LATEST ADDITIONS ... 30th May
- ANDY ROBERTS gigs
- There may be some Andy Roberts gigs later in the summer in partnership with Iain Matthews. Nothing is confirmed as yet, but watch this space for further details. Additionally, Julian Dawson and Andy may collaborate with a handful of gigs, also later in the year.
- ANDY ROBERTS & Adrian Mitchell
- Andy has recently collaborated with Adrian Mitchell to produce a 30-minute musical for children, with music by Andy Roberts and the book and lyrics by Adrian Mitchell. Called Maudie and the Green Children, it is based on an old Suffolk folk tale. Both Adrian and Andy completed a three day workshop, hosted by the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, to present the show to the teachers and theatre outreach staff who will be rehearsing the performers. It is hoped the show will later tour taking in London, Leeds and Dundee. Watch this space for more info.
- ANDY ROBERTS & Rusty's Roundup
- Andy featured in Rusty's Round-up in Brighton last month. We have some photos of the gig which reside click here>>>
ANDY ROBERTS & Rusty's Roundup
- Andy features in Rusty's Round-up in Brighton this coming weekend. The all strat band also features; Nick Pynn – fiddle; BJ Cole – pedal steel guitar; Graeme Ross – dog-house bass & & Debbie Tyndall – backing vocal plus guest appearances from Sleepy Ed Hicks, Debbie Doright, Stella Starr and Elvin Priestley.
- Saturday 1st December, Hanbury Ballroom, Brighton
- Andy Roberts on Radio 4
From Fact to Fiction...- Andy Roberts and poet/writer Adrian Mitchell collaborate on 'To the River', a surreal journey into the depths of a curious underworld. This is a series in which writers create a fictional response to this week's news. The drama/musical has been written in the past few days, recorded today (Friday 16th November), and will be aired on Radio4 at 7pm, Saturday 17th November and repeated on Sunday at 5.40pm. Plus if you miss either of these two airings you can 'listen again' over the internet at www.bbc.co.uk
- Adrian Henri: Selected and Unpublished
A couple of 'Adrian Henri' happenings will take place this weekend in Liverpool. On Friday (19th Oct) Adrian's new 'SELECTED AND UNPUBLISHED' will be launched at the Liverpool Everyman theatre. Edited by Catherine Marcangelli, Adrian's partner, this new volume presents a selection of the Adrian's most famous work, as well as the unpublished collection he was working on at the time of his death.
'SELECTED AND UNPUBLISHED' is published by Liverpool University Press. ISBN 9781846311048.- In addition, on the Saturday (20th Oct) the unveiling of Adrian's Wall will take place at the newly refurbished St. George's Hall, also in his home town.
- ANDY ROBERTS and the GREAT STAMPEDE
IN STOCK NOW and available to purchase direct from AndyRobertsMusic.
- Released for the very first time on CD, this album contains the nine original tracks plus five bonus tracks. ANDY ROBERTS and the GREAT STAMPEDE comes with a sixteen page booklet and the original artwork. The booklet contains Andy's recollections and many of the photographs he took during his trip to Jamaica in the early 1970s which inspired several of the tracks.
To buy your copy of GREAT STAMPEDE - click here>>>
- Andy Roberts & Dennis Locorriere
'Hits and History Tour'- The Hits & History tour began a few days ago and we have some photos of the Salisbury gig. Dennis and the whole band are outstanding and the tour offers a rare chance to catch Andy playing some fine electric guitar! See the HITS & HISTORY PAGE for the photos and the GIGS PAGE for dates.
- Andy Roberts & Dennis Locorriere
'Hits and History Tour'- Dennis tours the UK during March and April. The band consists of some outstanding musicians with Andy Roberts on vocals, guitar and mandolin, Clive Gregson (former Plainsong) on vocals, keyboards, guitar, mandolin and accordian, Mark Griffiths (Plainsong) on vocals and bass guitar, Sev Lewkowicz on vocals and keyboards and finally Martin Hughes on drums. See the GIGS PAGE for dates.
- NEW PAGE for 2007!
- Andy's live appearances in various formats are building for 2007 so we've decided to add a GIGS PAGE.
- ANDY ROBERTS
- Andy Roberts is featured on the new compilatation 5 CD set from Elektra that highlights the absolute finest recordings from the label during their first decade: 1963-73. Andy is featured on two tracks: The True Story Of Amelia Earhart - Plainsong and All Around My Grandmother's Floor. More information on the COMPILATION PAGE.
- ANDY ROBERTS solo...!
