Music

Sixtyplusurfers interview

Jeff Wayne

Interview by Jenny Itzcovitz

March 2025 sees the launch of ‘Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of Worlds’ with a monumental new 19-date tour, celebrating 130 years since the publication of HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale.

We caught up with Jeff to find out more about the tour and what audiences can expect. He reveals how he became a songwriter, composer and lyricist. And he reveals how he initially worked with Richard Burton who plays The Journalist, and now Liam Neeson who takes over the mantle in the forthcoming tour.

Plus Jeff also gives his words of wisdom about remaining active and enjoying your hobbies and interests, whatever your age, and staying happy and fulfilled. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you come from?

“I was born and raised in Forest Hills, in Queens, New York, although I’ve now lived in England for over two thirds of my life, so I guess I’m far more Brit than Yank!”

How old were you when you first learned to play the piano? Where did you learn? And who taught you how to play?

Jeff Wayne

“I started piano lessons in New York at the age of 5, which continued for about 16 years, including when I moved to England. I studied with a classical teacher for the four years we were there.

“Then we moved back to New York and I took jazz lessons with a very well-known pianist, teacher and author John Mehegan, who also taught a very young Burt Bacharach.”

How did you become a songwriter, composer and lyricist? Where did you get your first break?

“After 3 years in New York, we moved again, this time to California due to my father’s work as a singer and actor. Now in high school, I began writing pop songs with a high school friend and on the odd occasion publishers would even sign and record one of our tunes. But my big break came, just before moving back to England in 1966.

“My father had returned to the UK in 1964 to produce for the theatre, and asked me to compose the score for a musical he was producing called ‘Two Cities’, based on the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Tale of Two Cities.’ I only had minor credits from the US, so it was pure nepotism when he hired me, and despite me reminding him that he could work with any top-flight theatrical composer, my dad believed in what he heard in my early music and that was that.

“He ended up writing the lyrics alongside the score I composed which began our ‘father and son’ partnership.”

I understand that over the years you have written approximately 3,000 tracks for advertising. Can you tell us a bit about this and any notable ones that you are most proud of?

“Following ‘Two Cities’ a top director approached me to compose the music for ‘The Cheese Board’ which was a client of the world’s largest advertising agency at the time, J. Walter Thompson.

“The campaign proved a success and suddenly the ad world was keen to meet the guy who wrote the music for that cheese commercial, and the floodgates suddenly opened.

“For the next 10 years or so, I composed and produced about 3000 commercials, it was truly for the A-Z of advertisers. Perhaps my most notable advertising compositions were Gordon’s Gin (the first ad to use quadraphonic sound in the cinemas), ESSO and Abbey National – to name a few!”

You have also composed many television themes including Good Morning Britain (TV-am), ITV’s The Big Match and World of Sport, the 1982 World Cup and LBC, the UK’s first 24-hour radio news station. How do you tend to create a TV theme and make it memorable? Do you have a favourite?

“Usually, it starts by being called in to meet the producer and/or director to discuss the programme generally, and if there are any visuals already developed, they would show them to me. Today they’re passed around over the internet, so personal meetings have diminished.

“I’d then start work in my studio and prepare ideas which at some point would develop into a demo to present to the producer/director. I’d often be motivated by the name of the show and try to fit something in that represented that programme.

“In the case of LBC, my original theme was built around three notes, representing L-B-C and the recording just rolled around those three notes, heard in different octaves and different sounds, but always using those trio of notes. There were many different recordings made up of different lengths and moods, but always at the very end of each, I added a sub-theme which built up to end with those original three rolling notes.

“As to having any favourites? Not really.  I love ALL of them equally– like any parent loves their children equally!”

You adapted HG Wells’ science fiction novel ‘The War of The Worlds’ into a musical Work which was first released as a double album in 1978. The two-disc composition has to date gone 13 times platinum in the UK alone, and sold over 16 million copies to date around the world. Can you tell us a bit about the album and how you created the concept?

Jeff Wayne The War Of The Worlds

“It was the mid-70s, and I had been producing David Essex as well as touring with him as Musical Director. During this time my father was always reminding me of my long-held dream of finding a story that I felt passionately about and turning it into a Musical Work.

“The night before leaving on another tour with David, my Dad popped over to wish me luck and he had also brought a book for me to read while we were travelling from city to city. It was HG’s dark Victorian tale, The War of The Worlds.

“After one read, I was hooked, but not because it was the first science-fiction story ever written, it was the book’s Human themes, centuries old, but as relevant today – those of invasion, faith and hope. And it was these underlying themes combined with its fantasy, that gripped me, as they still do to this day.

“In that period, there was no Google, no email, no digital anything, and it took us about three months to eventually trace who now owned the HG Wells’ Rights which wound up to be HG’s son Frank who was represented by London agents.

“When we first met Frank Wells, he was impressed that my Musical Work’s vision was to stay true to his father’s story, retaining all the key themes, characters and its original 1897 Victorian England setting. In addition, Frank liked that a father and son were involved, and that was that, Frank sold us all the remaining rights. And to this day we’ve stayed true to HG’s story, and honoured our promise to Frank Wells.”

The double album features guest artists including Richard Burton as The Journalist, a spoken role with all the others coming from the musical and stage world featuring David Essex, the Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward, Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott, Manfred Mann’s Chris Thompson and Julie Covington. How did you bring these talented people together and make it into a cohesive best-selling record?

“All the people on the original double album were highly successful in their own careers. I met David when he was playing Jesus in the West End production of Godspell and I developed a working relationship and good friendship with him.

“Julie Covington was also in Godspell and that’s how I met her, too. But Phil Lynott and Justin Hayward, I didn’t know, and I was thrilled they both agreed to participate, as they brought their own sort of magic and style to each of their roles.

