GUESTBOOK Please leave a message on our guestbook!   Click here to leave us a message   GUESTBOOK Ade Macrow - Radstock (in my heart) 08/03/2010 I've got a copy of Steve Augarde's 'Mr Mick' book and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed, should you choose to bite the bullet and pay the (high-ish) price most dealers demand. Be prepared for a few deviations, though, as Stackridge took some considerable artistic licence with their album. You won't find Bill The Burglar or Mrs Mick on The 'Ridge LP, for instance. And the 'steam radio' is wooden in Augarde's book. None of which detracts from the book's merits (or those of the album, for that matter). Take a firm grip of that credit card, breath deeply, plunge in and prepare to be delighted. bryan jolley - sheffield 08/03/2010 I tried ordering a copy of Steve Augarde's book MR MICK, from Sheffield Library,this weekend. No luck! Only used copies available on the web, it seems. Has anyone read it? Is it worth the rarity price that dealers will no doubt be asking for? Oh and by the way! I am a big fan of both the discs in the Angel Air double disc set. And I think that HOLD ME TIGHT is far superior to McCartney's version on WITH THE BEATLES. That is my least favourite track on the Fab Four's sophomore effort! Field marshall Sir George Wrist-Flip - Sexmundham 08/03/2010 Well, having read your comments I feel outraged enough to add my four-penny's worth. First of all...it's pronouced Sexmundham...Old local dialect! So that shows me you are not from the area. Secondly we have a fine old style village shoppe that does indeed open 6 days a week, leaving the sabbath for the purpose it was intended. Namely worship and sorting out the Lady Wrist-flip. If you were from the area you would know that a fine stock of swarfega is allways available, so lets hear no more of that! Secondly, I am returning your postal order for 1/9pence as Mrs freestyle at the local PO pointed out it's use by date of 1947 had long passed. Please let us know where you are currently residing so I can return it via my footman corporal Crunwich-bathdate. Yours Smegless George Wrist-Flip, Sir, Field Marshall. (Retired) Deputy Chief Constable E.A.R-Trumpet (Mrs) - Chortlon-Cum-Hardy-And-The-Wheelies 07/03/2010 Dear Air Vice Marshall, You appear to have a surfeit of wives. Kevin *and* Dennis. I think Jazz Orchestra's are the least of your problems, old fellow. You're nicked! I understand 'The Manager' is single, perhaps he was trying to arrange for you to bin one? Kind regards, Deputy Chief Constable Edward Arbuthnot Rice-Trumpet (Mrs) English Heritage - London 07/03/2010 Apologies to the esteemed Air Marshall but the lecture had to be cancelled due to the hall being a listed building and therefore no screen, on which the images accompanying the lecture, could be affixed to any wall. Next time you attend the hall please bring along your own freestanding screen. Air Vice Marshall Cicely Clartwarmer-D'eath - The Beeches ,Saxmundham 07/03/2010 Dear Sir, I am writing to express my profound disbelief and imminent disgust caused by my recent visit to Stamford Village Hall . I attended the venue in good faith ,with my wife ,Kevin, expecting to hear an inspiring lecture on Millinery in The Lincolnshire Wolds ,by Sir Alec Startling -Grope,but instead was forced to witness the tuneless ramblings of some sort of Jazz orchestra. I was unable to leave the building due to an attack of the squitters,no doubt brought on by a pack of dicky Bloater paste sandwiches cook had lashed together for myself and my good wife Denis.The hall boasted exceptionally fine latrine facilities,and I availed myself of them to excellent effect. However,I digress. This ramshackle bunch of crooning geriatrics were just too dreadful. Never the less , my wife and I did like the girl on the bongos.and we were amazed that you had managed to secure the services of Glenn Hoddle,although we were unaware he could play the cello. To compound my misery I was continually pestered by a horrid little man who called himself The Manager,who would assist on accompanying me on my not infrequent visits to the toilet.Sven Goren Erikkson would never have behaved like that ,and I myself have little inclination to engage in any kind porcelain related activity, especially after that little incident at the Copper Kettle in' 58. However my wife has insisted that I purchase one of your Long Playing Records. Nurse has promised to warm up the radiogram and unleash theLabrador so please find enclosed my Postal Order for 1/9d. Yours Sincerely, Air Vice Marshall Cicely Clartwarmer -D'eath KFC-NCP and Bars. The Beeches Saxmundham Headloss - WESSEX 05/03/2010 Sure the Boys would have known one of Bristol's finest sons Fred Wedlock Sadly Fred passed away earlier this week RIP Fred thanks for the happy evenings and many a laugh Ade Macrow - Radstock Exile 04/03/2010 The only piece of sheet music ever officially released for the band was 'Dora, The Female Explorer', their first single. And copies of that turn up as often as one of the 'Friendliness' tramp's marmalade-and-mildew sandwiches! The many musicians amongst the fans have, however, made their own transcriptions of many Stackridge songs. Without wishing to use this as a 'advertising hoarding', try my Stackridge Yahoo group at zorgansgal@yahoogroups.com and you may well find someone willing to supply the music for 'The Volunteer' for your daughter, as Zorganites are a helpful, friendly bunch. Ade Macrow - Radstock Exile 04/03/2010 You are correct, John, in that there is a positive dearth of Stackridge articles in music magazines. You will find the odd retrospective piece about The Korgis without too much of a search but a brief sentence or two on Stackers is about the best most can muster. Record Collector have a long, detailed guide on Stackridge and record collectibles on file that I wrote many years ago. They keep promising to publish it "when the time is right" (though the prices will now need revising). Evidently, Stackridge's time is STILL 'yet to come' in the eyes of the music press. The longest article I can recall post 1976 and the original break-up of the band, was a half-pieve page in 'Q' magazine way back in 1990, saying Andy Davis and James Warren were 'planning to reform' Stackridge. An event that didn't, in fact, take place until 1999 and without Andy. Happily, the 2007 re-formation has righted that, as you know. Another article appeared circa 1999 on one page of a now-defunct monthly music mag but other than that the band continue to remain criminally ignored. John Staulsley - Sheffield 04/03/2010 Of course, I could well have missed something here, but in all my experience of reading music magazines, none of them appear to feature any articles referring to Stackridge. Without directly mentioning any names of publications, I am sure that the band have released some very COLLECTABLE items and there are obviously many listeners out there who consider them to have recorded many CLASSIC compositions! So can someone tell me please - is it me or is there really such a lack of magazine articles about this band? Richard Daniels - Sutton Coldfield 03/03/2010 I still remember concert in 70s at Leicester De Montfort Hall in my formative years, great to have you still around. I am after a favour for my daughter who is in 2nd yr of Musical Theatre Degree and for next singing assessment has to put a short one woman show together. She is working on doing a sort of tribute show to a friend of hers who unfortunately lost both his legs serving in Afghanistan last year. So looking for songs outside the normal repertoire to do with war and army I introduced her to The Volunteer - which she thinks is great and would like to use but needs to find sheet music if any exists for it. Can anyone help? Would be much appreciated. Melanie Cheetham - Thrupp 28/02/2010 Bit off track but I like to thank Andy Davis to inspire me to back Cresswell Crusadar who won at the races. See you lot at tavistock when I finished house hunting. John Chapman - St. Ives Cornwall 26/02/2010 It hurts me to say this but 'The Radstock Exile' is talking sense. Ade Macrow - Radstock exile 24/02/2010 At the risk of stating the obvious, Garce, you will be positively delighted at the newest CD - A Victory For Common Sense. Nine classic songs. Out of nine, of course. Not a dud 'un amongst them. Eight of them can be heard in the current live repertoire. And then there's the re-recorded 'North Street Grande' with the otherwise unobtainable 'Seek and You Will Find' as the bonus track on the December 2009 CD single. Or the 4 X 4 DVD, with the equally otherwise unobtainable cover of Flanders and Swann's 'Slow Train' amongst the four featured songs. These can all be purchased from Helium Records or maybe either I or my redoubtable 'apprentice' Mr Webb, might have the pleasure of selling one/some/all of these to you in person from the merchandising stall at a future gig. Few things in life are truly essential but these latest Stackridge goodies all fall firmly into the 'must have' category. David - Standish 24/02/2010 I would echo Steve's comments below. Friday was the third time I had seen the band in the last two years, and they just keep getting better and better. What a gifted set of musicians/performers you all are. We love you up North!! As well as including old favourites, Stackridge are quite unique for a band that have survived for so long, in that they still have that desire to produce stunning new material of such diverse quality. Obviously that creative genius is still there. Already looking forward to the next visit, and who knows what the next album may bring. Keep on clucking! Steve - Sale 23/02/2010 Bury Met - Friday, 19th February Many thanks for another wonderful evening's entertainment at the Bury Met. We really appreciate you making the long round trip, particularly in heavy motorway traffic, to delight us with such a fantastic show - with sound so good, it should be recorded and released as a live album! Great audience made for a special atmosphere. Usually when I go to see a band promoting a new album, I don't mind hearing a few new, unknown songs so long as all the old favourites are played too. However, with the brilliant AVFCS it was probably the new songs that stole the show - opener Red Squirrel is getting close to cult status with a great new video on YouTube (thanks, Spud!). Crun's Long Dark River is a very brooding song with his classic bass line that rivals Fleetwood Mac's The Chain. We loved Mutter's Old North St Grande that he will keep singing until it breaks on the Radio 2 Christmas playlist! Boots & Shoes really rocks live and Day The World Stopped Turning is a classic for so many reasons - Andy & Jim's contrasting twin vocal segments, Clare & Mutter's beautiful violin & flute interplay (tease him some more, Clare!!) and Glenn's moody keyboards. Just a thought - I would love to hear Jim's melodic Waiting For You that was sadly omitted but you can't have everything. Crun, take a bow young man for your starring role on the marvellous Slow Train and for ignoring the feeble attempts of your backing singers to put you off! Great accompanying film also. We loved the oldies too of course - the hilarious Gaucho, classic Everbody's Got To Learn Sometime and my personal favourite Road To Venezuela. Well done to Clare who performed the violin solo on Syracuse with great aplomb. And where would Stackridge be without the lovely Sarah's infectious smile and great virtuosity on violin, keyboards, percussion and singing her heart out on Boots & Shoes?!? An excellent night was rounded off with some friendly banter and autographs around the bar & sales point where fans, new and old, clambered for that missing CD to add to their collection. I was happy to share a true story with Sarah after concluding a tough deal at work that day - my customer said he was really pleased we had agreed amicable terms to which I replied, "It's a Victory For Common Sense!" (It just sort of slipped out at my anticipation of the evening's show). He said, "Well, that's very profound" to which I responded, "No, it's Stackridge!!" From the look on his face, I thought I'd lost the deal but after a hasty explanantion, we might now have a new fan! Thanks again guys and gals. Please return to the North West again soon. P.S. this is the first rock gig I've been to where I spotted a lady knitting before the show (Mike T's Mrs?) Response:The lady knitting was " Mrs. Cartlidge" wife of the gig promoter Dave. Mr. Tobin is what is known as a divorcee and according to FaceBook is "Single" ( not "In A Relationship" !) Garce - Rickmansworth 22/02/2010 Dear Ade Macrow. You are of course quite right, I blame the fact that my wife has turned me into a vegatarian but I secretly yearn for a bacon sandwich. I also checked to see if my groins or my loins lept and find that in fact it was my sirloins. I must listen to some of the new material, any recommendations? Alvar Liddel (He with the outrageous jacket) - Radio 2LO (nr Bath) 22/02/2010 With regard to the esteemed Mr J Walter's missive, I am happy to join with him in thanking most sincerely all those wondrous personages who continually support the efforts