- Andy Roberts will be performing a rare solo show at the Lamb Folk Club in Eastbourne on Wednesday 21st February. His first folk club appearance for over thirty years! The club is above the Lamb Inn, High Street, Eastbourne. Tickets are £5 on the night.
- ANDY ROBERTS & Roger McGough
- Roger McGough's Said And Done tour continues into 2007 and Andy Roberts will appear at the Warwick Arts Centre on Monday 12th February.
ANDY ROBERTS touring again
- Maggie Reilly will tour with a band in late November to promote her new album Rowan. Andy plays beautifully on the new abum, which was released in September. The dates, which at the moment are all in Denmark, are 22nd - 26th November. Find out more at Maggie's website: www.maggiereilly.co.uk.
- GRIMMS 2 selling fast
. . .
- The new GRIMMS CD Sleepers is selling out fast! The earlier release sold out so quickly that this second, remastered version with eleven bonus tracks was produced. But with Andy gigging across the country the past couple of months this also is selling fast. You can order a copy of this fantastic sounding CD by filling out the order form. What better than to buy direct from the artist - here at AndyRobertsMusic.
- Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Touring
On the weekend which sees the DVD release of the Vivian Stanshall's, 'Sir Henry At Rawlinson End' (£14.99 Digital Classics) AndyRobertsMusic is pleased to confirm that Andy will play several of the up-coming Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band dates.
- The line-up features Adrian Edmondson, Phill Jupitus and Andy Roberts, along with original members Neil Innes, Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater, Legs Larry Smith Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell, Sam Spoons & Bob Kerr. DATES HERE>>
- ANDY ROBERTS & Roger McGough
- Roger McGough's tour to promote his new autobiography Said And Done (Century) started in Leeds last night and continues during the next couple of months. Catch Roger and Andy, a words and music partnership which has lasted forty years (1966). Tour Dates here >>
- Andy in Japan
- Well, not quite, but a photo of Ian and the crew in Toyko taken with Andy's phone!. Andy says that both he and Iain had a brilliant time in Japan and that he was overwhelmed by the interest shown in all aspects of his career! News and more photos soon.
- ANDY ROBERTS
- The new Maggie Reilly album Rowan on which Andy plays, will be released on 15 September. You can order a copy from Maggie Reilly's website at www.maggiereilly.co.uk.
- Andy in Japan
- Andy Roberts will be playing a couple of dates in Japan in early September. Appearing with Iain Matthews, Andy will play Toyko on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.
- ANDY ROBERTS & Roger McGough
- Roger McGough's new autobiography Said And Done (Century) explores overnight fame with Lily The Pink and Mike McCartney & John Gorman. And of course, Andy Roberts, having been there at the beginning, provides musical accompaniment. Tour Dates here >>
GRIMMS @ AndyRobertsMusic
- We now have stock of the new GRIMMS CD Sleepers. The earlier release sold out so quickly that this second, remastered version with eleven bonus tracks has been produced. You can order a copy of this fantastic sounding CD by filling out the order form. The cost of each CD (25 tracks) - signed by Andy - remains £12.99 / €20 including postage. The bonus tracks are: Living Apart Together; She's Leaving Home; Crystal Balls; The Masked Poet;I Must Be In Love Riff; I Must Be In Love; Street: Mouth; Where Am I Now; Backbreaker & Plenty Of Time. This release also includes extensive liner notes written by Nigel Cross, with the full collaboration of Andy Roberts. What better than to buy direct from the artist - here at AndyRobertsMusic.
- Andy Roberts & Julian Dawson
- Andy will be performing with Julian Dawson in Hove on Saturday 17th June. The gig is at the Sanctuary Café Cellar. 51-55 Brunswick St. East, Hove BN3 1AU . Tel: 01273 770006. The line-up will also include Julian's daughter Holly Dawson.
- Andy Roberts - PINK FLOYD photos
- Some time ago, Andy bought a handful of photos of the Earls Court PINK FLOYD gig in 1981. We've obtained permission to reproduce them on AndyRobertsMusic and you can find them here >>
- Andy Roberts Gig
- Its not often Andy does a solo gig! So make the most of his appearance at Brighton's Hanbury Ballroom on Monday 5th June, presented by Barn d'Or Music (Mike Lance formely the Greys).
- More info and tickets HERE >>
- Brighton Fringe Festival
We have some photos of the BIG IRON shows from Brighton's Fringe Festival HERE >>
Brighton Fringe Festival
Andy will accompany the The Last Word Theatre Company during their theatre show at this year's Brighton Fringe Festival. The shows which run from 14th - 17th May at the Theatre Bar, upstairs at the Prince Albert, Trafalgar Street in Brighton features an array of characters and Andy has written several new numbers for the show, a Musical Extravanganza. Tickets are £7/£5 available from the Dome Box Office on 01273 709709 or 01273 620434.