“Chris Thompson was someone who I had previously worked with, and he had just enjoyed a No. 1 USA hit singing lead for Manfred Man’s Earth Band on Blinded By The Light. What a powerful and emotional voice Chris had and when we started touring arenas in 2006, he joined our first 3 or 4 tours.”

How did you meet Richard Burton? How did you get him to agree to be The Journalist? And what was it like to work with such a talented and iconic actor?

Martian Fighting Machine

“The Journalist is recounting his tale of survival for his newspaper in 1904, six years after the Martian invasion. It’s the one role that is pure acting, and I wanted a voice that, the second the listener heard it, would take you into our world of The War of The Worlds.

“Richard’s voice was world-renowned, and his name was at the top of what was actually a very short list of actors. Making a ‘wish list’ is easy but attracting them is quite another thing. But with Richard, it just happened that two friends of mine had just come back from a holiday in New York and over dinner mentioned quite casually that they’d just seen a play called Equus with Richard Burton, and he was brilliant in it.

“I thought ‘that’s the man I want to try to get to, and because he’d be performing eight shows a week, he’d be spending a lot of time in the theatre Equus was in.’ With no emails in those days, I decided to write him a personal letter introducing myself, and included a copy of the script and asked him if he’d consider being our Journalist.

“I sent my little package to the stage door of the theatre and just hoped that the stage doorman would actually hand it to Richard, and he’d actually have the time to read and consider it.

“I didn’t have much hope in truth, but only three or four days later I received a call at my house from a man named Robert Lantz, who was Richard’s personal manager, After the introduction, the next words out of his mouth, which I’ll never forget were, “Richard loves the idea! Count him in dear boy.”

“I was stunned and asked him if he’d speak with my father, who happened to be over with his wife and writer, Doreen, and together they worked out an agreement that committed Richard to my musical version.

“Soon after, Richard went from Equus in New York to Los Angeles to begin making a new film, so to stay on our production schedule, my team and I flew to Los Angeles and recorded Richard there.  We had a five-day booking at Wally Heider’s studio, but Richard completed his role in 1 day, he was that good.

“A few weeks later, back in London at Advision Studios where most of The War Of The Worlds was recorded and mixed, I assembled the first version of the double album, but it was already over two hours in length, far too long, so I edited it down, which included a number of sections of Richard’s.

“I then made contact with Richard and asked if there was any way he could come into our London studio to do what was essentially repair work. Talk about the rub of the green, he was planning a trip to the UK quite soon, and happy to come into Advision  and when he did, he wrapped up what was his final work, in just a few hours.”

One of my favourite songs on the album is ‘Forever Autumn’ by Justin Hayward. Can you tell us about the song and your inspiration? How did you work with Justin to create such a beautiful song?

“Unexpectedly, ‘Forever Autumn’ started life as a composition for a Lego TV commercial in 1969. No, I’m not pulling your Lego, it’s true!

“And most unexpectedly, the toy company’s 30-second soundtrack with vocal ‘do-do’s’ by Paul Vigrass and Gary Osborne (singing stylistically like Simon and Garfunkel) began receiving attention from the public, asking if the music was available as a record.

“So, I decided to extend the melody into a complete ‘song’ while Paul and Gary wrote the lyrics. ‘Forever Autumn’ was born and released in 1972 in Japan on their debut album ‘Queues’, and it went to No. 3.

“Years later, when I was composing The War Of The Worlds, the story suddenly demanded a song about the loss of a loved one, with its hook line from the lyrics – ‘cause you’re not here’. Wanting The War Of The Worlds to be 100% original, I tried repeatedly to compose a new melody for this situation in the story, but I kept realising that the perfect song already existed – ‘Forever Autumn’ and waved the flag of surrender – Forever Autumn was now in The War of The Worlds with a new arrangement and production that I recorded.

“We had been continuing with our casting and believed that the quintessential voice for ‘Forever Autumn’ was Justin Hayward, lead singer of The Moody Blues whose own performances graced his classic song, ‘Nights in White Satin’ amongst others. 

“Good fortune arrived via a mutual contact of ours, and they forwarded Justin my newly recorded version of ‘Forever Autumn’. He loved it and suddenly, we had another brilliant signing as Justin was now on board as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist. His version of Forever Autumn was released as The War Of The Worlds came out and became one of our two biggest international hit singles.”

March 2025 sees the beginning of ‘Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of Worlds’ with a monumental new 19-date tour, celebrating 130 years since the publication of HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale. Can you tell us a bit about the show, how closely it stays with the original novel, and what audiences can expect and enjoy about it?

The War Of The Worlds The Artilleryman (Adam Garcia) on the Bridge

“My approach to our arena tours, which started in 2006, was to continue to stay true to the promise I made to Frank Wells; to stay as true as possible to his father’s story as well as my original 1978 double album.

“And to this day, I believe our original promise to Frank Wells, has been kept, and while our arena productions have grown unrecognizably since 2006, the heart and soul of HG Wells’ story, has remained. 

“In fact, in 2014 I introduced the role of HG Wells into our arena tours – while HG isn’t a character within the musical version, he’s most visible in parallel telling our audiences why he wrote The War Of The Worlds as he passes through his life from age 32 when he wrote The War Of The Worlds, until months before his passing in 1946.”

I understand that you will be conducting the production. What will this involve? How will you be preparing for it? And what are you most looking forward to about performing live in the tour?

The War Of The Worlds Martian Fighting Machine with 5-flumed Heat Ray

“Yes, I’ll be back on my podium conducting the 8-piece Black Smoke Band and the symphonic ULLAdubULLA Strings. To date, I’ve conducted every arena tour and an extended West End Season, and have never missed a show yet! While I’m a composer and a producer, conducting to me is the most exhilarating part of my work, and when I arrive on the podium, for the next two-and-a-half hours, I’m lost in another world.