of the little beat combo that is Stackridge. It is also most joyous indeed to see newcomers to the fold and hope that they will in turn encourage their acquaintances to follow the band with unreserved enthusiasm. BTW the words "reside", "planet" & "what" come to mind in relation to the search for womenswear! Tony Dee - Salford Manchester 22/02/2010 Just to say my first time watching the band on friday in Bury,not enjoyed a concert so much since the first time id seen The Kinks many years ago,so original so English..loved every second..cheers guys for a great night, come back to Manchester very soon... Tony Sell - Milton Keynes 22/02/2010 Just wanted to say we thought the Gig in Milton Keynes on Friday was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!! Please pass on our congratulations and thanks to all involved. Many of the "oldie" groups we've been to see are shaddows of their former selves but not Stackridge. The more they got going the more fresh and alive their performance became (probably the Sanatogen kicking in). They matched any current band and beat most in putting on a real experience and I think it showed the way the audience got more and more involved. Personally I missed a couple of our old favourites like Marzo and Teatime and the old Slark was really magical for us (and yes I was singing along at the start to the old lyrics wondering if I was loosing my marbles), but what would they take out? As the discussion at the "sales desk" went "close your eyes and you could have been back there in the early days" (apart from my girlfriend was sitting next to me and not on my lap and when I opened my eyes time had taken it's toll a bit but we're still together bopping along with Stackridge!) One last thing, I think Mutter's memory may not be all it was as at the end he said he'd never heard such applause, well I was there in Stevenage in the early 70's and I'm sure we were as enthusiastic then! Well that's how we remember it and they certainly bought back happy memories and gave us some up to date ones too. Brilliant!!!!! Looking forward to their next visit to the area. j.walter - saxmundham 21/02/2010 Many thanks to the recent missives re: Ladies Outfitters/Swarfega. My coachman will be dispatched at first light on the morrow! Thankfully the geese arrived today,so there is no danger of repeating last years little faux pas at the milliners. Yours etc J.Walter The Beeches Saxmundham. Ade Macrow - Somersetian 21/02/2010 That's 'Dangerous Bacon' Garce but no matter: one of many great Stackridge songs and a number that featured in the live repertoire until mid-2008. How fortunate that the newer numbers are equally stunning.... Merchandise Mike - Abbotskerswell 21/02/2010 In answer to Mr J Walter try: The Store, ladies & menswear and accessories, 46, High Street, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1AB (633005) B. C. Fisher, ironmonger, 39, High Street, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1AJ for the Swarfega (602154) (also at 9, Market Place, IP17 1AG) John Chapman - St. Ives Cornwall 21/02/2010 In reply to Saxmundham man.If my memory serves me well I would go the few miles into Ipswich.Near the town centre you will find Coes in, I think, Norwich street or road. They should sort out your urge for ladies gear. Spud - Wantage 21/02/2010 Just made a new video called The Showdown. Code name "Save Red Squirrel". It is on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nNbbKQxNeM Hope you enjoy this Spud Garce - Rickmansworth 21/02/2010 Somebody lent me Friendliness in the 6th form and I became the token Stackridge fan, it was my identity, "he's the one that likes Stacgridge". I was too spotty to get into bands and hence not interesting enough to have a girlfriend but I had a dream, a Stackridge fuelled dream of quaintly, folky English eccentricity. I am now 53 and about to play two gigs in Greece with my own band, Sad Lovers & Giants, we do about five gigs a year in foreign climes, sell loads of T shirts and merchandise and frankly have a cracking good time together. We've done albums and tours and Peel sessions and never 'made it', but who gives a fuck! If only the pretty boy guitarists in the 6th form could see me now. The spots have almost gone to be replaced by irrectile problems and a dodgy prostate (all that's a damned lie, nobody would ever be that honest!) I felt a small leap in my groins when someone after a gig at the Court Theatre in Tring mentioned Stackridge and that they were still going. Well done lads, you wrote some great songs. Danish Bacon for example, with lines like 'Danish Bacon's raping Matron after the matinee' how could you not have gone to no.1? I will see you again. I have promised myself. Garce Mr J walter - Saxmundham 21/02/2010 A brief message to all our guests,followers and debutantes in the world of Stackridgeness. Thank you for coming to our Concerts,buying our Records,and saying Extremely Flattering things about us. Also,could anyone recommend a good Ladies Outfitters in the Saxmundham area,and, ditto, a reasonably priced supplier of bulk" Swarfega"? Yours Sincerely, J.Walter. The Beeches Saxmundham. Ade Macrow - Reluctant Radsrock exile 18/02/2010 Good to hear from you, Del. Some of us are aged enough to recall the Stackridge & Stray gigs from days (and decades) of yore. Let's hope they'll happen again. It's never too late! Del Bromham - Buckinghamshire 18/02/2010 Hi there fellas, Del here from STRAY. Glad to see you are back and it seems after all these years we are still following each other around all the venues. Maybe we'll bump into each other again sometime. It's been a while and we're still doing it ... you'd think we'd know better by now, but 'everybody's got to learn sometime' ... mmm! Good idea for a song that? Be lucky Del Bromham/STRAY David Cartlidge - Wigan 15/02/2010 Re. The Bury gig. There's no support, and the band will be on stage at 8.30. For those of you who don't know Bury and may want to eat, the Automatic is right next to the venue. The food is very good, and not overpriced. It's best to book on a Friday night (0161 763 9399.) I trust we will all have a splendid time on the night. Steve - Bletchley 15/02/2010 I can only concur with everyone on here who went to the gig at The Stables on Friday last. I've loved the band for decades (I was even in a band that attempted - badly - Slark and Dora "back in the day"!) but I never got to see them until now... but boy what a fantastic treat. The wife couldn't wipe the smile off my face for hours (in fact it's STILL there!)... and to get to say hi to you all in the foyer afterwards was just the icing on the cake! PLEASE come back soon, it was a glorious gig, one of the highlights of my gig-watching life... and the new album was one of the big highlights of last year (and will probably remain so for this year... until you release something new that is!). Long live (and reign) the mighty Stackridge!! Steve andrew a matthews - little gransden 13/02/2010 hey howard it is my home town as well and i was at the kings hall for that show , why didnt you let me know you were going ? all the very, AAM Howard Sherwood - West Oxfordshire 13/02/2010 Stackridge – The Stables 12 February 2010 As one’s experience of life increases with age, so it is that expectation often exceeds reality leaving a sense that ‘things aren’t what they used to be’ and that is safer and more rewarding to inhabit the past. I have seen Stackridge perform in the flesh just three times, the first occasion being when they came to my home town in 1972 with their Christmas Pantomime supported by the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra. This event was notable for several reasons: Herne Bay on the north Kent coast was a slightly run-down town, 60% of whose residents were retired – Costa Geriatrica encapsulated it perfectly. It was where elderly Londoners came to die (not to mention would-be Beatle groups whose compass had led them into such stagnant waters). For the culture-seeking youth, the nearby ‘scene’ in Canterbury apparently offered more where you were as likely to bump into the members of Caravan on the street as you were to see them play on their own patch, with Kent University attracting some of the big names such as Led Zeppelin. Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor of the King’s Hall, where only a few years before I had accompanied my parents to see the well-regarding local amateur operatic society perform a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta or Lehar’s ‘The Merry Widow’. The incongruity of the thatched-house fascia evoking some vision of ‘Merrie Englande’ that ran down one side of the hall was made complete as I looked over my shoulder to see the diminutive figure of James Warren, arms folded with one hand on his chin contemplating the stage antics of the support act. Later that evening (probably during the thumping staccato of a 20-minute ‘Purple Spaceships Over Yatton’) I experienced the sort of transcendental moment that many 15-year-olds feel is somehow significant and which remains burned into their memories. Then, as now, Stackridge have that ability – the sheer scope and distinctiveness leaves one helpless to resist their wit and charm. By the second time I witnessed Stackridge in 1975/6, much had changed. I was now at college on Tyneside and saw them perform at Newcastle University. I was becoming involved with student entertainment at the nearby polytechnic where the pre-Punk pot was beginning to boil over and where on three successive visits by The Stranglers their fee went from £60 to £120 to £1,500 within a year. I don’t remember much about the gig which was a typical noisy ‘stand-up, chat and booze in a room with some musicians giving their all at one end’ affair except for a rather glum-looking Andy Davis going through the motions. The third occasion was last night. We’d thought that the atmosphere at the Dankworth’s might be rather subdued in view of The Stables’ founder’s death announced the previous weekend – not a bit of it. This model venue’s staff were as professional as ever, and as tradition requires: the show must go on. What a show! From the moment that the house lights were dimmed and the dark strains of ‘Coniston Water’ flowed into the auditorium to the final ringing chorus of ‘Dora The Female Explorer’ the audience was subjected to a performance that showcased a level of professionalism, virtuosity, creativity, humour, wit and sheer joy rarely experienced in any live performance, let alone rock music (if that is an appropriate classification for something as ill-fitting to any category as what Stackridge create). In a canon as broad and varied, there will always be a fan’s personal favourites omitted, but (and this is so crucial to any entertainment performance) everything performed was to an equally-high standard with an energy and commitment that belies the performers’ years. This was the best performance I have seen from Stackridge by a Westcountry mile, and is one of the very best I have ever seen by any group. And (as advertised in the trailer!) there were indeed girls! On the journey back to West Oxfordshire I mused that perhaps the very fact that Stackridge is not the household-name that many feel it should be is part of it’s enduring charm and quality. Envisage what might have happened if (as it did for many of their contemporaries such as Fleetwood Mac or Yes) they had ‘broken the States’. Trapped in some gated fortress in LA, only speaking to each other through lawyers; arguing about who coined the name of the group; suing record companies that can’t afford to pay their own staff for the lost millions of royalties; playing venues of smaller and smaller capacity at ticket prices that increase in inverse proportion and hating every minute of it. Through circumstance, Stackridge have had to remain close to their roots and are the better for it – not only do they still talk to each other (and exchange smiles on stage), they write together and create music that retains a distinct essence. I suspect that as a result, history will be kinder to them than those that have trodden the slippery road to commercial success. The other thought that crossed my mind is that the same cultural territory (Englishness, Music Hall, quirkiness) in which Stackridge is often placed seems to have been more or less wholly appropriated by the Ian Dury franchise. I am a fan of Mr Dury (and of Blockheads Chaz Jankel and Norman Watt-Roy) and own several of his records, but I cringe when lazy (and possibly ignorant) journalists have the temerity to suggest that he is the sole representative of his generation to demonstrate these cultural features: why ignore Vivian Stanshall; Peter Gabriel; Kirsty MacColl; Jarvis Cocker; James Warren, Andy Davis and Mutter Slater? Dury had the advantage of a London/metropolitan, predominantly urban context with its corresponding weight of population and potential fans whereas Stackridge’s background although centred in Bristol was predominantly rural both in origin and reference. Ian Dury covering ‘Amazingly Agnes’ – I don’t think so! My final thought is if ever a film biography (or as current parlance has it: bio-pic) of the