiful evening of Music. I really enjoy this Concert. So I´m looking forward to see you again.
Pauline Griffiths
Mad drunk Shropshire woman (circa 1965) let lose in Liverpool- Kelvin Grove bedsit party - sends apologies for being so drunk and stupid!!! Appreciated early talent- even on an old beat-up guitar not yours- impromptu blues? With a knife held against the strings. Heard you on radio 4- backing Roger's live poetry. I am now a very sober (dull and boring?!!) citizen- married 30 years- two daughters, three grandchildren- teaching Dyslexic children- I've got an M.Ed and a P.G Cert SpLD. Still like music-and poetry. Not surprised you've ended up as a musician of some standing and well respected. Spoke to Brian Jacques when he visited our school to speak to the children- he remembers all the Liverpool Scene people. Best of luck, always.
and later ...
We were all young and daft way back then. In fact Andy was one of the more sensible ones. He just loves his music- always has! Found this beat-up guitar- started to play-WOW!
Florian Kräutli
I'm a swiss student and I'm about to do a talk on Adrian Henri. Actually, we're supposed to present a poem, it's writer and his time. While browsing through a collection of poems I came across the poem "Batpoem", which I liked very much. Now I saw that there's a recording of this text. I'd like to hear the track, but unfortunately my student-budget doesn't allow me to buy a double-album just for one track. So I ask you kindly if you could send me the "Batpoem" as an mp3 or similar. I'd be very grateful and I promise that I won't use it for anything other than my talk. Please!
John Stephens
Well, well, well, after all these years, Andy Roberts finally gets exposure across the world! Andy - you are a great guitarist who really deserves a 'new ' awakening. What chance of a new CD? What about Greatest Hits Volume 2, with 'Bluebird Morning', 'We Bid You Goodnight', a couple of others and the rest comprising of the 'Urban Cowboy' album.
Rebecca J Turney
I have just been surfing your site and was wondering if you could help me. As part of my Drama Course, we are running a version of cloud 9. However, in the play, there are several songs, and in our scripts there is no indication of the tune.We're having a few difficulties making our own tunes, as 'come gather sons of England' is starting to sound like Jingle Bells! Many sites I have looked at metion Andy Roberts, as he has composed music for the songs? If Andy Roberts did compose the music, do you know how I could get hold of it? If you do know if the music exists, or if I could get hold of it, I would much appreciate your help.
and later ...
Thank you very much for your help! I'm studying at Cricklade College in Andover, Hampshire (UK). The course im doing is the BTEC National diploma in Performing arts. We do not have a set date for when we are performing Cloud Nine yet, as our director has a baby due.
Alan Deane
Hi there, hoping to get a note to Andy. We played together in sessions in 1974, I'm a Los Angeles guitarist. Clues are that (1) I had just left a Johnny Rivers tour on a bust-up, and (2) our album was for Liverpudlian Brian Farrell, with Zoot Money and Jerry Conway.
Tom
DO you know where I could get a copy of Plainsong's A to B CD? Many months ago I thought I had secured a copy from Greg Boone but it did not come to pass. Thanks.
Phil Cooper
I have got several of Andy Roberts' solo albums because of his being listed as playing dulcimer on Richard Thompson's "Henry the Human fly" album. Always enjoyed his guitar work as well. I bought several other recordings later, because Andy was a sideman. "Bottom of the Garden" and "Poison Apple Lady" are songs I've liked since I first heard them. Since discovering this site, I found other songs and instrumental riffs from Urban Cowboy going through my head these last couple days. And you can't forget "Queen of the Moonlight World" and "One Armed Boatman and the Giant Squid." These days, I'm in a group playing mostly traditionally oriented music, but I've always had a fondness for any music Andy's been a part of.
and later ...
It occurred to me the other day that you might find this yarn amusing. I was asked to do a three or four song filler set at my significant other's coffeehouse in Chicago the weekend after the September 11 attack. The coffeehouse is a "folk vaudeville show" (several acts doing short sets). I was mostly planning on performing several somber songs for the occasion. On the song before last, I gave the audience the choice of something "further down the road to despair" or something "tastefully humorous." The first voice to speak up said "humorous." So I introduced and sang "Bottom of the Garden." After my set several people commented on how much they enjoyed the song and that while the song was sort of relevant to what was going on in the world, it was great to hear the situation in a lighter mode.
and yet later ...