“My own preparation before official rehearsals start is conducting the show in my studio, reminding myself between the written scores and recordings we have from the previous tour – sort of like an athlete training before the actual event!”

Since 2012 when the production featured Liam Neeson in 3D holography playing The Journalist, how did you work with Liam to adapt this for The War Of The Worlds? And can you give a flavour of how this worked?

“By the time we began touring in 2006, our original journalist Richard Burton had sadly passed away. There was a reasonable amount of unused material of Richard’s from our original recording, which on listening again to his performance, I realised there were excellent storylines, and the only reason we didn’t use these sections originally was the limit of time permitted on each side of a vinyl disc.

“So, when work started on The New Generation double album in 2011, and then the tour for 2012, I decided to add back these sections to develop the story more. Parting with Richard’s performance was a sad and very hard decision to make, but knowing it was impossible to ask Richard to return to the studio to be filmed for these sections, it led to the decision to start with a new Journalist and ultimately approach Liam Neeson. 

“How fortunate we were to attract Liam to the role, as like Richard Burton, he is that rare talent with a most beautiful and distinctive speaking voice, and could add his own interpretation to the role of our Journalist. And he did.”

What musicians, singers and other stars will be featuring in the orchestra and production? How did you select them?

Jeff Wayne The War Of The Worlds

“Reporting for Martian Duty will see the return of Liam Neeson as our Journalist with new enhanced screens, plus our returning 8-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece symphonic ULLAdubULLA Strings. Our Guest Artists will be announced closer to the tour, so watch this space!”

What special effects can audiences expect? Will there be any audience participation or surprises?

Martian Fighting Machine

“We’ve never just taken The War of The Worlds out of the box and produced it the same as any previous tour.

“Our last show was the most ground-breaking production we’ve toured to date and The Spirit of Man 2025 Tour is already shaping up very well and should top our last tour from 2022.”

How do you tend to compose your music? Do you have a typical process or somewhere that you like to write?

“I normally compose at either my piano or on one of my synthesisers. But when I arrange or orchestrate, I tend to work away from any instrument and handwrite at my desk what I’m ‘hearing’.

“In recent years I’ve also composed directly to picture by watching the images and getting inspired by what I’m watching, and of course, if there’s a script, to first get an understanding of the given scene. I just sit in front of the screen and let inspiration come spontaneously. I’ve surprised myself how often I’ve been able to achieve certain pieces with this process.”

Do you have a favourite piano, synthesiser or instrument that you like to work on at home? Is there a story behind it?

“I always dreamed of owning a Steinway Model D Concert Grand, and until I could afford to be able to walk into Steinway and say, ‘that one’, I continued working on a good but well-used upright piano.

“By the time I could afford to buy the Steinway, it just happened to be as I was beginning to compose my musical version of The War of The Worlds – what great timing it proved as its sound was, and remains so, moving and inspiring.

“Soon after purchasing my piano, I had some custom modifications made for me by Steinway – a unit in the same black wood as the piano itself, that sits on the frame above the keyboard and allows me to have any size score and stave paper in front of me, easy to read. To its side are small open storage spaces for anything like pencils, rubbers, etc and on the right, slots to hold stave paper, or scripts, etc. And on top of this unit are platforms for lights and speakers.

“And underneath the keyboard is a drawer on each side, that I use for keeping any other small items I want, so I’m rarely needing anything that prevents my work from being interrupted.

“In more recent years, technology has advanced allowing me to have had my Steinway modified to connect to a MIDI controller, so while it remains the same beautiful piano it always was, it also now offers me the ability to play and hear all the electronic sounds that come from synths and sample packages with the speakers allowing me to hear the electronic sounds at the same time as the piano.”

How much of your day do you spend at the piano or working in your studio? Does it provide you with comfort and solace?

“If I’m working on a new tour, or any new production, my days (and often nights) will occupy my professional time. When I’m less busy and have available time, I like to play my piano and often try composing a new piece or song, or even sketches of ideas that might come in useful at a later date.

“My Steinway Concert Grand, Model D is my favourite instrument, which I’ve had since the early days of composing The War Of The Worlds, from around 1975. It most definitely offers a frame of mind that is uniquely comforting. I will never sell it, but pass it on to my family.”

What are your hobbies aside from music? I understand you are a keen tennis player and have won many championships?

Jeff Wayne

“Yes, tennis has been my main sport since a boy age about 5 and was taught by my dad who was a national standard player in his day.

“I wound up Captaining and playing at No.1 for my High School and College teams in California, and since moving back to England, I’ve played for a number of clubs, including London’s Queens Club, and representing Hertfordshire County.

“I’ve also competed in many UK national Veteran championships (you’re a Vet in the UK from age 35!), and have won 2 singles and 3 doubles titles which led to my selection to play for the GB veterans twice.

“I’ve also recently retired as the Herts Men County Captain after serving the team for 35 years, There are 8 groups across the UK and each year there’s a Summer and Winter Cup where the teams are competing to win, or prevent from being relegated. Group 1 is the highest and we’ve faced some of GB’s previous and current finest players – like Andy and Jamie Murray (North of Scotland), the Skupski brothers (Lancs), Joe Salisbury (Surrey) and Dan Evans (Warwickshire).

“When I took over the team, we were in Group 4 in the Summer Cup and Group 6 in the Winter, but over the years, we kept climbing the Group ladder until we arrived in Group 1 about 17 years ago, and to date have never been relegated, with the Herts Men becoming a true force in British tennis, winning to date 15 National titles – 7 in the Summer and 8 in the Winter, with a number of Runner-up medals as well.