group were made who might take the lead roles… So, thank you Stackridge for a wonderful evening’s entertainment and for spreading some friendliness. Response:Thank you Howard and you win the prize for the longest message ever recorded on the guest book ! You are indeed a fine writer, you should be a journalist. In fact may we humbly suggest you submit your "review" to one or more of the Music Mags such as The Word or Mojo ? Far our part we thoroughly enjoyed playing The Stables...if only there were more like it throughout the U.K that realise if they treat both musicians and audience with respect they will get a 100% performance. Derek Taylor - Worksop 13/02/2010 I first saw you at Sheffield Poli in Feb '75. Bought 'Man in the Bowler Hat' and still put in my all time top ten favourite albums. Waited 35 years for the chance to see you again, drove 120 miles down the M1 on friday night and loved every minute. Stackridge reunited, fantastic! Wolf Girl Jill - Welwyn 13/02/2010 A great gig at Wavendon last night, if a little shorter than I might have hoped. The very best of the back catalogue aired as weel as some tracks from the new album. They finished with two encores !! Mind you they HAD to play Satnley didn't they. Talking to Glenn after, he said that they struggle to find 200-300 seat venues in the Home Counties. Well I can reccomend Hertford Corn Exchange, that would be prefect, and also has Red Squirrel ales on tap. I hope to see you all there. Sue - Luton 13/02/2010 Wow guys, a fantastic evening at The Stables, Wavendon. Please come back soon. Ade Macrow - Radstock exile 13/02/2010 Wavendon 12/02/10 The balance is restored. The mighty 'Ridge are back to their electrifying best and thrilling anybody fortunate enough to be in the audience at any of their outstanding gigs. No more need be said. Paul Margott - Worthing 10/02/2010 Still Strangely Strange and wonderfully wonderful,just like those 70s gigs at St.Albans Civic Hall! "Victory For" leaves me gobsmacked, thanks Stackridge for comming back! brendan - luton 09/02/2010 looking forward to the stables in wavendon on friday 12th feb and just to let you know the luton fans and buxom ruth will be there John Chapman - St. Ives Cornwall 05/02/2010 Well Dave and Lindsay. How are you,I am glad you are coming to Bristol. I hope the venue will allow for the 'you havent seen nothing yet' Stackridge Show.If it does then you will see Syracuse and many others like you have never seen them before. I shouldnt think every venue can do it but lets hope Bristol can. See you there. Dave and Lindsay - Kingston seymour 05/02/2010 Come on John (Chapman) spill the beans we can,t wait until the Colston hall! Dave - Birkenhead 04/02/2010 I was at the Birkenhead gig on 29th Jan and it was a great pleasure to hear the band in such good form. The oldies were superb, 'Last Plimsoll' & 'The Galloping Gaucho' have long been favourites. The newer songs from the latest CD are in the Stackridge tr&adition - beautifully crafted, great musicianship and out of the ordinary. 'Long Dark River' and 'The Day the World Stopped Turning' are instant classics. Sorry the Crosby show has been cancelled but I will try to make it to Bury. All the best and as Neil Young would say - 'Long may you run'. Chris Branch - Weymouth 03/02/2010 Looking forward to seeing Stackridge live in 2010, and some new material too. AVFCS has to be one of the albums of the 200's, let alone 2009. It's a masterpiece- but sadly still seems to be a well kept secret, despite the bands/Mike T's/our best endeavours. Keep on cluckin' Dave - Liverpool 01/02/2010 Went to the Birkenhead gig- 39 years after first seeing Stackridge in Belfast. Spoke to Mutter briefly before the gig-he complained later about people reminding him of how long ago they had seen the band and therfore how old he was!! It comes to us all Mutter!! but I have to say all the original members look great considering...!! What a delightful evening's entertainment!! The gig was not well attended which was disappointing but I just coudn't get over the enthusiasm that everyone displayed and what wonderful music. Took my mate with me- he'd never heard anything by the band before and was so impressed he bought VFCS at the end. Keep up the good work guys- spreading "Happiness" with every tune!! Dave Cartlidge - Wigan 01/02/2010 Re. the entry 15/1 (Steve from Sale) I am also fed up that the band were not playing Crosby Civic. Especially so as I was the promoter.However sometimes things are outside the promoter (or bands control)It was too late and quite costly to try to put them on at the Lowry. I am also putting them on at Bury Met ( not far at all from the Lowry) the night before.It's the second time I have worked with the band . I would quite happily continue to do so as long as I don't lose money. ( I wouldn't mind making money either) So, if enough people come to Bury Met I will most certainly put them on in the area again. I would also like to say that "A victory for common sense" is one of the best c.ds I have heard in many years JOHN CHAPMAN - CORNWALL 31/01/2010 My message to anyone that hasnt seen Stackridge this year is, It just got a whole lot better.I will say no more and let you find out for yourself. Thank you for the Stamford gig, see you at Colsten Hall Steve - Sale 31/01/2010 We really enjoyed a wonderful show at the Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead on Friday, 29th January. All the new songs played from AVFCS were well received and sounded so good live. Andy's guitar on the opening Red Squirrel and Day The World Stopped Turning was really excellent. A brooding Long Dark River and lively Lost & Found will become classics for years to come. Sadly there was no Waiting For You and England to Return - a shame because this is such a beautiful and melodic song. We had our fair share of sound hiccups early on with firstly no sound from Clare's violin, then Glenn's keyboard problems and Sarah's mic. However, this allowed time for some sparkling and humourous banter and Crun setting us the quiz question, "What is Acker Bilk's real name?!?" (Answer below for those who really want to know!) We particularly enjoyed the marvellous North St Grande and show stopping Slow Train featuring all the guys acappella singing - Crun, take a bow and let's hear more from you in the future! Well done to Clare for some excellent violin throughout, in particular on Syracuse, and for successfully accepting Mutter's challenge to sing "La, La-La, La-La" whilst playing violin at the same time on Slark - no mean feat!! It was also good to hear the lovely Sarah's musical talents on not just violin but also keyboards, tamborine and enthusiatic singing especially on Boots & Shoes - all this and infectious smiles too! There was still time for old favourites Venezuela, Gaucho, Stanley and Slark but no Lummy Days, Dora or Volunteer!! Might I suggest either an audience request spot or extended set please? We look forward to seeing you at the Bury Met on 19th Feb so don't forget that audience request spot and bring back Dora!! N.B "Acker" Bilk's real name is Bernard Stanley Bilk. (Acker is apparently Somerset for friend or mate!) Rob Orr - Birkenhead 30/01/2010 Brilliant concert last. Thank you so much for a great night, Love the new material. Thanks for letting me get some brilliant photographs. Last saw the band at Wembly Stadium in 1975 so worth the wait. Wingspan - Bath 30/01/2010 Always great to listen to Stackridge Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 29/01/2010 Your starter for ten in the Vulgar Curiosity show: Has renowned Beatle freak James invested in the remastered Beatle CDs? If so, what's the verdict? If not, allow me to recommend them most warmly. I refused to buy any (neither of the survivors needs more of my money) but I got Help and With the Beatles on my birthday, Completely convinced. Went out and bought the White Album and Abbey Road the other day. Apart from rediscovering quite how good they are, I found the White Album particularly benefits from the remastering. Guitar stuff going on in there that I'd never heard before. And Back in the USSR will blow that difficult hangover away in seconds. But don't put side three on first if you have a fragile head: Birthday and Yer Blues followed by Everybody's Got Something to Hide will finish you off. (The daughter now regales my ears with Obladi Oblada, instead of North St. Grande, which prompts some very mixed feelings. Whoever told her she could sing?) david christopher miedzianik - crypt holy cross church camden london 27/01/2010 DEAR STACKRIDGE: i saw you play at "THE BROADWALK" SHEFFIELD on JANUARY 23rd 2010: i went there with my BEST PAL: david miedzianik CAMDEN: LONDON: rainmanhallelujah@hotmail.com i'm bob dylan's greatest bbc radio request writer: i liked it when you played SYRACUSE THE ELEPHANT: ( spellings ?? ) i don't know ???? say.. med-gen-nick: paul amber - Sheffield 25/01/2010 Really enjoyed the gig on Saturday. Well worth the one and a half years since the last one at The Boardwalk. The new AVFCS material came across very well indeed! Spoke to some band members afterwards - and very charming they were too! Too bad the day had to end! Mark - Doncaster 25/01/2010 Fantastic night at the Boardwalk on Saturday. Come back soon. It was really nice hear "Slow Train". My dad used to sing it when my brother and i were kids. Bunt Butler - Saxibly, Lincs. 25/01/2010 Enjoyed the band enormously in Sheffield on Saturday. I was transported back to 1974...but in a good way. Crun's bass playing made me realise just how much of an influence he's been on my own playing. Does that make me a shallow person? Mark Faulkner - Yorkshire 24/01/2010 Polished performance at The Boardwalk last night. see you next year. Ta Robert Rozoff - Two Rivers, WI 20/01/2010 Has anyone seen or heard from my brother James? I often pray that he's found refuge (in this world). It is nearly impossible to imagine that I have been so influenced by Stackridge for what is just shy of 40 years. Now, the whole family feels the same; even my grandson! He's very concerned that Syracuse has been treated properly. Steve - Sale 15/01/2010 I was really sorry to hear that the gig at Crosby Civic Hall on 20th February has been cancelled. Since you are playing at the Bury Met the night before, is there any chance of another gig in the North West on Saturday, 20th February to replace the Crosby gig? How about playing the beautiful Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays? This houses 3 theatres including the Studio seating up to 180 people and is vacant that night. I think this would a great setting for Stackridge to debut in Salford. The North West misses Stackridge! Please, please, please perform the wonderful Slow Train on the upcoming tour. It will become a crowd favourite and will surely bring the house down - Crun, this is your moment to shine brighter than ever! Response:Hi Steve, It might be a bit too late to organise anothr gig but we will suggest Lowry Theatre to the promoter."Slow Train" is indeed in the current set. Dave and Lindsay - Andy Davis land (kingston seymour) 13/01/2010 Bring on the Bristol gig in April. Six of us are poised to but the tickets! Teresa - Portsmouth 11/01/2010 Does anyone feel strongly as I do that the band should be invited to play at this years 40th Anniversary Glastonbury Festival!!! Response:Of course Stackridge would love to play this year's Glasto. An on line petition or a FaceBook campaign with thousands of signatures might help. Somebody would need to do that who is not part of "the organisation". There is a FaceBook page already demanding that Stackridge play @ a whole list of UK Festivals, but it needs a lot more people to sign up. Roger Snook - South Wales 09/01/2010 Great to see you are playing again. Great memories from Slough College all those years ago. Hope you will be playing in Bristol or Cardiff again soon? Cheers. Response:There might be a Bristol gig in April. Keep checking the "Gigs" link . Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 07/01/2010 4x4 video arrived just before Xmas and has worked a small miracle. My Spanish wife (good title for a film, that) and our 11-year-old daughter are now into Stackridge. They'll give me a rendition of 'Sweethar your on mai maind / Guill be dansin togeddair by Chreestmasss time' at the drop of a hat. At least it distracts the daughter from doing impromptu Hannah effing Montana dance moves and singing Hannah effing Montana songs, which is no small mercy. Many thanks for the video. It's a superb production: the intense soloing bits of Red Squirrel and Lost and Found send shivers up the spine, and North St. Grande and—at the drop of a hat, indeed—Slow Train bring a nostalgic tear to the eye. And, wonders will never cease, James actually looks like a rock star, with the dark glasses and all. Much more, please. Robin Watson (Banksy) - Whitehaven Cumbria 01/01/2010 Best Album of 2009 - by far. Keep up the good work and have a wonderful 2010. More music, Maestros PLEASE! Keep on your boots and shoes Banksy wynn morgan - neath 01/01/2010 may i wish all of Stackridge and all Stackridge devotees a peaceful new year, with the fervent hope that there are gigs planned for the south wales area during twentyten and maybe futher releases of your life enhancing music also? AVFCS a triumph and album of 2009(and any other year) by a west country mile. Martin Cryer - Bristol near Yatton 31/12/2009 Great set at Bath recently.It made me get out my copy of Victory and play it constantly on the ipod,(only had it about 3mths you see).This is the best yet.The harder edged tunes, reminicient of The Last Plimpsol,are especially appreciated.Happy New Decade, Martin C dale fairbrass - southampton 21/12/2009 Went to the Wimbourne gig with my daughter, we had front row seats. I was a big korgis fan in the 80's, We had a fantastic time. and wow did we rock to " boots and shoes " Thank you all! Chas Keep - Newcastle 21/12/2009 Well,we've nearly reached the end of the year and having reviewed scores of albums this year I've got to say,hand on heart,that AVFCS is the best thing I've heard all year....this is both a good and a bad thing...bad,in so far as there's obviously little else out there that strikes you as "new",original or even tuneful....but good as it proves that gifted songwriting will continue to shine through no matter what and that maturity does have its benefits!The elements of the "old" Stackridge are still there (I mean how many bands could get away with a paean to the red squirrel,Andy?)but it's totally updated for the 21st.century (no small thanks to Chris Hughes for that!)...stunning and rewarding with every play.....thanks a lot all of you (but you still owe me a pint of lager,Mutter)and here's to 2010! Fundamentally Yours, Chas Keep JOHN CHAPMAN - ST.IVES CORNWALL 21/12/2009 My Stackridge calendar for 2009 started after talking to James at Sutton's Boom Boom club sometime in 2008. I set about organizing a lifetime ambition to actually promote a Stackridge concert,which I did in July 2009 in St.Ives at the launch of AVFCS. The cherry on the icing was reuniting my guest V.I.P. at the concert with the lads. As far as I am concerned when I took Mike Eavis backstage that was Stackridge history being created. The next stops were Bath,Wimborne,South Petherton,and finally back to Bath with the odd trip to Bridport in between. Each concert trip takes several days as it is a good excuse to book into a travel lodge and explore the area. I have thoroughly enjoyed 2009. Thank you Guys and Guyesses. Merry Christmas and a happy new year. See you in Stamford at the end of January John and Jude Geoff Woodland - Westbury-on-trym 21/12/2009 Knew Andy and Mike quite well back in the4 late 60s early 70s . We all use to drink in The Royal Oak . I remember Andy coming in one night he was quite excited (for him) . He told me he had recently cut an album with John Lennon . "Imagine that!" My band also supported Stackridge in 1970 at the Vic rooms in Bristol . Headling were Skid Row -on lead guitar Garry More. Im still playing gigs with "Red Faced Charlie" and a little bit of solo work . I nearly drank myself to death 30 years ago but Im still here . Good luck everyone (what happen to Mike ? He stole my girl friend once and I want her back!) Response:Which Mike do you mean ? Mutter ( Michael) , Mike Evans or Mike Tobin ? Evans lives in Beckington and has had nothing to do with Stackridge since 2001, Mutter lives in Bridport & of course is with the current line-up. Mike Tobin ( who manages Stackridge) lives in Westbury On Trym too! None of them have your girl friend !!! chris - london 19/12/2009 would just like to thank the band for another great show at the komedia club in bath. special thanks to Clare and Sarah for taking the time to chat to two slightly inebriated Londoners and for being so friendly. Hogweed - Bournemouth 18/12/2009 Just got the 4x4 DVD. Wow! Never mind Rage Against the Machine, get North St Grande to No.1, only 24 hours left! Excellent Dave Patman - Perth WA 16/12/2009 Stackridge and Flanders and Swan - what a great idea. When I first watched the Slow Train video, my initial reaction was surprise, then delight, and by the end there was literally a tear in the eye of this English antipodean exile. May have initially seemed like a 'left field' choice for the band, but it feels so right ! While I fully understand the push behind North St Grande, for me here downunder with the temps hitting 40C, and thoughts of English family far away, Slow Train is my personal Christmas single ! Mark Handoll - Combwich 10/12/2009 Couldn't agree more with Headloss.......just E mail local radio stations. If enough people do it, maybe, just maybe, someone will play the music. Only takes a minute or so. Headloss - gods own 10/12/2009 I have sent e mails to all local stations in Somerset /Devon and Cornwall to get North Street Grande played no replies and nothing heard on my travels . I WILL KEEP AT IT !! Steve Walker - Leigh on Sea Essex 08/12/2009 Just found two brilliant videos on Youtube,another wonderful animation of North St Grand by the children of Carswell school in Abingdon and a an animated wooden Stackridge playing Boots and Shoes!!!.We saw the band at the Palace Theatre back in October and loved every minute of the all too short support set you did but I was dissapointed that Mr Tobin didnt have any t-shirts for sale,still we enjoyed the Cropredy dvd we bought, I even caught sight of my ugly mug in the crowd along with all the other Thrashers.I am sooooo glad that you guys are back. Jeff Bowron - Gateshead 07/12/2009 The new 'live' version of the Christmas single, North Street Grande is an absolute belter with stormimg vocals from Mutter and a great all round performance by the band. Forget X Factor and Rage Against the Machine it is the mighty Stackridge that deserve to capture the nations psyche this Christmas. All Stackridge fans should contact their local radio station, or stations, to put in a request to play the Christmas single - it is the least the band deserve. If everyone can get the song played on the daytime and evening schedule of their local station (s) it will make a real impact. It is your duty as a Stackridge foot soldier !! And don't forget those i pod , download, internetty things. Let's make it a Stackridge Christmas. JOHN CHAPMAN - ST.IVES CORNWALL 07/12/2009 The new single. Dare I say brilliant. Im glade I got mine as well as the AVFCS version. Who is that singer? I must buy him a drink at the Komedia on the 15th Jeff Cooper - Cheltenham 07/12/2009 Good luck with the new Christmas single chaps, its a fantastic new version. Very different from the AVFCS track. I shall be badgering all my friends to get their 79p's spent on iTunes etc etc. Neil - Kentucky 04/12/2009 Andy you really missed a beat not signing me up in 1987. I've gone on to bigger and better things like singing Goodnight Irene in the bath. I recently had a contact with Josephine in Australia and we talked about Yatton in the old days. Whatever did happen in that phone box outside the Prince ? Let me know if I could help at all with your plans in the USA. Dan Wells - Hardington, Yeovil 21/11/2009 I'm a late starter, was too young for your early days, have been everywhere from prog, punk, heavy metal, folk (but not jazz) then was awestruck by your gig at the Quicky in Yeovil late 2007 that my mate Mike said I should come to. I'm still glowing from your return to S Petherton a couple of weeks ago, where I heard the new album for the first time - for most of the night I had my eyes closed and a stupid grin below. But what I love most is how confounding you are, eg despite my indifference to most thing piano, The Story of My Heart is about my favourite piece; and you seem to have connected with the pure musical currents of the universe in that one. You are a wonderful band and long may you continue to make such beautiful spritual music. Maggie Mutton - Cornwall 19/11/2009 Wow - Memories come flooding back - The Winter Garden Weston-Super-Mare! The Gig at Weston Comp - A miss spent youth listening to Purple Spaceships over Yatton. It's great to hear you again and I'll be buying the new CD! Thanks Stackridge X Jeff Ward - Norwich 19/11/2009 Saw you guys play at Soth Petherton. Really enjoyed it. Are there any plans to play in the Norwich area. I can help source suitable venues or offer any help needed...ONLY GET UP HERE. Response:Hi Jeff, We would love to play in the Norwich area. We would love to play anywhere in the World ! If you have contacts, know any suitable venues/promoters in your neck of the woods feel free to explore & get back to us. You can connect with our Manager Mike Tobin if you click on the "Contact" link @ the top of the page.Thanks for showing interest. Ade Macrow - London 17/11/2009 "The Blind an And The Virgin" was often performed live by the Paul Karas incarnation of Stackridge. Although never recorded by the band, this and other lost Stackridge gems were available on a fan's recordings of same, for the cancer-charity donation Cd, 'Prescription', a few years ago. Chris - St Albans 15/11/2009 Took my mate Gary (another 50 something music fan) to see you @the 100 Club as an early birthday treat for myself. He thought he had seen you during the 70's but wasn't sure.....well he has now! Many thanks for a great night. So good I'm trying to arrange to take my son who is at Bath uni to the gig on the 15th at the Komedia. May try and look up my old school chum Keith Valentine who lives near Bath and invite him along. We saw you on the Extravaganza tour in St Albans in 1976 so it will be fantastic meet up and see a unique and special band again. Axel Alexis Küppers - 48308 Senden, Germany 15/11/2009 My god,what a pleasure for an old fan to here that old stackridge again...it`s really great to listen to the new album..I can remember every moment so well...go on and come to gig in Germany...I`ll try everything to bring the audience together ! Hope to see you soon...lot`s of greetings Axel Alexis Steve - Sale 15/11/2009 I was really pleased to learn you will be returning to the North West early in 2010. In particular, a return to the Bury Met is most welcome - I remember Mutter commenting favourably on the quality and price of Stella at the last visit earlier this year. Well, there is now a wider selection of fine ales that will blow your socks off so we expect a storming performance next time! I think that AVFCS is one of the best and most consistently good quality releases for many years. Not a weak song to be found. I'm not sure what teh set list is likely to be in 2010 but might I suggest a first half of AVFCS in its entirety from start to finish (it's that good!) followed by a second half of hits and old favourites? Looking forward to seeing you all again soon - also planning trips to Birkenhead (a lovely, intimate venue) and Crosby. chris - london 14/11/2009 went to the recent gig at the 100 club took two friends both new to your music and a brilliant time was had by all.so much so that we are all going to see your good selfs in bath next month. as for the set list with such a rich history of song writing there will always be an old classic that is missing but i cant think of any tracks that i would drop from last weeks set. S.miles - Christchurch 12/11/2009 Steve... from Cardiff....... only 50.... you ARE young! Go for it! The world is STILL turning!!! PS I love the purple spaceship on the spambot thing! Simon Moss - Birmingham 12/11/2009 For some reason I've been trying to recall the Extravaganza album recently which I bought after seeing you on tour in 1975. Unfortunately someone stole the album from me in 1976 and I never replaced it. I seem to remember from your live show a song/joke entitled "The Blind man and the Virgin" was that you or am I confusing you with some one else? Response:You can replace "Extravaganza" on CD if you go to the Angel-Air Records Website. They have the entire back catalogue available. Or come to a gig & buy it @ the merchandise stall. The "blind man" joke or song ? Mmmmm.Have to ask around the team about that. steve - cardiff 10/11/2009 wow... attended the gig at the 100 hundred clum...it made me feel young... and im 50....brilliant AGAIN but just wanted to get down on.. dangerous bacon... maybe next time hey???? stay lucky and lurved the violin. ists Efram Zimbalist Jnr - London 09/11/2009 Fantastic 100 Club gig on Friday. A large and enthusiastic crowd of elderly people. First time I'd heard the new album material live and it sounded great. Also, first time of seeing new violinist - sounded great as well. A couple of quibbles...while it's understandable that the band want to proudly show off their new baby - all the new album material with the exception of 'England To Return', my favourite track - the omission of 'Lummy Days' and 'Fish In A Glass' seems almost wilfully naughty. That aside, magnificent and, most importantly, don't stop. You are needed. Julia Wheare - Bampton, Devon 09/11/2009 Came to see Stackridge at South Petherton on Saturday, after a gap of some thirty odd years, and was delighted all over again. Proud to say that I brought the rhubarb, and that the old knees managed the Stanley. Brilliant as ever! Danny Tibbles 08/11/2009 What another fantastic night at South Petherton. Brilliant intro to the band - first time we've heard it. Worth the trip from