ANDY ROBERTS in Acoustic Magazine
Andy Roberts is featured in the current edition of Acoustic Magazine (issue 9). Andy's acoustic guitar skills are well documented and his playing is admired by and has influenced lots of other musicians.- Andy talks to Joel McIver about what's kept him going through the years, his collection of guitars and argues about who's the greatest guitarist ever.
- The magazine is in the shops now!
- Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - 40th Anniversary!
Marking the 40th anniversary of the release of 'My Brother Makes the Noises for the Talkies' the Bonzos first record. . .- The DVD is nearly finished and a screening took place in London this week. The DVD will be released in the next few weeks. Buy from Classic Rock Direct - link from the 'LINKS' page
- Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - 40th Anniversary Celebrations.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the release of 'My Brother Makes the Noises for the Talkies' the Bonzos first record. . .- This DVD of the Astoria event features special guests Stephen Fry, Adrian Edmondson, Phill Jupitus & Paul Merton and Andy Roberts, along with original members Neil Innes, Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater, Legs Larry Smith Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell, Sam Spoons & Bob Kerr.
- The DVD which will be released in April, is available for pre-order from your favourite dvd dealer now.
ANDY ROBERTS ...and the Bonzo's
40th Anniversary Bash- Read Andy's recollections here >>
ANDY ROBERTS interview...
"The obvious high point of the year was the release of the Anthology on Sanctuary." - Read the full interview here >>
BONZO'S 'wacky' one more time...
Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band come together for a one-off gig at the London Astoria (157 Charing Cross Road) on Saturday 28 January.
Martin Ash, Vernon Dudley Bohey Nowell, ‘Legs’ Larry Smith, Neil Innes, Rodney Slater & Roger Ruskin Spear will come together for this unique performance together with some of Vivian Stanshall's special friends...... who for the moment remain 'undisclosed'...!- Check out the Astoria Box Office for more details on 0870 060 3777.
- ANDY ROBERTS plays Belfast
Andy Roberts will play a gig supporting Andy Irvine in Belfast this week. Andy Irvine formed Planxty and has played extensively with Paul Brady. The gig is this Thursday 8 December at THE SPRING & AIRBRAKE, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast. Tickets are £12.50. Further information from the venue on 028 9032 5942.
- ANDY ROBERTS & Roger McGough
- Andy will be appearing with Roger McGough for an evening of poetry and music this Saturday (12th November) at Lewes Town Hall, Sussex. Tickets can be purchased by phoning the box office on 01323 841414.
- ANDY ROBERTS in the studio
- Andy Roberts is currently in Woodworm Studios, the original Fairport Convention studio in Oxfordshire, recording tracks for the new Maggie Reilly album. Maggie is a Scottish singer songwriter whose voice graced the Mike Oldfield hit 'Moonlight Shadow'.
- ANDY ROBERTS & TONY HAASE
- Andy Roberts and Tony Haase appear together at the PAVILION THEATRE, BRIGHTON as part of the BRIGHTON COMEDY FESTIVAL.
- Comedy and NINE NEW SONGS from the new comedy concept album: 'First Singalong Symphony'. For too long symphonic music has been written by composers and played by classical orchestras. In this 1st Singalong Symphony all the notes are chosen and sung by the audience... Which is much more fun!
- More details here
- KEITH MORRIS
- Andy has recently learnt of the death of an old friend, Keith Morris. Keith took lots of photos for Andy's album sleeves and publicity in the early 70s. He became famous for his photographs of other bands such as Elton John, Led Zeppelin and in particular those of Marc Bolan from T-Rex. Keith's photos can be seen on Andy's Everyone and Nina and The Dream Tree albums. More recently he built a reputation as a diver.
- LIVERPOOL SCENE
- Andy is currently working on a proposed release of a LIVERPOOL SCENE collection. The exact format is not yet decided, but could be 2CD (or more) boxed set and would include tracks for the last album St Adrian Co. Broadway and 3rd which contains some of the Scene's best work and has never been released on CD format. The collection would mastered from the original tapes. More details as we get them - stay tuned.
- IN STOCK NOW
ANDY ROBERTS
- JUST FOR THE RECORD
- the solo anthology, 1969-76
- Andy's hugely anticipated new album, the first solo release with his full co-operation in nearly twenty years, is now available for immediate delivery here at AndyRobertsMusic.