“In 2023 when I captained my last Summer Cup, at the trophy and medal presentations, I was surprised, no, make that overwhelmed, with a Guard of Honour by the Ladies and Men’s teams, for my services to Herts County – a very unexpected and treasured moment.”

Music can bring great happiness and joy. What would you advise for anyone looking to learn a musical instrument or perfect their talents in later life as a hobby or pastime?

“Just do it! There shouldn’t be any limitations of interest for any individual and the rewards would be wonderful – be it on a pennywhistle, a piano or anything really that makes a sound that excites you.”

Do you have a special message for Sixtyplusurfers readers?

Jeff Wayne

“As I’ve passed through different age groups, I’ve never lost my love and interests, with the most important remaining my family. Geraldine, my wife of 47 years and I have 4 grown-up children with 9 grandchildren and counting, they are my foundation to life.

“But I also believe it’s really important to remain active in life if one can. For me it’s staying involved in my career of music, conducting and production along with my continued interest in fitness and tennis. 

“I hope that may help a bit, but really, being a Sixtyplusurfer in today’s world, that’s not really ‘old’ at all, with many more years to enjoy life and maintain or add to your interests, in whatever way one wants.”

Tickets for Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of Worlds are available now from www.myticket.co.uk

THE SOUTH UK Tour

THE SOUTH 9-Piece Band UK Tour

The South

THE SOUTH (featuring members of The Beautiful South) announce their 2024 UK Tour Dates! The South are back on the road and do what they do best – perform the songs of that great British pop institution, The Beautiful South, to the thousands of fans of these timeless classics.

The South are an impressive 9-piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties. New for 2024, Gareth John joins both Gaz and Ali on vocals bringing his talents to the forefront making him a third vocalist as part of the new set-up. 

The South

Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this exciting live band have spent 15 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of these treasured songs  –  A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Song For Whoever, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her plus many more singles and album tracks as well as a few choice South originals. These songs span an impressive 18 year career starting way back in 1989!

The South are Alison Wheeler (Vocals), Gaz Birtles (Vocals), Phil Barton (Guitars), Steve Nutter (Bass), Dave Anderson (Drums), Karl Brown (Percussion), Gareth John (Trumpet/Vocals), Su Robinson (Sax) and Andy Price (Keyboards).

Let’s Carry On… Regardless!

The South

For tickets and information about the shows visit www.thesouth.co.uk/tour-dates

Mel Gaynor Solo Album

Mel Gaynor Releases Come With Me

Mel Gaynor Come With Me

Exactly 45-years since Simple Minds stormed into the UK Top 30 album charts with their debut album, their longest standing drummer, Mel Gaynor, announces the release of his debut solo album, ‘Come With Me’, out 3rd May. 

One of the World’s most renowned drummers, Gaynor has sold over 60 Million records during his 35 year career, and now under his newly signed label deal with Marquee Records, he unleashes his debut solo single ‘Run’ 1 March, as the first track off his highly anticipated new solo studio album. 

Proving that the back-man drummer has front-man charisma, Gaynor steps up to stun audiences with his unique gritty vocal quality, lyrical genius and a rare ability to re-imagine old rock favourites, in a style we never thought possible.  Oh, and popping the rock-cherry onto this music cake, Gaynor pulls icon, Robert Palmer in to feature on a 2024 re-working of ‘Addicted To Love’ – sheer genius!

Mel Gaynor

Ten years in the making, and working with record producer and mix-engineer, Michael Smith rom RYP Studios, this debut album sees Mel Gaynor step up as songwriter and lead vocalist, with of course, large helpings of powerhouse drumming on this debut album, which sees the triumphant return of this musical legend, but as a solo artist in his own right.

A x10 track collection of ear-busting tracks, the title song ‘Come With Me’ busts opens the door to this debut album – bold, commanding and beat-dominant ferocious heavy-rock, blended with a swirling melodic guitar, this Def-Leppard-esque rock gem sets the scene for a diverse and eclectic collection of tracks that follow.  ‘Run’, the debut single to be lifted from the track, takes a more anthemic, catchy pop/rock vibe, as Gaynor delivers a perfect slice of daytime radio, flecked with charismatic strings that add a distinct folk / Americana feel. 

The breath-taking dominance of ‘Keep On Believing’  flies the flag for 80s Album Orientated Rock in the same vein as Foreigner and Styx, whilst ‘Dangerous’, with its elements of funk-rock, is strongly reminiscent of the husky grit of Lenny Kravitz.  ‘Little White Lies’ is pop at its best in a musical cocktail that harps back to the Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel’, whilst the mix of vocals sound a lot like a dream-pairing of Trevor Horn and Seal.  ‘Fire In the Rain’, ‘Still Waters’, ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ all carry a 90s undertone Lenny Kravitz sound, blending rock, soul and funk to create material with catchy choruses and hooks. 

Aside from his original offerings, Gaynor refreshes our love for some of our favourite classics with his inspired version of Chris Isaac’s ‘Wicked Games’ creating a dream-like sequence across the music, and a real treat as the late Robert Palmer features on Gaynor’s spectacular version of ‘Addicted To Love’. 

Smashing classic rock smack bang into 2024, Gaynor demonstrates his unique ability to deliver a portfolio of his own original pennings, whilst re-imagining and refreshing some of our favourite tracks of all time; each track on this collection has leaps out as radio-ready in its own right.

“It’s been a lifetime’s achievement to bring my solo album to this stage,” explains Gaynor. “I’m immensely proud of this project, as it combines many of my music influences throughout my career, from rock to funk to soul, and even country. And to be stepping up finally as a solo artist is a dream come true. I hope that my fans will embrace this amazing journey with me.”