I'd always heard rumors of Plainsong, but never heard the recording. I liked the guitar work Andy did on Iian Matthew's "If you Saw Through My Eyes" and "Tigers will Survive" (recordings I probably wouldn't have bought if I hadn't seen Andy's name on the credits).
Chris Patterson
Aged 8 in 1970, I had the good fortune to have three older brothers into all kinds of stuff. Amongst this "stuff" was an LP...Liverpool Scene...amazing adventures of. I was haunted by the songs about hamsters, batman, gliders, parks and...other things.
I am now nearly 40 and have spent many waking hours trying to to find this valued treasure from my youth. To all who took part and collaborated, I thank you. To anyone with a copy on vinyl or if it has been transferred to cd, any chance of a copy. Thanks again, best wishes to all.
Mark Scadding
I live in Orkney. Basically I'm writing to ask you as an Andy Roberts virgin, what would be a good album of his to buy. Being a Roy Harper Fan, I've heard Andy's name come up a lot. Good wishes to you, excuse my ignorance, cheers.
Rebecca and Mike
This is a research request for Hank Wangford. We are due to write a book about Barney Bubbles who was a designer that Hank had involvement with. We saw your site, and it seems you are in contact with Hank. Please can you pass this email to Hank? Thanks for any help you can give us.
Dusty Durst
I thought you like to know I'm playing your music in the midwest U.S. on KCLC-FM 89.1 I first heard you years ago with the Home Grown album and still play it. 24 hrs. is my favorite. I'm also playing Plainsong your voice is so distinctive. count me in as big fan.
The dream goes on
Angela Hallam
I've just been chatting to a friend of mine, Bubs White! Then I thought I'd check out the Bonzos on the web, found your home page and the albums with the portrait I painted! So I thought I'd email you and say Hello!-oh and hello from Bubs as well!
and later ...
I originally painted the portrait of Andy 30 years ago when I was a 17yr old schoolgirl!! I was a fan of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah band who discovered Andy and his music at the tender age of 14. I was earning money from painting portraits of actors appearing at the local theatre, as well as some of the Bonzos, Monty Python and others such as Keith Moon. I had already met and got to know Vivian Stanshall through sending him his portrait, and when Andy came to my home town of Coventry to appear with Viv, I took the opportunity of painting his portrait and and selling it to him. I also got to meet the Monty Python crew through similar means and kept up a correspondence with Michael Palin for some time after that period.
I then went to Art College, studied Theatre Design, and ended up designing and making football mascot costumes (photo below). As well as for football clubs, I have made costumes for TV programmes such as Skinner and Badiel's Fantasy Football League - A Furry Statto,and "Dream Team"'s Dragon mascot. I have also produced costumes for radio stations, newspapers and holiday camps. I don't think I have any other art work to show from long ago, but I do have plenty of pictures of mascots! Curiously, I have actually spent time this Christmas painting my first portrait for probably 20 years, and feel I would like to revive this part of my work.
I knew Andy had used the portrait as an album cover as I met him again just a few years ago. However, I only discovered his web page recently and finally saw the two covers where my work appears. Very strange after all this time!
Look out for a book later this year about football mascot costumes - Angela is one of the featured makers.
 
ANDY ROBERTS WRITES...
Angela Hallam is a really nice, very talented woman. It's so great to hear from her again. We last met on a Words On The Run gig at Coventry Belgrade Theatre about 6 years ago. It's good to have her input on the site. I gave the original of her painting to my mum, who still has it beautifully framed and on her wall at home. In fact I had to borrow it to get it copied for From Time To Time. Back then I had no idea where Angela was, but I gave her all due credit in the liner notes.
Dave Ellison
Just found your site - brings back memories of The Liverpool Scene and O'Connors, a great period in my life. O'Connors - overflowing with talent; so much so, they had to sit on the pavement outside to get their album cover done!! The Liverpool Scene must rank alongside the greats like Captain Beefheart.