- More details HERE >>
- MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
Every single day, 30,000 children are dying as a result of extreme poverty. This year, 2005, we finally have the resources, knowledge and opportunity to end this shameful situation. Join the band of people who are taking action to make poverty history.
- MONDAY 11th JULY
- JUST FOR THE RECORD
- the solo anthology, 1969-76
- Andy's hugely anticipated new album, the first solo release with his full co-operation in nearly twenty years, will be released on the 11th July.
- More details HERE >>
- ANDY ROBERTS - touring
- Andy Roberts has been invited to join Dennis Locorriére next month in a band that includes Mark Griffiths and Clive Gregson. Dennis was the former lead singer in the band Dr Hook and normally tours solo. Dennis Locorriére & the Lucky Ones will be playing Wolverhampton - The Robin 2 (7th), Newark - The Americana Festival (8th) and Southampton - The Brook (9th) July. Catch these unique gigs if you can.
- PLAINSONG Amelia 3 now in stock @ AndyRobertsMusic
- After a few teething problems, Andy has taken delivery of the new 2 disk PLAINSONG CD. The CD set includes "In Search of Amelia Earhart" together with the unreleased second album "Now We R 3", and additional live tracks including a recently discovered recording of the band singing a demo of "Along Comes Mary". This was the track that decided all members of the band to go ahead with plans to form PLAINSONG in the first place. The 2CD set has 40 tracks and over 150 minutes of music from the original band and is available NOW - here direct for £13.49 including delivery.
- CONGRATULATIONS another new addition
- Iain Matthews and his partner Marly have become parents. Marly gave birth to a daughter, Luca-Mae recently. AndyRobertsMusic and I'm sure Plainsong fans everywhere welcome Luca-Mae to the world and offer their congratulations to Marly and Iain.
- RECORD COLLECTOR
- An article about Andy Roberts earlier career and recordings is featured in the July edition of RECORD COLLECTOR. OUT NOW...
- Andy's hugely anticipated new album, the first solo release with his full co-operation in nearly twenty years, will be released in the next couple of weeks.
- More details HERE >>
- NEW GALLERY
- You may also have noticed that we have added a brand new GALLERY to the pages of AndyRobertsMusic. ARM will be adding additional photos over the coming weeks. HERE >>
- ED KELLEHER
- Andy pays tribute to another lost friend. Ed Kelleher, screenwriter, playwright and film critic passed away recently. A huge fan of the Liverpool Scene, Ed used to hitch rides from the USA on American airforce planes to come to weekend gigs! Read Andy's tribute HERE >>
- THE VERY BEST OF ANDY ROBERTS
SANCTUARY RECORDS will release a double CD ANDY ROBERTS: "JUST FOR THE RECORD...the solo anthology, 1969-76". The title may be a bit of a mouthful but this double CD, due in June and produced with the full consent and co-operation of Andy, holds the very best of his music from this period. For the first time the remixed, re-recorded and improved later versions made for B & C version of HOME GROWN will be available on CD together with NINA AND THE DREAMTREE, plus several bonus items, which include tracks from Andy's 1970 EVERYONE and 1973 albums URBAN COWBOY and THE GREAT STAMPEDE. We now have the full track listing and the working cover for the release. HERE >>>
- RECORD COLLECTOR
- An article about Andy Roberts earlier recordings will feature in RECORD COLLECTOR in the next few weeks when a 5000 word piece written by Colin Harper appears in the magazine. Look out for RECORD COLLECTOR.
- PLAINSONG
- We promised you lots of Andy Roberts music at the beginning of the year and hot on the heels of the re-released GRIMMS album, SLEEPERS,
comes the new PLAINSONG release.
- This 2CD set of the original 1972 Plainsong quartet, which included Andy, Iain, Bob Ronga and Dave Richards is due in early May. The CD set will include "In Search of Amelia Earhart" together with the unreleased second album "Now We R 3", and additional live tracks including a recently discovered recording of the band singing a demo of "Along Comes Mary". This was the track that decided all members of the band to go ahead with plans to form PLAINSONG in the first place. The 2CD set has 40 tracks and over 150 minutes of music from the original band and will be available in the next few weeks - but you can order it here direct from AndyRobertsMusic for £13.49 including delivery.