Although Mel is best known with arena and festival audiences around the world for his time with Simple Minds, it’s perhaps surprising to many of his fans that he’s also had a shining career as a session musician, most notably with guitar gods Brian May, Gary Moore, and the likes of Elton John, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Samson, The Pretenders, Jackson Browne, Little Steven, Robert Palmer, Joan Armatrading, Incognito, Imagination and Light of the World, to name but a few of the luminary bands and solo artists that Mel has worked with. 

After leaving the hard rock band Samson (in which he played alongside future Iron Maiden vocalist, Bruce Dickinson), Gaynor joined Simple Minds in 1982 as a session drummer for the New Gold Dream album, playing on six of the nine tracks; permanently joining the band from the New Gold Dream tour onwards.

Now, for 2024, the man behind the drums takes centre stage to showcase his unparalleled vocal, writing and musical ability, in the form of his debut album ‘Come With Me’.  

Live tours and pop up performances are also on the agenda.

The debut album ‘Come With Me’ is released on Marquee Records on 3rd May.

For more information about Mel Gaynor visit www.melgaynor.com

Latitude Festival Henley

Duran Duran at Latitude Festival

Duran Duran

The acclaimed Latitude Festival is poised to return to the beautiful Henham Park in Suffolk from July 25th to 28th, 2024. Headliners Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar, and Sara Pascoe spearhead an eclectic line-up that fuses music with the arts across an immersive cultural weekend. 

Duran Duran’s John Taylor says, “We are excited to be making Latitude our sole UK performance next summer. It’s a great festival, and it’s been a long time since Duran has been in that part of the country. In fact, it’s our first time ever in Suffolk. We are riding high on the reception our new Danse Macabre album has received and looking forward to bringing music from that record, all the way back to our 1981 debut album. See you there!”

Hot on the heels of their huge Summer Solstice II show announcement, Leicester’s iconic rock superstars Kasabian will also headline Latitude with an exclusive festival performance. Guitarist Tim Carter says, “This is going to be our first time at Latitude, and it’s going to be massive. We can’t wait to give you the show of your lives. See you in the Summer!”

Keane

British megastars Keane make their Latitude return as headliners as they celebrate 20 Years of their landmark debut album – Hopes and Fears. The record is one of the best-selling albums in U.K. chart history, having sold over 2.5 million copies in its first year. 

Tim Rice-Oxley says, “We were gutted when we missed out on playing at Latitude when it was cancelled in 2020 – so we’re over the moon to finally be playing there next year. It’s a legendary festival and we can’t wait to be there.” 

The legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC will also play the festival. Nile Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner, Apple Music Producer-in-Residence, Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman, and Hipgnosis Songs Co-founder. 

It’s been 36 years since he first shot to fame, yet Rick Astley is now arguably a more prominent force in popular culture than he ever was. He returns to Latitude after a standout performance in 2021. 

The endearingly boyish 57-year-old is still winning over new fans, whether he’s performing with Foo Fighters, Take That, or Blossoms; becoming an unlikely social media sensation; or simply embracing the unending love that greets his era-defining smash ‘Never Gonna Give You Up,’ which was boosted by its use in an intensely affecting scene in ‘Ted Lasso’.

Sara Pascoe will be the first 2024 comedy headliner. The highly acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor was due to perform at last year’s festival but unfortunately had to pull out due to illness. Sara has hosted The Great British Sewing Bee and appeared in BBC2’s Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and the BBC2 sitcom Out of Her Mind.

Sara Pascoe

Sara exclaims, “Absolutely buzzing with excitement to be returning to the comedy arena. Instead of hibernating this winter I’ll be glittering my face, tie-dying my socks, and getting festival ready!”

For details visit www.latitudefestival.com

Heart Tours with Squeeze

Heart Royal Flush
Tour with Squeeze

Legendary rock band HEART announce their highly-anticipated return to the UK, for the first time in 8 years. Presented by AEG Presents, the Royal Flush Tour 2024 will see the band embark on a 6-date UK arena tour, with special guests Squeeze who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. 

The career-spanning performances kick off on Monday July 1st at London’s The O2 Arena, with further dates in Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow.

With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees have earned global recognition selling more than 35 million albums worldwide, with 20 Top 40 singles to their name. HEART will be performing their catalogue of global chart-topping classic hits including ‘Magic Man’, ‘Barracuda’, ‘Crazy on You’ and ‘These Dreams’.

The current members of HEART feature Nancy Wilson (rhythm, lead and acoustic guitar, backing and lead vocals), Ann Wilson (lead vocals and flute), Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals) and Sean Lane (drums and bike).

“We’re excited and all geared up to hit the road in 2024 to perform for our devoted fans,” HEART’s lead vocalist Ann Wilson says. She adds, “The exceptional talent of the band – Ryan, Ryan, Paul, Tony and Sean – brings a whole new level of energy to HEART’s live performance”. Ann hints the possibility of adding more tour dates in the near future heightening anticipation for what promises to be an incredible concert experience.

Nancy Wilson says, “I am incredibly proud of the show that our band has crafted and am looking forward to reconnecting with our fans. We can’t wait to share our music with everyone and celebrate the timeless legacy of our classic hits.”

Special guests on the tour are British music legends Squeeze. Celebrating 50 years in music, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook have remained at the heart of Squeeze since its inception, and have carved out a distinctive place in the pop firmament with their vibrantly melodic, perceptive songs, including 70s and 80s hits such as ‘Up the Junction’, ‘Cool for Cats’, ‘Another Nail in My Heart’, ‘Hourglass’ and ‘Tempted’.

Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford

Commenting on touring with their American contemporaries, Glenn says, “I’m so looking forward to sharing stages all over the UK with HEART, this is a most unexpected pleasure!” with Chris adding “Very much looking forward to being on the bigger stages with HEART, a legendary summer show with lots to look forward to.”

