The Afterword

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Can anyone help identify a compilation ?

by 12 Comments

Hello, lurker here rather than regular poster, but just wondered if anyone might be able to help me out ? I’m sure I heard an item on the radio recently about a new compilation featuring a variety of folk artists/singer-songwriters who had been asked to write songs about significant events from the last 100 years (or 20th century). I’m sure I didn’t dream it, but I can’t seem to find any reference to it on buying sites and can’t remember the title. Has anyone heard of it and even better, (if it’s not a figment of my imagination) does anyone know if it’s any good – I thought it might suit a parent for Xmas.

The Ukrainians

by 2 Comments

Venue:

Fibbers, York

Date: 26/05/2015

The Ukrainians are one of my favourite bands and this was their first time playing in York but sadly I’d be surprised if they came back. Whilst they accept that their musical style is somewhat ‘niche’ this was still a pitifully small audience. The venue felt empty and even when the band started playing many people stayed well away from the stage, preferring to sit in the dark – why ? It does help a band’s performance if they can see the audience ! I’ve seen the Ukies in other venues and usually people are much more enthusiastic – our North Yorkshire reserve I guess.

To the uninitiated, The Ukrainians (initially an offshoot of The Wedding Present) play westernised versions of traditional Ukrainian songs and cover versions of other songs in Ukrainian language and style. Their albums and live sets have always featured an interesting selection of covers, notably The Smiths and the Sex Pistols, but the current tour is promoting the new album ‘A history of rock music in Ukrainian’ and, you’ve guessed it, it’s all cover versions and it’s great. Some are old favourites but many are new and the fun » Continue Reading.

An audience with Mark Ellen -Rock Stars Stole my Life

by 6 Comments

Venue:

Selby Town Hall, North Yorkshire

Date: 10/04/2015

So I’m guessing that most Afterworders have, like me, already read the book, so what did I get some this evening ? Well it was the chance to spend time in the company of our ever-genial host who had the audience eating out of his hand from the off. It was a bit of a gallop through his life, from the early days and the influence of his sisters and parents, to reminiscing about the challenges of buying vinyl and attending festivals in the 60s/70s to THAT band at University that featured a certain ex-Labour PM. There was lots of appreciative murmouring from the audience, a rekindling of memories and contributions from people who’d attended the same festivals and liked the same artists. Then we moved on to some of the rock star encounters, including meetings with Meatloaf, Jimmy Page and Roy Harper, Live Aid, Rihanna and of course, the notorious ‘ooops I’m naked’ Lady Gaga interview. Even though I knew what was coming it was entertaining to hear Mark talk through them, especially as he does some pretty good impersonations ! Ending with a Q&A elicited musings on the current » Continue Reading.

Mark Ellen comes to Selby Town Hall

by 1 Comment

10/04/2015

Mark Ellen will be telling tales from his book Rock Stars Stole my Life in an ‘audience with’ style event. Tickets (£12 in advance) and more info at www.selbytownhall.co.uk. It’s a great small venue and several good eateries nearby.

Henry Priestman

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Venue:

Bishop Burton Village Hall, nr Beverley, East Yorkshire

Date: 28/02/2015

A Henry Priestman gig is always a friendly, good natured affair and this return visit to Cherry Burton to launch his new DVD was no different. There was plenty of on stage banter with fellow musicians ‘Men of a Certain Age’ and lots of audience participation. Henry writes proper songs about things that concern middle aged people – love, family, getting old, frustration with the corporate world, politics and the state of the music industry. They are songs with a tune and a message. Most came from his 2 solo albums but we also got a couple of Christians songs, Suffice to say I Love You from the Yachts and a brief diversion to It’s Immaterials’s Driving away from Home. Stand out songs included Don’t you love me no more, No to the Logo, Valentine Song, It’s called a Heart and the final Irish Jig, in which all the musicians get their turn to show off. You get the impression Henry really loves what he’s doing, whether it’s playing on stage or meeting punters at the merch stand.

The audience:

Mostly middle aged and from the local area » Continue Reading.