- WORDS AND MUSIC - LIVE IN BRIGHTON
- Andy Roberts first live gig of 2005 was a great success, with both Andy and Tony Haase playing to a receptive audience. "Hugely encouraging response from the Brighton audience ...." ANDY ROBERTS. An additional date has been set the Greys in Brighton for 10th April. See the set list etc.. HERE>>
- LIVERPOOL SCENE - ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1969
- BritishPathe.com have downloadable film footage of The Liverpool Scene onstage at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969. Pathe produced news footage for British cinemas almost from the early 1900's until they stopped in 1970. The short clip (one minute) shows the band performing complete with sound (and commentary) onstage prior to Bob Dylan's appearance. For those who missed out on The Liverpool Scene in the late 60's and early 70's, the film clip gives a good idea why they were so popular. Download this wonderful piece of musical heritage HERE >>>
- WORDS AND MUSIC - LIVE IN BRIGHTON
- Tony Haase - Writer and Comedian and Now Singer of Popular Dirges combines with Multi-Instrumentalist, Songwriter and Producer Andy Roberts for an evening of Words and Songs from their new Comedy Concept Album called: "This Is Tony Haase and Andy Roberts".... MORE HERE>>
- PERCY JONES
- New on the PERCY JONES web-site is an interview in which he talks about his early playing days in the UK, his influences and experiences after he moved to the USA. Percy Jones was the bass player in THE LIVERPOOL SCENE and talks to his web master about playing with the SCENE, THE SCAFFOLD and alongside Andy with ROY HARPER. Today he is a highly regarded jazz player who has performed alongside some of the greats in jazz music. Link to Percy Jones web-site via the LINKS PAGE HERE>>.
- We have now added a BUY CDs page to AndyRobertsMusic which you can use to order the GRIMMS Sleepers CD. Also on this page are copies of PLAINSONG'S New Place Now CD and the posters from Andy Roberts solo album The Great Stampede for sale. To those who have pre-ordered the CD, they have been sent out today (4th Feb). Happy listening.
- Keep tuned for several more CD releases this year which will only be available here at AndyRobertsMusic. Click here to Buy a CD
'SLEEPERS' selling fast... @ AndyRobertsMusic
- Already the GRIMMS Sleepers CD is well on the way to a complete sell-out and thats before we have sorted a proper order form! Those wanting a copy of this album, considered the best, from GRIMMS should send a pre-order email to ARM quickly to avoid disappointment.
- ORDER NOW or miss out...
- The cost of each CD - signed by Andy - is £12.99 including postage
- What better than to buy direct from the artist - here at AndyRobertsMusic.
GRIMMS @ AndyRobertsMusic
- We now have a limited stock of the GRIMMS CD Sleepers. You can pre-order a copy of this wonderful CD by sending us an email. This will be a temporary feature whilst our order pages are being built. Please tell us how many copies you want to order, your name and address. We will hold a copy for you and notify you when our payment details are finalised. The cost of each CD - signed by Andy - is £12.99 including postage
- What better than to buy direct from the artist - here at AndyRobertsMusic.
- 2005
AndyRobertsMusic often starts the new year with promises of AR treats and delights for the coming year. This year promises much more than usual, as in late January the GRIMMS album Sleepers will be released on CD, with the full co-operation of Andy and all the artists who created this wonderful recording. Sleepers is considered to be the best GRIMMS album and was produced by Peter Jenner (legendary manager of Pink Floyd, Roy Harper, The Clash, Ian Dury and Billy Bragg), engineered by Jerry Boys (who recorded the Buena Vista Social Club) and contains performances from John Gorman, Zoot Money, Roger McGough, Neil Innes, & David Richards, as well as Andy's original Bluebird Morning, amongst many other delights.
- We hope to have copies available for sale here, signed by Andy. What better than to buy direct from the artist - here at AndyRobertsMusic.
Later in the year, plans are in place to remaster the original tapes of Andy's earliest material for a planned release on double CD. These will come from the nearly 200 rough mixes, radio cuts, demos and alternate mixes that form Andy's personal archive, as well as the original master tapes of his solo albums between 1969 and 1973. This will be the first time in nearly twenty years that Andy has collaborated on a planned release. We hope to have copies for sale direct from the website.
This site has been promising MP3s downloads for years, but this year we will definitely have them up and running in a completely new section. We will feature material from Andy's film and television scores, as well as poetry collaborations and songs.
Also your webmaster has been weavering away on new look GALLERY, which will include lots of new photos including some from Andy's time with Pink Floyd. Stay tuned for more news soon.......
- ADRIAN HENRI @ AndyRobertsMusic
We have added a new section to AndyRobertsMusic which celebrates the life and work of Adrian Henri. The new pages will highlight Adrian's poetry and paintings and are presented with the consent of Catherine Marcangeli, Adrian's partner for fifteen years. See more of Adrian Henri's lifetime of work - Poet, Artist & Musician here >>>
- ANDY returns to Poetry
Andy is presently working on a collaboration with Catherine Marcangeli. The project will set a number of poems to music (written by Andy) and record them for use as teaching aids for school children. Andy's links with poetry are well documented and go back to the earliest recordings of the Liverpool Scene with the late Adrian Henri (Catherine's partner) and Roger McGough.