HEART is an American/Canadian rock band who formed in 1973 in Vancouver, BC. 1975 saw their first album Dreamboat Annie break out to global success. HEART effortlessly blends the sounds of 70s hard rock and acoustic rock, punk and symphonic.

Defying all categories HEART is a band like no other having influenced a wide range of mainstream and underground artists in a career spanning nearly five decades. 

HEART boasts over 35 million albums sold worldwide including over 22 million in the US alone with 20 Top 40 singles and also holds an ongoing streaming presence. HEART has released 16 studio albums, 7 live albums, 8 compilation albums and 64 singles.

Visit www.heart-music.com for  tickets.

Sixtyplusurfers Competition

Win ‘Beyond Why?’
by Nick Croft on Vinyl

Win Nick Croft Beyond Why on Vinyl

Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Worldwide Music to offer two lucky readers the chance to win ‘Beyond Why?’, the new album by Nick Croft on collectible vinyl.

Nick Croft has released his debut album at 70. Produced by Cameron Jenkins (John Cale, The Verve, The Charlatans, Stranger Records / Lana Del Rey) it was recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios.

As someone once said, age is just a number. It certainly is for 70-years-old Nick Croft, who has released debut album, ‘Beyond Why?’ The record will also be available on LP on 22nd March 2024.

Nick Croft

The album is preceded by the beautiful country – Americana lilt, ‘Love Is Too Small A Word’, the first single from ‘Beyond Why?’ available now.

On the single he says, “This song is about a lasting love that remains fulfilling and it still makes me smile after all these years.”

Croft says ‘Beyond Why?’ has been 70 years in the making, and has truly been a marathon rather than a sprint, “Actually, there was no rush, I could have waited until I was 90.”

Nick Croft

It’s probably best he didn’t wait; for ‘Beyond Why?’ is a glistening, mostly self-penned collection of what Nick likes to call English Americana. These beautifully crafted songs are packed with the wisdom of experience, brimming with insight, rue and wit and you can whistle them in the bath.

Croft is the son of David Croft and Ann Callender, who were a significant part of the 1960’s, 70’s and 1980’s British television elite. Dad was co-writer of some of the era’s most loved comedy – Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served?, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Hi-De-Hi!, ‘Allo ‘Allo! and a slew of others which still raise warm smiles today.

“For me, it was completely normal,” Nick insists. “The actors – Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Paul Shane and the rest – would come round and we’d know them as people rather than stars. They’d share a bottle of wine with mum and dad and I’d hear the guffaws from the living room.”

Nick Jones

Whilst the unfortunate reality of conventional jobs lingered, Croft performed throughout the 70’s on the fringes of the London singer-songwriter scene, which after a brief stint as British Frisbee Champion, he continued through to the 90’s when along with his brother John he acquired a recording studio in Camden Town.

Nick and John used their studio facilities to become ambient titans innersense. “We noticed everyone was getting so uptight; people needed to chill out.” For five albums and a slew of residencies in the chillout rooms of megaclubs, they were the gentle flipside of the rave scene.

Nick Croft

In the meantime, John had taken a ‘proper’ job in real estate management and was then able to save some money. With his booty, he turned to Nick and said “let’s make an album of your songs with some proper musicians”. As you might imagine, Nick replied “that’s a great idea” and ‘Beyond Why?’  was born.

The brothers recruited Cameron Jenkins – late of Lana Del Rey (Stranger Records), The Verve, John Cale and The Charlatans – as producer, Charlie Jones of Page & Plant, Cult and Goldfrapp fame plays bass, Siouxsie’s drummer Rob Brian brings subtle rhythm, Melvin Duffy plays pedal steel and a handful of other accomplished musicians do their thing. The album was recorded at Real World Studios, England using analogue tape machines and plenty of other vintage gear. “It was a total delight – so easy on your ears”.

Nick Croft

“The songs are mostly about my life,” explains Nick, “although there are collaborations with my writing partner Tim Nash. I used to ask ‘why?’, as in ‘what the f*** are we doing here’. Did we decide to come here? Did you ask your parents to come? It’s a mystery, so I kept asking’ why?’ As I got older that stopped. Now I’m beyond ‘why?’”.

Impeccably played, emotionally moving and packed with earworms and wisdom, ‘Beyond Why?’ is the sound of a man belatedly coming to terms with his gifts.

Photographs by Wolf James.

Listen to ‘Love Is Too Small A Word’ 

Click on arrow to watch the video

For Your Chance to Win

Tell us the name
of the Nick Croft’s
new album
?

     a) Before Love?
     b) Beyond Why?
     c) Beside The Sea?
     d) Believe In Music?

To Enter the Competition

Tell us the name of Nick Croft’s new album? Then send in your answer together with your full name, postal address and telephone number to the Sixtyplusurfers email address sixtypluscomp@hotmail.co.uk
or click on the blue link below:

sixtypluscomp@hotmail.co.uk

* Please label your entry
Nick Croft Vinyl Album Competition

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Gabrielle at Durham Cathedral

Gabrielle Live at Durham Cathedral

Gabrielle at Durham Cathedral

Live At The Cathedral 2024 are delighted to announce Gabrielle as their headline act on Saturday 20th July performing at Durham Cathedral.

The inimitable Gabrielle is set to release her eighth studio album ‘A Place In Your Heart’ on May 10th, which is now available to pre-order.

The new album ‘A Place In Your Heart’ captures everything that fans adore Gabrielle for: that smoky, soulful voice, full of emotion, vulnerability and yearning; songwriting that’s relevant to this point in time yet that feels as timeless and instant as a call from an old friend; the approachable, down-to-earth nature that’s been a constant since her youth growing up in Brockley, south London.