Cheltenham again, such a great venue - hope the band thinks so too. Didn't think Rachel could be replaced, but you've managed it ! You all make difficult music seem effortless, thanks for another great night you wizards. Can I join the band, now I know you get free drinks !!? andrew a matthews - little gransden , bedfordshire 08/11/2009 my pal chris & i travelled from faversham, kent and bedfordshire respectively to see the ban play last night , 7 november at south petherton davids hall and we were mightly entertained and pleased with what we witnessed, it was fantastic !, and to be honest much better than when i last saw them in 1973!!! so a lovely full rich sound , certainly able to recreate the lovely ` elephant ` song arrangement from the first record. the extra musos give a fine ` fat ` sound and was so impressed that recession be dammed i have ordered the new cd via amazon, and agreed with all the reviews contained therein, andy m Mark Handoll - Combwich 08/11/2009 Saw you at South Petherton last night and loved hearing the new album live. Fourth time we've seen you this year and looking forward to the fifth! Was it me or did the group particularly enjoy South Petherton? The audience seemed really enthusiastic and the atmosphere was fantastic! Most impressed with Clare, but felt sorry for Crun having to be squeezed in at the back of the stage! Hope James didn't damage his guitar when he he "had a little accident" and knocked it off the stage. And I don't think everyone noticed he'd forgotten the lyrics at one stage! Yet another fantastic gig, with humour and an incredible performance. I did wonder if you'd be able to faithfully reproduce the new songs live, as they seem more complicated and "layered" than some of the older songs. I need not have worried. Brilliant performance and really pleased the crowd reacted so well to you. Need you back at the "Rondo" soon. Response:We are not back @ The Rondo this year for our AnnualChristmas "do" but we are @ The Komedia , Bath instead on the 15th Dec. Check out the gigs page for details Hogweed - Bournemouth 06/11/2009 It's near Christmas and I'm trying to save up for presents, but Stackridge keep putting these amazing podcasts up and again I find myself draining my wallet on iTunes. Love the Christmas single already and only heard first half, great version and recorded "live" as well. Keep up the brilliance guys Roy Kenneth Moe - Norway 05/11/2009 Stackridge! The Best! Julian Fisher - Monmouth 04/11/2009 I saw you support Wishbone Ash in 1971 at the Colston Hall in Bristol and bought the album straightaway. I have just downloaded it from i-tunes and burnt it onto a CD to enjoy on my travels in the car. Marzo Plod rules; again!! Russ Parrish - Derbyshire 02/11/2009 WHEN THE GEESE FLEW SOUTH ! We made a pretty arduous journey from Chesterfield with the family on the Friday afternoon to see the band at Wimbourne. It was all totally worthwhile. Treated to virtually the entire new album and some nice suprises. Fantastic to meet up with the band afterwards...But where was Andy hiding? !!! It was a super show and my two teenage "Stackies" loved every minute. Looking forward to some more hopefully a little nearer home ! Ray - Hampshire 01/11/2009 Saw you in Croydon around 72 and have worn out your vinyl album I bought at the time. Looking forward to going to a gig soon! Barry St-John Warren - Bedfordshire 29/10/2009 Many years ago as a student of architecture in Hull as a keen semi-pro muscian, when my own band was not playing, I went to gigs with my girlfriend. I well remember a track from a band I saw titled 'God Speed The Pough'. I put 'GSTP' in my computer and came across the name Stackridge and it all came back. What an excellent band! what an excellent track! Firstly I am so pleased to hear the band is back together and doing so well and secondly it is interesting to note that George Martin produced GSTP, which probably why it carried a quality beyond most other band tracks of the era. Long Live Stackridge! Jeff Bowron - Gateshead 28/10/2009 Waiting For You and (Stackridge to return) Any news of the mighty Stackridge making a triumphant return to the fine city of Newcastle in 2010 ? The Geordie faithful are suffering withdrawal symptoms ! The Cluny is the obvious, and a mighty fine, venue for the dynamic eight. Cannygigs are the usual promoters for this establishment, and put on the previous two Stackridge gigs at The Cluny. Stackridge fans who would like to see the band back in Newcastle at The Cluny could do worse than make their feelings known with an e mail to: cannygigs@btinternet.com Stackridge on a Saturday night at The Cluny would be a belter. Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 28/10/2009 Dear Mr. Walter, No, please, don't get up ... On tenterhooks. Your thin new volume of matchless prose (nobody else would even try to write like that) will sit nicely on my mostly empty bookshelf, next to the much-thumbed favourite "Clearasil for Beginners", which I’m sure you will have read with pleasure and profit all those years ago. Yours, ever. P.S. Some other Ken, then. J.Walter - Prostrate 27/10/2009 Dear Mr Gardener, With reference to you recent telegram:- I can only suggest you read my forthcoming Memoirs, "The Acne Years- 1963-1999", a thin but nevertheless useless Chronicle of the events leading up to my holiday in Cornwall in 2000. Kindest Regards, etc. Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 26/10/2009 Mutter's appearance five days ago seems to have struck guestbook contributors dumb (not a bad idea in this case, I hear Mutter mutter). Let's see if this doesn't break the spell. Just read Crun's promise to tell all about the mad axeman of Chatham Row. Not Ken N. surely? Tall, thin feller with blondish hair, darkish beard and an unfriendly—to put it mildly—gleam in his eye? (Although I can't imagine there being TWO mad axemen active in the mid-70s, in Bath's Bermuda Triangle between the Bell. the Hat & Feather and the Assembly—with an optional fourth angle formed by the Star at the bottom of Guinea Lane.) Conversation used to dry up fast when he wandered into the bar (rather like Mutter saying hello here, now I come to think of it.) According to local gossip, our Ken was known to swing a mean axe, usually while in pursuit of someone who had irritated him. Eye contact in the pub was definitely not advisable. Pity I can't remember more details. Or maybe it isn't. Was the whole of Bath mad in those days? Incidentally, I believe the burning of the end building of Chatham Row by the City Council, to which Crun briefly refers, actually marked a turning point in the then apparently unstoppable destruction of one of the country's finest cities. I can still remember the uproar caused by the report of the action in the Evening Chronicle. Did more to put an end to institutional vandalism than the appalling Southgate development ("looks nice from the air," said one City Councillor) and Adam Fergusson's book/accusation The Sack of Bath. Any more memories, opinions and views forthcoming from band members? Cheers, all. Mutter - Bridport 21/10/2009 Dear all, Thanks for the kind words about the album and the gig at Wimborne. We do try to cover most of the relevant Stackridge bases and drop in a surprise or two as well so it's nice to hear when we succeed and important to hear when we miss the target! Bless you, Mutter Jerry - Salisbury 19/10/2009 Caught the Wimborne show on Friday. First time since 72 or 73 when I saw you at Uni of Kent at Canterbury. Was a bit anxious as to whether it would live up to expectations, but before the first song ended I was able to relax and just let the music do its stuff! Thanks for a wonderful evening, come back soon please. Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 19/10/2009 Hello again Hogweed, briefly. Couldn't agree with you more. The Independent man's review is unfortunately typical of a once widespread critical attitude to Stackridge's recorded output. A classic case of a hep cat completely missing the point, I think. Cheers P.S. Only slightly envious of everyone else enjoying the band live. Can't see them coming over to Spain as part of their next world tour ... Farrington - Near Southampton 18/10/2009 I love the new album and really enjoyed the show at the Brook September '08. Having been a fan since Friendliness days, I was really looking forward to seeing Stackridge in New Milton on 12th December. Due to family commitments, I could not make the Wimborne gig. I'm very disappointed that the New Milton gig has now been cancelled and I hope that another date can be arranged in the Portsmouth to Bournemouth area soon. Love to you all. Hogweed - Bournemouth 18/10/2009 In reply to our friend from Bilbao, Stackridge should not be diverted from writing or performing great songs like The Day the World Stopped Turning because of some idiot who happens to write for the Independent. It's quite simple really, it's one of the best songs Stackridge have ever written, and their performance of it on Friday was simply outstanding. Big Tone - Bournemouth 18/10/2009 We saw Stackridge at the Tiv in Wimborne on friday. I must admit all I knew about them was hearing Do The Stanley in the seventies & seeing a a Bonzoesque type performance on Whistle Test. Like Gentle Giant & Barclay James Harvest, they seem to have passed me by largely un-noticed. I really didn't know what to expect, but by the end of the third song I was enthralled. I kept thinking 'Caravan...with knobs on'. Like National Health & Delivery, it has taken me nearly 40 years to catch up with Stackridge. I think that after haearing Do The Stanley the first time round, I had dismissed them as a music hall act.....shame! Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 17/10/2009 Hello Hogweed: No bad reviews? Having recently mastered the business of Googling, I found this, from a review by one Andy Gill, writing in the Independent in July 2009: "The album's later stages, however, mark the return of the kind of unfocused meanderings that rendered prog-rock old and in the way the first time round, most notably in the 11-minute "The Day the World Stopped Turning", an event surely deserving rather more drama than is involved here." Either the man has cloth ears or Mr Tobin forgot to send the bugger the standard (back in the 70s) five girls , five gallons of whiskey and the odd sniffable white subtance to ensure a decent review. Myself, I only have one problem with A Victory. Simply can't get it off the turntable. Will return when sober. Cheers, all. Darren Lambden - Castle Cary 17/10/2009 The more i listen to the new album the more i believe its turning into a classic. I can not believe Radio 2 has not picked up on some of the tracks but instead choose to play some of the new acts which quite frankly would not get airplay on commercial radio! Oh well onward and upward - keep it going Stackridge. Mike - Blandford 17/10/2009 Caught your act at Wimborne last night - and was blown away, just as I used to be in the 70s. Syracuse broght a tear to my eye (and the violin solo was spot on), but I love the new numbers too. The line-up is great, and it looks like you all have fun together. The sound guys let you down though, so you need to dock their pocket money. As a guitarist myself, I recognise the talents of James (great), and Andy (superb). But the whole band is up there with the best. Keep on clucking. We love you. pete - portsmouth 17/10/2009 We really enjoyed the set last night at Wimbourne.It was great to hear so much of the excellent new album. The band looked great and sounded really together. I do hope the word can get out to a younger student audience (who are really into prog' at the moment) that Stackridge are making some really new and relevant music. With a big revival of interest in all things 70's in the new bands of today, the time could not be better. See Mojo's 'quiet revolution' freebie CD if you need proof. Would there be any opportunities for Stackridge to be sharing the bill with some of the new prog/ folk bands who are gigging all over the country at the moment so as to reach a new audience? Keep up the great work - you are an inspiration! Hogweed - Bournemouth 17/10/2009 Thanks to Mike and the band for coming back to Wimborne, excellent performance. The new songs came across brilliantly and Syracuse and Purple Spaceships also stood out for me. Very impressed with Clare and Sarah gave her all as always, also noticed how she kept going despite the amp falling over behind her mid-song. Excellent! Keep it up wynn morgan - Neath 17/10/2009 Watched Synth Britannia on BBC4 last night and thought i spotted Andy playing keyboards for tears for fears? Yes or No? Didn't have a close up on his 'andsome features so couldn't say for certain but if not he's got a doppelganger Response:Yes Andy played keys for Tears For Fears on live gigs. He did the same for Goldfrapp. Phil Williams - Liverpool 14/10/2009 Nice to see the band is coming back to our neck of the woods (my son and I were at the Cavern gig in June 2008 and travelled to Bury this summer). I'm not sure you'll appreciate my point but- I bought 'Victory' and enjoyed the gig but - The stand out tracks in my view are 