- ANDY IN RECORD COLLECTOR
Fans of Andy Roberts HOME GROWN album, released in the early 1970's don't need reminding just how good this record is. The album contains some absolute gems, including Applecross, Moth & Lizards in Detroit, Queen of the Moonlight World and The One-Armed Boatman & the Giant Squid. However the Christmas 2004 edition of Record Collector, has just labelled the album one of the UK's' Top Twenty Neglected Brit-Folk Gems ' - Read here >>>
- ANDY IN MOJO
December's MOJO magazine features a ten-page special tribute to John Peel with contributions from Andy Roberts and lots of other friends and colleagues of the great music guru.
- EVERYMAN HOSTS STAR-STUDDED GALA
Andy Roberts will be part of the 40th Birthday celebrations at the Everyman Theatre later this month. The Everyman will host a star-studded Gala which will feature Willy Russell, Julie Walters, Matthew Kelly, Sir Antony Sher, Loreto Murray, Andrew Schofield, Pete Wylie and Bill Nighy - amongst a host of other Everyman regulars both past and present.- More here >>>
- PETE McCARTHY
- There will be a memorial to Pete McCarthy in Brighton on Saturday 13th. November. We will report more details once they have been finalised.
- More here >>>
- JOHN PEEL
- BBC broadcaster John Peel has died at the age of 65, while on holiday in Peru. John was great fan of The Liverpool Scene and friend of Adrian Henri and Andy. During the late 60s and early 70s, when John was far more well known than the band itself, he would often insist on the Liverpool Scene appearing on the same bill if a promoter wanted to book him for a gig. John was also a good friend to this site and gave permission in 2001 to reproduce an article he had written and in fact featured Andy's web site on the BBC Home Truths web-page. He will be sadly missed.
- Read Andy's personal tribute to a good friend here>>
- ROGER McGOUGH CBE
- Poet and playwright Roger McGough was made a CBE at Buckingham Palace for his services to literature. Roger has, of course, collaborated with Andy Roberts on a variety of projects since they first met during the Edinburgh Festival in the 1960s.
- PETE McCARTHY
- Travel author and radio presenter, Pete McCarthy, sadly passed away last week. Pete had huge success with his books, 'McCarthy's Bar' and 'The Road to McCarthy', and was a close personal friend of Andy.
- THE MIKE HARDING SHOW
- Andy, Tim Firth, Willy Russell and the band played the Rawhide Club in Liverpool for this 'LIVE FROM LIVERPOOL' Mike Harding Show. The band comprised Willy Russell, Tim Firth, Andy Roberts, Loreto Murray, Emily Jackson and Gavin Kaufman. The show also featured Ralph McTell and Janis Ian. There is a photograph of Andy on the Radio 2 'LIVE FROM LIVERPOOL' website. See our photos here >>>
- THE MIKE HARDING SHOW
- The Radio 2 Mike Harding Show on 6th October, will come live from a venue in Liverpool. Willy Russell will perform on the show which also features Janis Ian and Ralph McTell. Willy be joined by Andy, Tim Firth, Loreto Murray, Emily Jackson and Gavin Kaufman.
- THE LIVERPOOL SCENE live
- We have added some photos of the Liverpool Scene live on stage sometime in 1970. Taken from some film footage of an open air concert in Victoria Park, London, the images capture the energy of the band during those days. See the pictures here >>>
- NEW DOM ROWLEY arrangements
"The string arrangement by composer ANDY ROBERTS on this track is quite breathtaking..." DOM ROWLEY
- Earlier this year Andy composed a string arrangement for a track by new Liverpool singer/songwriter Dom Rowley, recording with Mike Cave at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool. This week, Dom and Mike Cave have asked Andy to produce further arrangements for his forthcoming album. The tracks are called "Look To The Sky" and "If You Fall".
- Liverpool - City of Poets
- Roger McGough and Brian Patten present a documentary on C5 next week. The two Liverpool Poets take viewers on a poetic tour of Liverpool to discuss the city's cultural and architectural history.
- The show goes out on C5 @7.30pm on Thursday 9th September.