Paul Bartlett
Thank you for a great site of a really great musician. With my lady Julie we were at the Beverley gig on 29 April. Simply wonderful to be taken back to Liverpool and Essex Uni of the late 60's/early 70's. We were great fans of the Scene and later Grimms but never caught Plainsong live - although Amelia Erhart remains a favourite. The one track I would have taken to my desert island would have been Nina and the Dreamtree sequence (but Mostly Autumn is also a strong contender www.mostlyautumn.com). Is there any chance of ever hearing it played live? I also love Yellow Disease but it is personal as I'm a crop protection scientist and there are remarkably few songs about plant pests and diseases, despite how incredibly damaging they can be for people and societies. We saw, and chatted to, Andy and Adrian at the 'Shed' at Brawby a couple or so years ago. Tell Andy how sad it was to learn of Adrians illness and death soon afterwards. It was their wonderful collaboration which was always the greatest attraction of Liverpool Scene etc. I have no idea how much rehearsal they needed, Andy just seemed to naturally echo every nuance of Adrians writing. I have also enjoyed hearing Andy with Roger McGough on radio 4 in recent years.
We also saw Iain at Fibbers a few months ago - mentioning it last night he mentioned remembering the venue for the noise. Tell him that he is far from alone, our daughter went to the Chris Helme acoustic gig there also last night and left early because of the noise - and Chris is very much Fibbers own; Roy Harper got angrier about the noise in there than Iain did.
Apologies for rambling - but it is wonderful to pick up the traces again. I just hope that Andy and Iain are not reminded of 'Clowns on the road' too often! Now to listen to the new CD - and lovely to know that the protest goes on.
and later...
Thanks for the reply and for the comment about Andy being chuffed. Not as much as my Lady Julie and me were to be able to chat so easily to Andy and Adrian at the Shed a few years ago. A very strange venue of tiny village hall on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors - all swirling fog getting there and back. [after 20+ years adrift in an outer London suburb we realise we are townies and love York - which has a brilliant music scene].
Like a lot of our generation (if you were at the Phil then I think I'm on safe ground making that assumption) we have come back to music now the kids are well on there way. We always had quite eclectic tastes - Buffy St. Marie records brought us together in 1966 at school when we also listened to a lot of blues. But in her early days at Essex Uni we saw the Scene and were totally hooked - I still remember their opening "Tramcar to Frankenstein". This was in a lecture theatre which meant there were lots of desk tops to bang! We saw them a number of times afterwards - although usually in Essex and not Liverpool - I did Applied Biology at the Poly. Nowadays we enjoy an absolutely outstanding prog rock band - Mostly Autumn http://www.mostly-autumn.com/ which is nothing like LS or Andy. However, I totally agree that the fun bands were great - by any chance were you at the Poly on Byrom St. when the Bonzos played and there mates (most of the Who) came along after finishing at the Empire? Talking of which we also caught Neil Innes more recently in York when most unexpectedly Andy was with him.
and yet later...
I have just found I have a poster from the Grimms gig at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Wednesday 28 February (1973 I think). It is very similar to the first album cover - multiple ducks. I saw them at Manchester Uni (possibly just the day before) as well as at the Phil. As a member of the Liverpool Polytechnic guild (student union) executive I had access to used posters. Andy isn't mentioned on the poster but I seem to remember he was playing.

What I really wanted to ask was whether Andy has any recollection of a Liverpool Scene gig at the London 'Roundhouse'. I would guess it was spring 1969 (as my girlfriend/wife wasn't with me but we knew the band from her first year at Essex Uni and she was away at Uni in Portugal that term). Even by the standards of the later 60's it was unusual in that went on all night (broke up about 06.00 from very vague memory). It had multiple 'acts' doing their pieces (mostly poetry) with the 'Scene playing sets in between. What was of long term interest was that the entire evening/night was filmed, but I have no idea what happened to that film - it would have cost a lot to do as this was a professional set up almost certainly using 35mm stock (video, of course, was not available then).