'Boots' and 'Red Squirrel', and both deserve to be in the live set but... At Bury I missed the fantastic 'Fish in a Glass', 'Ruth', 'Wonderful Day', 'Help under Doors','The Last Plimsoll'. The band have a wonderful body of work under their belts and they should come out with a live set that reflects that, and they will sell CD's (no what I'm saying?). Another point, don't Stackridge write as a band anymore/why only old farts on the album cover/Sarah looks a lot better than even the handsome Mutter and Glen Tommey is so much part of the live experience, surely he should be there. Hogweed - Bournemouth 11/10/2009 A few months on, I've yet to see a negative review of "Victory". On Amazon nearly eveyone has given the album top marks. Sorry but I have a short list of questions: Are the band happy with the critical acclaim of the album? Also how did the sales of it go so far? Are the band reasonably content that their hard work has paid off? Finally, a recent podcast suggested further plans for recordings and releases of new versions of material, without giving anything away, are they still planned? Response:Hi Mike,.....that is a lot of questions ! You might want to consider joining the zorgansgal yahoo group where fans exchange messages & ask questions every day. In a nutshell, the band ( and I) are pleased with the positive response to "Victory" , sales are good ( downloads included), we all knew it would be a long hard road & there are lots of plans to Up The Anti through to 2010. Yes there will be more time in the studio....new songs, remixes of one or two tracks, and the promo.video to finish. All will be revealed both on this forum, at our MySpace page, on Facebook & @ zorgansgal. Mike T. ( with his Manager's hat on ) Dave Richardson - Annen, The Netherlands 06/10/2009 Just like to say, Boots And Shoes was played yesterday on one of our local radio stations here in the north of the Netherlands. Sounded great, as always. Ken Luton - Yes 03/10/2009 I,m staying in that T/Lodge! Its a s*** ***e! Premier Inn or we dont go. I know class when I see it! Mike Webb - devon 02/10/2009 I agree with Jeff. A great location. Good beer as well. Also cheap rooms usually available at nearby Travelodge. Hogweed - Bournemouth 02/10/2009 Well what more do you guys want? I suggest Stackridge should be doing more gigs and a few days later here they are! Dear Stackridge, can you please let me know the winning lottery numbers for tomorrow? Thanks! P.S. Glad to see the band letting our northern friends get a taste of live music as it should be played Jeff Bowron - Gateshead 02/10/2009 Great to see more gigs in the frozen north in early 2010 - but no mention of a trupmphant return to The Cluny in Newcastle. The first two Stackridge gigs at this great venue, on a Wednesday and Thursday - hardly ideal, were belters. A Saturday night would be even better, and allow Stackers fans to spend a weekend in this fine city. Sounds good to me. Hogweed - Bournemouth 29/09/2009 Well let us hope the good news comes to fruition. I don't blame the band for not being willing to travel and lose money one bit. Brits should hang their heads in shame that such a great band has been largely overlooked, whilst avidly watching the embarrasment that is the X Factor every Saturday. There are some celebrity fans who could make such a difference to your popularity, but as far as I am concerned Stackridge are one of the best bands around and have just produced one of the best albums I've heard in a quarter of a century. Hope that's praise enough :) Hogweed - Bournemouth 28/09/2009 I went to Brownsea Island and saw a red squirrel on Saturday. Hope that's a good omen for the gig in Wimborne on 16th. I'm slightly disturbed by the apparent lack of forthcomng gigs, is this lack of demand or due to other commitments? I'd have thought Stackridge would be treading the boards to raise awareness of the best album of the noughties. I keep nagging people to listen and buy, I've not had one adverse comment to those who have listened to Victory or some of the material on Myspace Response:There have been some "other commitments" ( both music & family oriented) but sadly the lack of gigs is down to the reluctance of promoters & venues to pay anything like enough money to warrant the band performing. It is hugely frustrating for all of us, but there is no point in travelling hundreds of miles and then end up losing money. However there will be some good news soon ( if it all comes together) about a lot more gigs in 2010. Keep on checking the gig list ! Peter Kirkham - Melbourne, Australia 28/09/2009 Hello, it was to my great surprise whilst perusing the airmail edition of Mojo here in the Antipodes that I saw that the inestimable Stackridge had not only 'reformed' but actually issued a new spinning thingy for me to enjoy. I was then overjoyed to find it in a shop here that seems to use the Mojo as it's taste guide. Chaps it is wonderful,up there with your best. Whilst listening to it with my partner, I was able to regale her with tales of Brighton Dome, the Treasure Island panto, Reading with the dancers with the band name spelt out for posterior, speaking to you at a uni, with the ravages of time and too mnay substances, the name of which eludes me It made an old man very happy. Response:Hi Peter, Thanks for the message, and we are really pleased to hear that our new Album is on sale in Australia. Any chance you could provide us with a Website or an E Mail Address for the shop where you bought the CD ? We would like to send them a thank you message. James Kinsella - Arklow, Ireland 24/09/2009 Further to recent comments,I think "It must be time for bed" is the pure genius of James Warren at his very best....so evocative! Russ Cummings - Hastings 20/09/2009 I say, chaps, any plans to visit 1066 country (and all that) in the near future? Thanks for 'Victory' - superb album - and for 'Sex and Flags' which I heard for the first time yesterday! Where have I been all my life? Anyway, blah blah rhubarb rhubarb etc... All the best, Russ Response:No gigs booked in or near Hastings at the moment, but Stackridge are eager to play anywhere in the world if & when the opportunity arises. If there are venues or promoters you know of put them in touch with the management Norbert - London 18/09/2009 Fully agree with Portsmouth Pete about 'C'est La Vie'. It's one of the 'ridge's finest moments. Go on, put it in the set. Hogweed - Bournemouth 15/09/2009 I agree with Mark's comments. I have no problem with the band trying different things and even different ways of songwriting. One of the recent Lummy Days downloads had a comment from Andy that his problem with all previous Stackrisge albums was that they sounded like a lot of different bands. Victory blends the inputs very effectively and I'm sure if Stackridge had found this formula in 1972 we'd be debating a possible reunion in some huge stadiums in remote corners of the globe and paying £75 for a ticket half a mile from the stage. Crun would be propelled above the stadium in some kind of jet-propelled craft to the instrumental part of Syracuse the Elephant and James would be forming a supergroup with Paul McCartney and Sting. Maybe for us it's just as well they only just found the formula :) Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 15/09/2009 Hello Hogweed. Nice to see someone else standing up for Sex and Flags (there's a rude joke in there somewhere, but I can't be bothered to chase it out). However ... Having half suggested that a remake of Sex and Flags might be a good idea, I listened to it (once) and A Victory (3 times) this weekend and I think I should withdraw the suggestion. Much as I like the record, it's clear Sex and Flags is very much old Stackridge. Among other things, Andy and Jim pull in different directions and it does sound as if Jim's songs were recorded with Andy absent and vice versa. There's no sign of the unity of purpose that makes A Victory such a good record. If anything, it reminds me of the Beatles making a stunning record, Abbey Road (A VIctory) after recording an attractive but clearly less focused and inspired one, Let It Be (Sex and Flags). Take, for instance, Waiting for You and England to return off Victory. Andy sings a couple of lines only on the track, and yet his contribution really makes Jim's part take off. There's v. little of that kind of collaboration on S. and F. I increasingly get the impression that the title of A Victory For Common Sense refers not just to the decision to play and make records together again, but also to the attitude that enables Andy and Jim to cooperate so rewardingly. Collectively, they are much more than the sum of the individual parts. This is probably due to maturity (nearly wrote age) and the wholly beneficial effect of an outsider (but who is also very much an interested party) like Chris Hughes producing. I'd also be interested to know who came uo with the title, too. Chris Hughes? Crun, possibly. (No doubt Jim will now deflate such airy theorizing by saying it was him.) Well, I think I've bored you all for long enough. Time to go. Cheers. Response:Hi Mark, You make some good observations there. It is true that Chris Hughes is responsible in a big way for pulling together the threads that the various elements of the band represent. As for the title that actually was Andy D's idea. It was just a flash of inspiration when we were all sat around discussing the project with Chris, before we even started recording. Andy just suggested it & Chris said "That's It - Brilliant" & we never changed our minds from that point on. "Sex & Flags" as you might have guessed was Crun's idea. Who knows what he was thinking of at the time ! Mike Tobin pete - portsmouth 14/09/2009 After many years of searching I finally managed to find 'Do the Stanley'single from the wonderful Soundz in Portsmouth who have an amazing collection of vinyl. Can,t stop playing the beautiful b side 'C'est la vie' - is there any chance this could reach the set list one day Jim? Also, I was wondering what Mutter thought of the 'Vinyl weekend' that has taken place a couple of times at Bridport in the last year. Record collector are showcasing as the event of the year! Go on guys - why not get really trendy and release a limited edition Prog' 10 inch EP with a Slark dance mix thrown in for good measure! Hogweed - Bournemouth 11/09/2009 In reply to our friend from Bilbao, I absolutely adore Sex & Flags, in fact until the release of "Victory" it was probably my second favourite after "Bowler Hat". Much folkier than the current album but there are some great songs on there. Wildebeeste is as mad as Stackridge get but I love it. Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 11/09/2009 Many thanks, Jim, for troubling to reply, and so quickly too. I do remember the manager's name (I was there for a year) but I'm gradually learning discretion and I shan't air it over the Internet. I shall also silence one or two anecdotes concerning him, as you are obviously a sensitive soul. Before I end this sudden orgy of nostalgia, may I put a question to any other Stackridge fans passing through? Sex and Flags. Am I the only person with more than a sneaking regard for this record? I realize it's a bit of a hodge podge of differing phases, recorded in fits and starts as the group started up again, and mostly downbeat at that, but I can't help feeling that, just as inside every fat man, there's a thin one struggling to get out (it may be the other way round, but let it go), Sex and Flags has the makings of a splendid record. With Chris Hughes at the helm and the attitude that made A Victory .... possible, surely the group could ....? Just a thought. One other thing that's been bothering me. Sex AND Flags? A curious combination. Is it sex first and flags later? Both at the same time? Or is Flags short for Flagellation ... ? No, all right, I'll go quietly. All the best to Jim & Co. and thanks to all for putting up with me here. james warren - bath 11/09/2009 Reply to Mark Gardner in Bilbao, Hello Mark. Yes I did work for about a month at Bowes & Bowes bookshop Bath in 1977 or thereabouts. My boss - can't remember his name - was an appalling man. Four weeks was as much as I could stand. And yes, Glenn and Andy Marsden did indeed play in Graduate. Delighted that you still like the music best wishes Jim Warren pete - portsmouth 11/09/2009 We love you Stackridge! The new album is just so cool.....Crun's nod to the 'paisley underground' and Andy's 'sewing the seeds of branston pickle...'Somehow this is even better than the seminal 'Something about the Beatles'. Seeing you guys live at Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Tivoli Wimborne and The Brook has been a joy for me, my wife and daughter Ali who grew up to the sounds of 'Dora....' Keep up the good work! See you at the Wimborne! Pete Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 09/09/2009 I had decided not to mention past memories of Stackridge when I wrote earlier, but after browsing other messages I thought, what the hell ... Last saw Stackridge at Bath Pavilion in '75 or possibly '76. No idea how many times I'd seen them before that in or around my then home town and