- The Singing Playwrights
- Andy's trip to Edinburgh with the Singing Playwrights, Willy Russell and Tim Firth, was a great success with the shows receiving great reviews. We have a gallery of Images from Edinburgh here >>>
- The Liverpool Poets
- Whilst in Edinburgh enjoying Andy's live playing as part of Willy Russell's and Tim Firth's THE SINGING PLAYWRIGHTS, BBC Radio 4 re-broadcast the LIVERPOOL POETS programme. Presented by Pete McCarthy, the programme featured Roger McGough, Brian Patten and Adrian Henri and with interviews and contributions from Andy Roberts. If you missed the programme, you can 'Listen Again' via the BBC Radio4 web-site.
- The Plainsong CD
- Next week, Andy and Iain Matthews will be in the studio putting the finishing touches to the new Plainsong CD, Now we R 3, in preparation for its release - shortly.
- The Singing Playwrights...
- Andy will again lead the band ‘The Lips’ for the sensational singing scribes Willy Russell & Tim Firth when they take to the stage for their latest mix of comedy and music at the Edinburgh Festival this August. here >>>
- Andy pays tribute to Glen Sherley
- ..and recalls a lost album with some happy links to early Plainsong, Hank Wangford and Vivian Stanshall. here >>>
- PLAINSONG - finally 'Now we R 3' to be released
- There is a plan to release a 2 CD set of the original 1972 Plainsong quartet, which included Andy, Iain, Bob Ronga and Dave Richards. The CD set will include the unreleased second album "Now we"R 3", plus a recently discovered recording of the band singing a demo of "Along Comes Mary" The 2 disc set will contain over 150 minutes of music from the original band. More details here soon....
- DOM ROWLEY sessions
"The string arrangement by composer ANDY ROBERTS on this track is quite breathtaking..." DOM ROWLEY
- Earlier this year Andy composed a string arrangement for a track by new Liverpool singer/songwriter Dom Rowley, recording with Mike Cave at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool. The tracks are now released and can be listened to and downloaded from Dom's web-site. All the tracks sound strong but Late November truly does sound stunning.
- PLAINSONG PRESS PACK
We have a copy of the Press Pack produced by ELEKTRA when 'In Search of Amelia Earhart' was initially released. This extremely rare item has not been seen for years and contains lots of press cuttings from the time of Amelia's flight and disappearance. AndyRobertsMusic.com is pleased to show the pack in full size and with the original packaging and a photograph of Andy, Iain, Dave Richards and Bob Ronga appearing on stage. Check out the Plainsong pages to see the pack in all its glory.
- Plainsong Live recording just too good!
- Blue Rose Records have decided not to release the Plainsong Live CD recorded last year. The record company had planned to release the live CD this summer, but declined because, according to label boss Edgar Heckmann, the recordings were so good that no-one would believe they were live! Those who have seen and heard Plainsong will testify to just how polished their live performance is - no electronic gizmos to squeeze harmonies into shape - just four fine vocalists/instrumentalists. Andy and Iain will try to incorporate some of these recordings in a future Plainsong project. Watch this space....
- Willy Russell & Tim Firth ...
IN OTHER WORDS - This tour moves to Liverpool for two nights at the Playhouse this weekend and has picked up some excellent reviews as it moves across the UK. Some of the quotes include: "something unique in musical theatre" - "outstanding musicianship" - "Russell and Firth share the stage with an excellent band" Catch the band at the venues listed below.
- More photos added here >>
- The Rutles & Bubs White
- Whilst Rutle mania was breaking out across the UK during their tour earlier in the year Andy and Neil Innes met up with ex-Bonzo guitarist Bubbles White.
- Photo here >>
- Manchester
- The IN OTHER WORDS tour opened in Manchester on Sunday and a great gig it was too. The band played brilliantly to an appreciative audience. We will have some photos soon - but in the meantime here's one of one-time Plainsong member Clive Gregson, who now lives in Texas, but is currently touring the UK. Photo here >>
- Willy Russell & Tim Firth tour with ....
IN OTHER WORDS "The sung meets the spoken in a unique and entertaining mix of wit, wisdom and melody"
Willy Russell and Tim Firth re-join Andy Roberts for a comprehensive tour of the U.K. with words and music. Both Willy Russell and Tim Firth have new music to perform from their new albums. Plus there will be readings, comedy and much more...
The musicians who will join Willy and Tim on this tour will be Andy (guitars) plus Emily Jackson (vocals, bass & keyboard), Gavin Kaufman (vocals, bass & keyboard) and Vidar Norheim (vocals, drums, percussion & vibraphone). Emily, Gavin and Vidar are current students at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA). Dorie Jackson and Loreto Murray, who appeared with Willy and Tim last year for the Galway Festival and Oswestry gigs, will also join the band.