Gianpaolo
Hello Paul, sorry I didn't realize before that you obviously hadn't got copy of Home Grown on Rca complete with its insert, if you need it I can scan it. Unfortunately it was folded, so Andy's photo is in bad condition, but musicians info and eventually lyrics are in good shape. Just let me know!
all the best
David Rogers
Hi Andy, i've just been looking at your web-site, what an impressive career !. I'm still playing guitar, or trying to anyway, i've just brought myself a 1965 Epiphone Rivera 12 string, which i'm really happy with and have put it down since I got it !, i've been playing along to many Beatles songs especially the one's off The Hard Days Night album which George uses his 12 string Rickenbacker on (great sounding but a bugger to play !), my Epiphone is much easier than the one I tried anyway.
Anyway I hope that you are ok & no doubt you are keeping busy, do you still get time to do any
bell-ringing ?.
Jack Wolworth
Andy just ran across your site. Jack Wolworth here. You know piano arrangements for "Patch Work" over in the U.S. of A. If you get this give me a shout I've got something to share with you. I think you'll get a kick out of it. My home phone is the same as it was when we were working on your "Oz" project. So if you still have it and care to, call if you like. If this is not you Andy, would who ever you are pass this on to him.
Peter Milne
Really enjoyed the site. I have long admired Andy's work and had the great pleasure of seeing and chatting with him last year on the Plainsong tour. I look forward to reading news of Andy's new projects in due course - hope Plainsong get back on the road again soon. Any chance of helping me track down a copy of the Plainsong Live in Austria CD? I've tried everywhere without success and am desparate for a copy! Best wishes
Barnes Newberry
Terrific website. I am very impressed with the work that has gone into this. Congratulations! I am trying to contact Andy about getting a copy of the recent A to B cd that appeared on his past tour with Iain Matthews. I met Andy a few years back in London and we did correspond briefly. I have a radio show here in the Boston area and would love to play cuts from A to B on it. I play a good deal of Iain and current Plainsong, but would like to get some Andy and older Plainsong in as well. I realize there is not much available of him on cd...yet(?!).
If there is any way you could pass this note to Andy, I would be very happy. My radio show is called Highway 61 Revisited, and is obviously, a nod back to the singers and songwriters and folkrockers of the 60's and 70's. I also add newer artists who cover the "old" songs which makes the circle complete. In addition, older artists who are still making fine music are aired. The nice thing is that I play what I like, not what I am told to play. You may access the site at www.wumb.org
It is broadcast from Boston and is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Francis Hamlyn
I was wondering if you could help me. I have been trying to find a copy of Andy Roberts' original music for the Caryl Churchill play 'Cloud 9'. I am particularly interested in the Hymn-like piece, celebrating the Victorian Empire, which the play opens with. If you could advise me where I could
perhaps purchase the sheet-music or even listen to the song being performed it would be a great help.
and later ...
Of course I'd love to tell you what we're planning. It is for an 'A' level study group in 'Theatre Studies' at my school. Being a musician myself, although not a particularly good one, I was asked to come up with some kind of music for the opening song. Not really knowing about this style of music or the original performance I decided my best option would be to find out as much as possible about the original music and then possibly write something with a similar style and flavour. Thanks very much for the agent's details, I shall write to or phone them soon.
David Goodhand
This is fantastic!!! I have been a huge fan of Andy's since his 'Home Grown' days and saw Plainsong at Southampton University in the dim and distant past. I have been hunting for his works on CD and have finally tracked down a 'Best of' (although this does not have later work) plus the Plainsong CDs. Andy deserves to be lauded amongst one of the most creative and talented musicians England has ever produced and he never received recognition for his talent. The best thing I can say is that my 19 year old son is a fan and has been playing all my old LPs to his mates!
Thanks for the site it's tremendous! Keep up the good work and when can we get 'Best of - Volume 2' Andy? Cheers
Bill Martin
Wonderful site. Andy now is being given his proper due. 2 questions for you. Are any of Andy's lp's ever coming out on cd ? Any way I can get a cdr of the mini Plainsong disc. I asked Iain & he is out of them also. I haven't seen Iain since he moved over to Holland but we do email each other. You may know me, I put Orphans & Outcasts 1 & 2 out when I was with dirty Linen some time ago & used to do some bookings for Iain.
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