Without limiting herself to any particular schedule or sound, she let the songs evolve naturally until she had a collection of twelve tracks that she loved, taking in heartfelt ballads, soul, rock and pop.

Gabrielle

‘A Place In Your Heart’ continues her creative partnership with producer and co-writer Ian Barter (Paloma Faith, Amy Winehouse) after their success with 2018’s Top 10 comeback ‘Under My Skin’ and 2021’s ‘Do It Again’ – which became her highest charting album in twenty years when it debuted at Number 4.

Gabrielle says, “I really loved writing and recording the songs for this new album with Ian Barter. I hope you enjoy the record as much as I did making it and thank you for letting me have ‘A Place In Your Heart’ for the last 30 years.” The album also testament to her relentless creativity.

“Even as ‘Do It Again’ was about to be released, she had a catalogue of songs that she was eager to record – and that catalogue has grown exponentially ever since. She credits this to the freedom of her children growing up. In-between 2007 and ‘Under My Skin’, she was focused on raising her family and barely released any new music at all. But now she’s making up for lost time, and enjoying every new opportunity that comes her way.

From the early ‘90s to the turn of the millennium, Gabrielle was one of the UK’s most successful artists. With two unforgettable Number 1 smashes (‘Dreams’ and ‘Rise’), a back catalogue full of Top 10 hits, two albums which reached 4 x Platinum status, two BRIT Awards, two MOBOs and an Ivor Novello, everything she touched seemed to turn to gold.

But after some time away, she suddenly found herself in the middle of a victory lap in which she not only reconnected with original fans but was embraced by a new generation too. It was kickstarted by her show-stealing performances in ‘The Masked Singer’, leading to her 2021 album ‘Do It Again’ album entering the charts at Number 4 – her highest chart position in twenty years.

She was also heralded as a pivotal influence by the iconic artists of this era, first with a personal invite from Adele to perform at her huge Hyde Park shows, and then when Stormzy asked her to appear in the video for ‘Mel Made Me Do It’. The track’s dramatic monologue directly referenced her cultural impact. “Gabrielle once told us dreams can come true, and that sentence emancipated the minds of our pioneers.”

Autumn 2023 saw Gabrielle back on the road for the ‘30 Years of Dreaming’ UK and Ireland headline tour. One of the biggest tours of her career, multiple shows were sold-out six months in advance – including London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall – resulting in numerous dates being added to the schedule.

Live At The Cathedral

Tickets for the Durham Cathedral show in July are available from the website at www.liveatthecathedral.com

Shalamar UK Tour

Shalamar Greatest
Hits Tour

Shalimar

Soul legends Shalamar have announced a Greatest Hits Tour for 2024, celebrating nearly 50 years as a group and performing the iconic songs that have seen them sell over 25 million records worldwide.

The group will perform their greatest hits such as “A Night To Remember”, “Take That to The Bank”, “Second Time Around”, “Make That Move”, “Dead Giveaway”, “Disappearing Act”, “Dancin’ In The Sheets”, “Over and Over”, “Friends” and many more.

This tour will be extra special for the band, who will return to where it all began for them in the UK – the Dominion Theatre in London, where they will perform for the first time since a remarkable 8 shows in 1982.

The band still comprise of original lead singer Howard Hewett, along with his singing and dancing partner Jeffrey Daniel. They are joined by Carolyn Griffey the daughter of the bands original record company owner Dick Griffey who put the band together.

Alongside their ubiquitous hits, Shalamar is synonymous with a huge dance craze that had never been seen before in the UK. Jeffrey Daniel brought the body popping phenomenon into Europe with a famed appearance on Top of the Pops and performed the first moonwalk on European TV. This performance changed music culture forever. Jeffrey has been an inspiration to millions of people across the world including the man he mentored – Michael Jackson.

In 2023 Shalamar were awarded a stone on the Camden Music Walk of Fame and were Soul Act of the year at the Boisdale awards. As well as selling out venues across the UK with their ‘Friends’ 40th Anniversary Tour, the group performed to tens of thousands at BBC Radio 2 in the Park.

Special guest for the tour will be Gwen Dickey  – The Voice of Rose Royce, famed for hits such as ‘Wishing On A Star’, ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’, ‘Car Wash’, and ‘Is It Love You’re After’.

Tickets on-sale now. For tickets and tour dates visit www.shalamar.info/tickets

Watch Shalamar BBC Radio 2 in the Park

Click on arrow to watch

Michael Armstrong Single

Michael Armstrong Don’t Get Me Wrong

Michael Armstrong

Michael Armstrong is releasing ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ on 1st March. A Stunning Cover Version of The Pretenders Classic Hit.

Don’t Get Me Wrong, is the 3rd single to be taken from Michael’s collection of interpretations of classic hits most associated with female artists. It is an original and very different string-laden stripped back version of The Pretenders classic and has fast become a fans favourite.

In 2021 Michael hit the No.1 spot on the US NMW Indie Chart for 4 consecutive weeks with his self-penned song ‘Each Others Eyes’ (No.15 on the Top 40 Chart). As a direct result of the success in America, Michael was invited to perform at the London New Year’s Day Parade on 1st January 2022 – an event that was broadcast across the USA, Canada and beyond with an estimated viewing audience of some 500 million people!

Mike Armstrong

2023 was a difficult year so far for Michael. After a routine NHS Health Check in January, he was diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes and Anaemia. Further tests found a mass in his left kidney which was subsequently confirmed as cancer. A 6-hour operation followed in May where the surgeons, with the aid of robots, were able to remove the tumour and save some of the infected kidney.

Michael explains, “The diagnosis came as a complete surprise. I hadn’t any symptoms or illness. Telling my children was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I can’t thank the NHS staff enough. They were incredible. If you get offered a free NHS health check, please go! It probably saved my life.”