- Manchester
Sunday 9th May
Manchester Opera House, Quay Street Manchester
Tel: 08704 019000
- Milton Keynes
Tuesday 11th May
The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon
Tel: 01908 280800
- Liverpool
Friday 14th May
Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square Liverpool
Tel: 0151 709 4776
- Liverpool
Saturday 15th May- Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square Liverpool
Tel: 0151 709 4776
- Mold
Sunday 23rd May
Theatr Clwyd, Mold
Tel: 0845 330 3565
- York
Friday 28th May- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street York
Tel: 0870 606 3595
- Hay On Wye
Saturday 29th May- Hay On Wye Festival
Tel: 0870 990 1299
- Northampton
Sunday 30th May- Royal Theatre, Guildhalll Road, Northampton
Tel: 01604 624811
- Cardiff
Saturday 12th June- Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road Cardiff
Tel: 02920 646900
- Buxton
Saturday 19th June- Buxton Opera House, Water Street Buxton
Tel: 08451 272190
- On Tour & In The Studio
- Andy has had a couple of busy weeks and is presently touring with The Rutles.
- In addition, the past few weeks has seen Andy completely redraft the score for Cloud Nine (Joint Stock production from 1979) for a new high-profile production at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre later this year. He also composed a string arrangement for a track by new Liverpool singer/songwriter Dom Rowley, currently recording under the careful eye (and ear) of Mike Cave, who also works alongside The Coral, and Cracatilla and Thea Gilmore.
- Willy Russell & Tim Firth
- The band has now been confirmed for the IN OTHER WORDS tour and will consist of Willy (guitar), Tim (keyboards) and Andy (guitars) plus Emily Jackson (vocals, bass & keyboard), Gavin Kaufman (vocals, bass & keyboard) and Vidar Norheim (vocals, drums, percussion & vibraphone).
- Emily, Gavin and Vidar are current students at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts - LIPA.
- Competition Winner
- We have just run our first competition of this new AndyRobertsMusic site and earlier today I drew the winner's name from the hat.
Find out if it was you.... here >>
- Willy Russell & Tim Firth tour with ....
IN OTHER WORDS "The sung meets the spoken in a unique and entertaining mix of wit, wisdom and melody"
Willy Russell and Tim Firth re-join Andy Roberts for a comprehensive tour of the U.K. with words and music. Both Willy Russell and Tim Firth have new music to perform from their new albums. Plus there will be readings, comedy and much more...
- Manchester
Sunday 9th May
Manchester Opera House, Quay Street Manchester
Tel: 08704 019000
- Milton Keynes
Tuesday 11th May
The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon
Tel: 01908 280800
- Liverpool
Friday 14th May
Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square Liverpool
Tel: 0151 709 4776
- Liverpool
Saturday 15th May- Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square Liverpool
Tel: 0151 709 4776
- Mold
Sunday 23rd May
Theatr Clwyd, Mold
Tel: 0845 330 3565
- York
Friday 28th May- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street York
Tel: 0870 606 3595
- Hay On Wye
Saturday 29th May- Hay On Wye Festival
Tel: 0870 990 1299
- Northampton
Sunday 30th May- Royal Theatre, Guildhalll Road, Northampton
Tel: 01604 624811
- Cardiff
Saturday 12th June- Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road Cardiff
Tel: 02920 646900
- Buxton
Saturday 19th June- Buxton Opera House, Water Street Buxton
Tel: 08451 272190
- Competition
To celebrate this new site we have a signed copy of the Great Stampede poster to give a way in our first competition. Simply email with your name and address and tell us which is your favourite Andy Roberts composition. We also have some stickers from the same promotion to give away as runner up prizes.
I will draw the winners name and post it on the site on the 29th February.- more here >>
- Congratulations
Iain Matthews will marry his partner Marly Kleeven in a few days time. Andy Roberts, who has known Iain for over thirty years, will be Best Man.
- I'm sure all fans of Plainsong will join me in wishing Iain and Marly a wonderful day and a joyous future.
- The New Site
- The new-look AndyRobertsMusic site is taking shape and we will be reinstalling pages that have had to be trimmed during the three years of Dreamtree because of space shortages and adding brand new pages over the next few weeks. Watch out for some rare photos from Andy Roberts period with Pink Floyd and Hank Wangford which will be added together with some music clips.
- The Rutles
- Andy and Neil Innes will come together for a special concert during The Cream of British Comedy, hosted by Alan Partridge at the Royal Albert Hall. The event is in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and is on Wednesday 31st March beginning at 7.30pm.