Michael Armstrong was born in South London in November 1973. His parents were not in the slightest bit musical, although they did listen to music frequently. Michael remembers car journeys singing along and harmonising with his brother to The Beatles Greatest Hits. He knew from a very early age that he wanted to express himself through music and song.

At around the age of 11 he began to seriously tackle learning the guitar and as soon as he was able to play 3 chords, he had written his first song. Once he had mastered the guitar, he taught himself to play the piano during Games lessons at school stating, ‘I just couldn’t hack Rugby, not in the cold wet weather’. Luckily his lack of interest and ability in the sport was confirmed by his teachers who were happy to leave him tinkering away in the music room.

At the age of 15 he entered a song writing competition on BBC’s Pebble Mill At One, coming in second place to a 16 year old Mancunian called Gary Barlow. Take that! By 18, he had his own band and performed his original material across the country eventually playing several nights at The Shepherds Bush Empire in London.

By the age of 23, having toured incessantly, Michael became disillusioned with the music business and joined his father at the family construction company. For 15 years they grew the company to huge success and Michael lived a happy and fruitful life with his wife and three children.

In 2011 a string of events suddenly sent Michael on a new but familiar path. His father’s health led him to retirement and Michael’s own health scare led him to assess his situation. Some might call it a mid-life crisis! Coupled with the failing UK economy and a chance encounter with music biz guru Lisa Davies, Michael felt the world of showbiz beckoning him again. He had also amassed some 200 songs that had never been released. Seeing his talent, and amazed by his music, Lisa became Michael’s manager and set about raising his profile across the business.

After receiving great reactions to an EP, Michael set about recording his debut album ‘Michael Armstrong’ which was eventually released on 29th June 2015.

It was met with resounding success, championed by the late Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2 and gaining airplay across the globe. The album featured guitar giants Albert Lee (2 x Grammy Award Winner), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers) and Phil Palmer (Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams) and was produced by Keith Bessey (10cc, Cliff Richard, The Ramones).

As a result of the album’s success, Michael has since been interviewed and has performed on just about every radio station in the land several times over. He has additionally gained major airplay across the globe including the UK’s BBC Radio 2, and mainstream stations all over Europe, USA, Australia and South America, where his single ‘The Radio Years’ was a Top 10 hit. This has further led to numerous appearances on national TV such as ITV’s Lorraine, Sky News, BBC News, and ITN.

A dedicated touring artist, Michael has performed with some of the biggest names in the business. He has spent many years ‘on the road’ headlining his own shows as well as appearing as a special guest on major tours with Leo Sayer, Vonda Shepard, T’Pau, Beverley Craven, Dean Friedman & The Hollies’ Peter Howarth.

He has also collaborated and worked alongside massive global stars including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard, Mark Knopfler, Glenn Fry, Chris de Burgh, Russell Watson, Hank Marvin, Michael Ball, Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Marty & Kim Wilde and countless others.

Michael Armstrong

In 2016 Michael released the official 60th Anniversary commemorative single for Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club and performed it on stage at the venue during a very special celebratory party which included many associated local and national dignitaries. That same year he was invited to open the Great British Radio Reunion with his anthem ‘The Radio Years’ and was selected by his local authority to perform and present an award at their Annual Local Heroes Awards Ceremony in conjunction with BBC radio.

In 2018 Michael released his second album Looking For The World, again to great critical and commercial acclaim.  Singles from the album including the title track were played on radio across the globe, as Michael set out on his biggest promotional tour to date.

During the USA leg, Michael was invited to spend some time with one of his great musical influences, singer songwriter, Ben Folds. They spent a week together in Ojai, California, where much of what was to become Michael’s third studio album was conceived. 

Following the promo tour, Michael returned to the UK for a sell-out London show, which was to kick start a full UK and European tour, only to be scuppered by the global pandemic.

Unable to perform and in isolation, Michael set about recording the songs he had written on the West Coast in his home studio and the result, ‘Ojai’, the album was released on 25th June 2021. The opening track on the album, ‘Each Other’s Eyes’ was picked up by DJs in the USA and gradually began to climb the charts.

By October of the year, the track had reached No.1 on the US Indie Music Chart and No.15 on the Top 40 Chart, where it remained for some 4 weeks, ahead of Elton John and Billy Eilish and hot on the heels of Ed Sheeran, Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello and Weeknd!

As a result of the success in America, Michael was invited to perform at the London New Year’s Day Parade on 1st January 2022 – an event that was broadcast across the USA, Canada and beyond with an estimated viewing audience of some 500 million people!

Follow Michael Armstrong on his website at www.michaelarmstrongmusic.co.uk

Listen to Michael sing Don’t Get Me Wrong

Click on arrow to watch

Bob Marley One Love

Bob Marley One Love

Bob Marley

Bob Marley: One Love is out in cinemas now. This inspiring film celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity.

On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob Marley’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

Paramount Pictures Presents Bob Marley: One Love. Executive Producers are Richard Hewitt, Orly Marley, Matt Solodky. The Story is by Terence Winter & Frank E. Flowers. And screenplay is by Terence Winter & Frank E. Flowers and Zach Baylin & Reinaldo Marcus Green.

Bob Marley: One Love Stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Umi Myers, Anthony Welsh, Nia Ashi, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-Sharé Blake, Gawaine “J-Summa” Campbell, Naomi Cowan, Alexx A-Game, Michael Gandolfini, Quan-Dajai Henriques, David Kerr, Hector Roots Lewis, Abijah “Naki Wailer” Livingston, Nadine Marshall, Sheldon Shepherd, Andrae Simpson and Stefan A.D Wade. Watch it in cinemas now.

For details visit www.OneLoveMovie.com

Watch the Trailer for Bob Marley One Love

Click on arrow to watch