Bristol. Mr. Mick had just come out and, truth to tell, no one in the group seemed particularly happy with it or the Stackridge situation. High spirits, Mutter's introductions apart, were few and far between. Playing of a high standard nonetheless. I once met Andy Davis at the corner of Queen's Square/Gay Street when he was in Slow Twitch Fibres (?). I was with a work colleague after a longish drinking session and greeted an incredibly polite Mr. Davis with arms open wide. My work colleague was also called Andy Davis, so I introduced them: "Andy Davis, meet Andy Davis." In my drink-befuddled state, I thought this hilarious. Ex-Strackridge Mr. Davis's reaction is not, thank God, on record. We had a brief, reasonably coherent chat and I then stumbled on my way home. Apologies to both, after all this time, and my thanks to Andy for patiently answering my inquiries about his old group. Another thing. Did James ever work in Bowes & Bowes bookshop on Milsom Street, or is that a figment of my imagination? If he did, I think he took my old job over after I stopped being their trainee manager in '76 to go to university (work didn't agree with me, still doesn't much). A friend told me he was working there, but I never saw him. I assume B & B's subsequent demise had nothing to do with Mr. Warren's stint there. Saw Crun Walter at a private party in Bath once (oh how we got around in those days). He was lucky I hadn't had too much to drink, otherwise he would have had his patience sorely tried. He doesn't look the sort to suffer fools gladly, so I doubt he'd have been quite as patient as Andy. To end, my congratulations once again to the band. The best effort yet, in my view, and that's saying plenty. Still listen regularly to the old records (on CD now) and watch the DVD whenever my Spanish and therefore uncomprehending wife isn't hogging the set for CSI. My vinyl copy of Man in the Bowler Hat is on my office wall here in Bilbao. Please don't let this go. I don't imagine you'll ever be superstars (or that you particularly want to be), but you've all clearly got plenty more music in you, and however good the other stuff you do separately may be, nothing has the magic of the Stackridge output. A final question. Were Glenn and ex-drummer Andy Marsden in Graduate once? Thanks (again) for your patience. Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 09/09/2009 Currently wearing out the new album at a tremendous rate. Not quite the old Stackridge, much of the whimsy and folkier stuff gone. In its place we have fine tunes beautifully played and the most consistently good Stackridge record ever. It would seem the argument between Andy Davis and James Warren, about jokiness and fantasy in the group's repertoire (see the 1st instalment of Stackridge TV, up there on Andy's roof) has been resolved in Andy's favour, which might account for James's slightly miffed look on the CD cover. "Children's songs with attitude" was how Crun once described the group's music. Not now. All good stuff. If they'd come up with this in 1974, I think they'd have made it big time. Shades of the Beatles, early 70s Floyd, late 60s Traffic, even a brief hint of the later Steely Dan ... and yet recognisably Stackridge. Who else would sing about red squirrels, cheese and ham sandwiches and ex-pats yearning to come home? A great record. More, please. James Kinsella - Arklow, Ireland 25/08/2009 Long Dark River and Ham and |Cheese are classics! Love them! derek - newcastle 25/08/2009 bought victory for common sense a couple of weeks ago, it has been played in the car continuously, first saw stackridge at Bickershaw Festival in the early 70's, been a fan ever since Marian - newcastle 20/08/2009 Have just bought the only copy of Victory For Common Sense that was ordered through HMV. Only one word for it......fantastic....pure Stackridge....North St Grande is a winner.....good luck Chas Keep - Newcastle 18/08/2009 Having first been utterly captivated by Stackridge at The Marquee in 1973 I've been fan ever since and was lucky enough to do the sleevenotes for the live Windsong release as well as the release of the first three albums on cd on Edsel.......I've played the new cd a lot,desperately trying to be rational,realistic,analytical and even hypercritical,whilst avoiding nostalgia and sentimentality but I've got to say that "A Victory For Common Sense" is up there with "The Man In The Bowler Hat"...It was clear at the recent gig at The Cluny that the new tracks were good and that the band were enjoying themselves....this is a superb album by anyones standards,let alone Stackridge....no individual plaudits,for this is a BAND playing together....keep on clucking! P.S.Next time you're up in Newcastle,Mutter,it's your round! John Hollis - Darlington 17/08/2009 Just got the new album Love it! I sold all me vinyls yonks ago but I'm re buying them all on CD if I can get me hands on them. First saw the Band at Redcar Coatham Hotel about 1973/4 not sure exactly when.I and them were all young lads at the time.One of the most inspiring bands I have ever seen. I played Bass in a Band in the 70's we used to cover Rufus T Firefly & Pocket Billiards in many North East workingmens clubs,can You believe? Always had a good audience response even though no-one had ever heard of Stackridge!!! Long Live Stackridge please do one or two northern gigs. Response:Hi John, If you join the fan's site ( zorgansgal @ yahoogroups ) there is a list of every gig the band has ever done, so you should find Redcar in there somewhere ( was,nt it known as the Redcar Jazz Club ?) More gigs coming up in the North Jan/Feb 2010 keep checking the gigs list on this website. Mike Stokes - brissle 15/08/2009 have played the new album so much now and it keeps getting better and better saw the band in bath last month it was superb I am spreading the word hope that the band get lots of air play they deserve it Jim Bickhart - Venice, CA, USA 14/08/2009 Long-time fan since the "Dora" days. "Nothing's More Important Than the Earthworm" even now. Looking forward to hearing the new album. DublinPete - Dublin 13/08/2009 Ahhhhh yes, what great memories of a concert in Dublin in the 70s. Let There be Lids, Do the Stanley. I do hope you'll come again! Russ Parrish - Derbyshire 10/08/2009 VERY impressed with the new album. Had a full week of playing it and I keep discovering something new. An unexpected but excellent re-work of 'Boots&shoes'. I've not decided on a favourite track yet,too much choice! Well done to all involved. It really is a victory for 'Musical' common sense !! Hope me and the family can catch a live show soon. Mark Fez Harrison - Aldershot 10/08/2009 Welcome back Stackridge. In the 1980's as a bluecoat at Pontins we used to play two songs every night for "Goodnight children"'s party dances - the then unknown "superman" by black lace and "Do the Stanley". Everyone wanted copies (no, we didn't break the law - and as a result superman did quite well that summer). Our ents manager told us he'd tried to get A&M to re release "Stanley" to no avail. By the way, long live Marzo! Elaine Brokenshaw (nee Owen) - Weston super Mare 10/08/2009 Love the new album. Its nice to see my old class mate James Warren is still doing well. Contact me if you would like info on the reunion. Pete Feenstra - London 08/08/2009 Until Stackridge hit London, check out this amazing one off show EDDIE JOBSON with CURVED AIR at The Beaverwood Club, Beaverwood rd, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 Sun 9th Aug 7;30pm www.feenstra.co.uk for details Alan Draper - Portsmouth 08/08/2009 Just like Mr. Hogweed, I have also been plugging the new album on the Genesis fan forum as 'Watcher', it's receiving a good response there too. There has always been a crossover of Stackridge/Genesis fans - I should know, I was one of them back in 1972! If only Genesis could be half as creative as Stackridge these days instead of retreading their past in diluted form rather than forging boldly forward as they used to. Having Stackridge back to enjoy in my autumn years has been a miracle, one I had dreamed of often in those wilderness years when the band were in limbo but I never thought my dream would come true. Roll on, Wimborne, tickets for front row seats are already in my sweaty mitts. Stackridge 4 Ever!! Mutter Slater - Bridport 07/08/2009 For Janette: Thank you for your kind words about the flute playing, but, more importantly, I am thrilled to have inspired you to dust off the old instrument and give it a bit of TLC. Any musical instrument comes alive with love, understanding and a bit of human bloody mindedness. keep at it. Paul Amber - Sheffield 07/08/2009 Just reached the age of 47 - and I am already feeling the pains of ageing! But listening to Stackridge certainly goes against all such pain. They are all older than me - unlike so many other bands out there! - but are truly compelling and inspirational. I love the latset album and currently have the debut album on order. Happy birthday to me then!! Stuart - York 07/08/2009 If you are looking for a good venue in the North - albeit small - I can recommend the Shire Hall in Howden, run by Howden live (http://www.howden-live.com/) I have seen Snake Davis, Chicken Shack, The sensational alex harvery band and Midge Ure there to name but a few. Hogweed - Bournemouth 06/08/2009 I've been plugging this album on the Genesis website forum and a few people with imagination and insight have bought, played and been well impressed. It's so frustrating when you hear or see something brilliant and people don't bother to listen or look, but at the same time it's great every time you get to convince someone that what you have discovered is appreciated by them too. In the early days this was what being a Genesis fan was like. I hope Stackridge get some recognition for this brilliant piece of work, it's always been in you, the only difference is that you've put together a whole album that brings out the best in you. Good luck with the tour, I'll be at a few of the SW gigs this autumn lapping up every moment. Leonard - London 06/08/2009 I can't get North St. Grande out of my head. I keep singing the chorus to myself all day long. Every day. It can't just be me. How about a judicious radio edit, a clever marketing campaign by Helium Records, and a hit single for Christmas? Response:You have a talent for mind reading ! That is exactly what we plan. Just keep watching for announcements. Paul Moyle-Harris - Heddington, Wiltshire 04/08/2009 New album the greatest, Bath gig on 24/7/09 superb. I have supported Stackridge since the Wishbone Ash tour all those years ago and dragged a few friends and my wife along on the 24th. I'm sure they went along just to shut me up but are now all "converted", buying albums, spreading the word to anyone who will listen and already looking forward to the December date. At this exponential rate of growth Stackridge will out-strip swine flu!! By the way, do you still do outdoor gigs? If so when and where? Response:That's great news Paul, thanks for spreading the word & for converting some new people to the cause. Outdoor gigs ? We did do some festivals in 2008, but somehow missed out this year. We love outdoor gigs ( as long as the weather is good !) and hope to be booked for major festivals in 2010. If our supporters start sending messages to the festivals requesting that they book Stackridge that will help. Marian - newcastle 04/08/2009 Please let us know if there are any plans for more gigs up North......... Response:Yes, there are several gigs in the offing "oop norf" for early next year, plus one possible one in negotiation for December 5th this year. Just keep checking the gig list on this Website and/or on our MySpace & Facebook pages. Dave Richardson - Annen, The Netherlands 03/08/2009 Just thought I'd mention that I requested a track from AVFCS on Radio Caroline today. They obliged with The Old Country, and gave the album a good mention. Janette Wilkins - Derby 02/08/2009 Dear Mutter. Your Flute playing on A Victory for Common Sense is Absolutely beautiful and a real inspiration. I played as a teenager and into my early 20's just for fun but time over took and it has been a while but I dusted off the flute and it is now in the repair shop having some TLC and when I get it back I will spend some time with it again. Thank you Janette Julie - Brighton 02/08/2009 LOvely to find this site. Half a lifetime ago I gave you a flower painted dustbin lid on Hastings Pier or the Marquee. You were all very pleased with it, but said it was far to nice to use. x x UKBOB WRFG 89.3FM - Atlanta , Ga ,USA 02/08/2009 Following you since Brooklands college circuit days 72-74. We need photos not of the band but of the audience at gigs ! i wish i could show people me in waistcoat,top hat,jeans,pink converse,rhubarb in the pocket,dustbin lid in hand at Fairfield Halls Croydon! no one would believe me now. Stanley was my fathers name and its his birthday ....and so it thought of u guys . Any live 70s video anywhere ? still know every word to volunteer,dora etc . Bob Mutter - Bridport, Dorset 02/08/2009 Re: Richard Higgins' query about venues etc. Well, Richard like everything else in this life it's not that straight forward. Some venues are rather unprepossessing and unpromising (The Boom Boom, 100 Club) and yet they are nice gigs to do. This obviously has a lot to do with the audiences but the rooms do have a power of their own, rather metaphysical I know but that's how it seems to me. The posher theatres, despite large stages and nice dressing rooms can be too sterile, the exception to this is The Stables at Wavendon, Milton Keynes - nice stage, great auditorium, wonderful crowd, luxurious green room and a voluptuos woman called Ruth - so I suppose that The Stables wins so far. I am only too willing to try anywhere else that would want to outdo it! caroline - maidstone kent 01/08/2009 is Billy Sparkle still with you? I used to write to him back in the 70's and he went to visit my penfriend in France. Met you all at Chatham Central Hall-your music was the best part of growing up in the 70's!!! Glad to have found you again. x Response:Hi Caroline, No Billy is no longer with Stackridge. We still see a lot of him though as he now runs his own film making business and has been taking a lot of footage of us. Have a look at the Stackridge TV link on the main page, and also read the History section. Lovely to hear from you. Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 30/07/2009 Never mind what Stackridge think, I was at Wimborne last summer and they blew me away, excellent stuff. Before that the last time I'd seen them was on the Extravaganza tour at Yeovil Octagon, the last of many 1970s Stackridge gigs for me. I loved them all but Wimborne was particularly special. I'll be there again 16th October, armed with rhubarb James Kinsella - Arklow, Ireland 30/07/2009 Just got the CD through 101cd.com and I love it! It's great to immerse oneself in all things Stackridge once again. I particularly like tracks 5 to 9. Well done to all! On a trivial note, it's cool to see my CD timer pumping along in perfect synch with Cheese and Ham! (I know, I should get out more often). I'm currently trying to find a way to get over to London to see Stackridge later in the year. Regards, James. Richard Higgins - Lincs 29/07/2009 RE: my entry dated yesterday - 28th July. Does the band have a response? I am interested in what makes a good gig for the band and indeed a good promoter. Obviously gigs far from home require overnight accomodation etc... are there any special gigs that have become special memories? i.e the venue, the sound and lighting quality, the fans and how you were looked after. Response:Hi Richard, Mike ( manager of the band ) here. I check the guestbook almost every day, it's my job ( or a part of it !) I do then alert the actual members of the band to a message like yours which requires a response from them. It sometimes takes a while for any of them to answer. Expect something soon. Richard Higgins - Lincs 28/07/2009 I've enjoyed seeing Stackridge at several venues in the last 12 months. I feel like a footy fan supporting away games but I always get as winning result. I have my fave venues. Does the band any memorable venues and gigs? Mine to name but a few are Wimborne and Ronda Theatre. Thanks. M@RT - Wirral. Merseyside 28/07/2009 Re John Chapman - Become a Promoter. Well done that man! Plans are afoot for a possible gig on the Wirral. What we need is a little army of Stackridge promoters across the country. If there are any peeps out there in the Cheshire/Merseyside area who would like to see the band, show your support and stick a message on here. Fly the flag. I have just had to prove that I am human in order to make this post, what a sodding liberty...... Mick - Hitchin Herts 28/07/2009 Loving the new album - Saw you at the Stables in MK last September for the first time in many a moon. Any plans to come to the MK,St Albans,Cambridge area? Response:Back @ The Stables in Feb. Check the gigs listings on this site for updates. Brian Ingersent - South Cumbria 27/07/2009 Sunday morning 8am, standing on the touchline at a muddy Leeds football festival (playing for Exeter City exiles in the veterans competition) - I overhear the magic word "Stackridge". The gentleman in question tells me he is a friend of the band and has had something to do with the new album. If it was you, thanks for the chat and hope you managed to pass on my best wishes to them all. Cheers Brian. Mark Handoll - Combwich 27/07/2009 Still amazed at just how good "AVFCS" is! Any chance Stackridge will again play the "Rondo" in Bath? Response:We might do The Rondo again sometime in 2010, but as we are @ The Komedia, Bath in December we can't play too much in that city ( even though it means an early night for us !) Brent and Gill - Brussels 27/07/2009 Aaaaaahhhhhh - the new CD has arrived and life is all OK again!! What an amazing CD - Stackridge just never fail to deliver. Whatever else is happening in the world, Stackridge make life worth living. Thanks guys - we have struggled to get to gigs this year but will be in Wimborne in October. Any orders for chocolate!! Or beer!!! Ian Osborne - Norwich 27/07/2009 GRAHAM FROM NORWICH!!!! Another Thrasher local to me - YAY!!! Shame about the Ipswich gig I was still in hope - maybe push the guys at Norwich Arts Centre?????? Dave Richardson - Annen, The Netherlands 27/07/2009 Regarding John Chapman's entry dated 26-07-2009. I would just like to further endorse his feelings and say " come on lets give it a go ". Because of where I live makes it a bit more difficult to organise a performance but I am willing to help out in any way possible. Lets show the world what they are missing. John, I haven't got any experience in this work, but if I lived nearer by you could put at the top your list to help out. Dennis Murray - Edinburgh 27/07/2009 Regarding national radio recognition for the new album I did hear Stuart Maconie play 'The Old Country' on Radio 2 recently. So the album is reaching some quarters of the mainstream music media. Brian Cernuschi - Rye 26/07/2009 The new album is full of great tracks but that finale 'The Day The World Stopped Turning' has to be up there with Stackridge 'long track' classics such as Slark, Syracuse and Fish in a Glass. In fact, I would venture to say, it could be the best one yet. John Chapman - Cornwall 26/07/2009 BECOME A PROMOTER Everybody would like to see Stackridge perform in their town. If you feel strongly enough about it then let's make it happen. One of the greatest buzzes I have ever experienced is the thrill of knowing that I promoted a successful Stackridge gig in my town. I am willing to put the time and effort in and share my knowledge on the rights and wrongs with any serious Stackridge fan. My time and advice are free and Mike Tobin is very approachable. Surely this is a Victory for Common Sense. Contact John Chapman, Roseleigh, Tyringham Road, Lelant, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3LJ, mobile 08000588001. Julian - Luton, Beds 25/07/2009 Great to hear a new selection of great songs from you all, I just booked to see you in London. Wish you had more gigs out this way. Loved seeing you back in the day at St. Albans when we were young and had long hair. God speed the plough. Brian - Midlothian 25/07/2009 Take John Lennon, Ray Davies, Andy Partridge, Noel Coward and the Fountains of Wayne. Now, stick them in a recording studio and ask them to come up with an album. If you are very lucky, you might, just might, end up with an album half as good as ' A Victory For Common Sense ' . Magnificent and timeless stuff. Danny Tibbles - Cheltenham 24/07/2009 Great disappointment not getting to London or Bath. Thanks for another brilliant collection of gems. Life is always better when Stackridge are ( is??? ) around. Oh for a 3 ( or 4 ! ) night concert 'extravaganza', with all the old and new favourites - PLEASE ! Best wishes to all, and thanks again. p.s. I am not a spambot, and there is a hedgehog on my fence ! paul amber - sheffield 24/07/2009 I have heard it - finally! AVFCS. It is certainly a very different affair to 1999's SFTW. But that's 10 years for you, isn't it! More of a grower, this new one, rather than instantly catchy. But I certainly like all 9 selections. All I'm needing now is a Sheffield gig from them. Or somwhere not too far away! Or a lottery win! Graham - Norwich 24/07/2009 Just to echo all the comments about the new album. It's fantastic - as good as any for years. Any more news on your slot alongside Curved Air in Ipswich hinted at some months ago? Response:Sadly the gig with Curved Air in Ipswich has been cancelled.We assume that Curved Air are not appearing either. Hal Dean - Wilmington, DE, USA 23/07/2009 A cursory glance suggests not much coming from this side o' pond, so I''ll chime in by saying "Victory..." is fantastic and I am beginning to post to multiple places about it. I too particularly like "Long Dark Road" and the closing 2 tunes. I must say I am surprised by how much the album really rocks. I am SO envious of the UK fans who can at least consider going to the gigs now underway. What a delightful, refreshing moment in an all too barren pop landscape. Response:Thanks Hal.Good to know that you are spreading the word in the USA . Who knows, maybe we will make it over there at last in 2010 ! Simon Malia - Liverpool 23/07/2009 Just a quick line to add to the justified chorus of praise for the new album - quite simply excellent, and perhaps (perhaps) the best album ever to bear the Stackridge name. Give me another 25 years or so (please God...) and I'll have a better idea... Driving down from Liverpool to the Bath gig tomorrow - and I can't wait. Best regards to all in the band - and all the old Thrashers out there too. Pascal - Liège - Belgium 23/07/2009 Very well done guys ! Toutes mes félicitations :-) What a great album ... the best ever! I received it last week and I can't help listening it to death. With a good promotional job you could be at "the top of the pops" now (like a fish in a glass?). Not a weak song, the two last ones are gems ... in brief it was all we were waiting for. I cried at the end of the first listening :-) I'm definitely coming to the gig at the 100 Club if I can find tickets. We love you. chris bennett - london 22/07/2009 great new albumn not one weak track. the day the world stopped turning is up there in my all time favourite tracks. see you at the 100 club if not sooner Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 21/07/2009 I promised myself I would not play the new album "to death" before it arrived. 10 days later I've listened to virtually nothing else. A really great piece of work from one of England's finest, I just wonder how we can alert the rest of the country to this album. Maybe it needs championing by Terry Wogan or someone? I'm sure if the whole country was listening to it swine flu and the credit crunch would be forgotten. Response:Making a "break through" to the upper echelons of BBC Radio is very difficult, even for industry pros. At the same time a constant flow of requests to suitable programmes from listeners can only help the cause. If everyone here in the guestbook messaged BBC programmes that would be quite substantial. In the meantime a "viral" campaign ......alerting all in your address book, joining in conversations @ blogging sites, using FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter etc to spread the word are all important Gordon Hayward - Stoney Stanton, Leics 21/07/2009 Love the new album especially the final two tracks. Hope to find you doing a gig in the Midlands sometime soon. First saw you in Mansfield in early seventies. Andy Neal - Chichester 21/07/2009 I have 2 tickets for the Bath gig on Friday 24th July but cannot make it after all. Long story. Have eventually made contact with ticket office but they can't help. If you can use the tickets, please contact me ASAP. Andy Neal 01243 780842 Bendiksen - Norway 20/07/2009 Got them all since the first one. The new one is just great. Bought a copy for friends and family. My 7 yr old granddaughter, by the way, loves Lummy Days. Who doesn't? Steve Hammond - Wolverhampton 20/07/2009 What a wonderful album, the best yet, with every song a gem. Great variety, poignant lyrics,gorgeous melodies and harmonies. If there was any justice this would be top of the album charts. Thank you to the band and all involved. Hope to see you again at a gig soon. Darren Lambden - Castle Cary 18/07/2009 Is there any plans to release a single from the new album? Response:Yes, but not quite yet. All will be revealed. Jim - Essex 17/07/2009 Fantastic night at the Bush Hall on Thursday. Songs from the new album mixed with classics delivered in the way only Stackridge do. 3 encores and the crowd still wanted more. Come back again soon! Roger Eastwood - Hitchi, Herts 17/07/2009 Saw the Band again for the first time in 35 years at Druidstone in Pembs on 5th July. I never thought I would see and hear wonderful songs like Slark, Gaucho, Rd to Venezuela again - it was magical. Thanks very much. Mark Kibble - Coalville 16/07/2009 Just to let the thrashers know, I've opened a thread on the Amazon web site discussions forum (music) add your thoughts and lets try and let the outside world know just how good both the album and the Ridge are, easy to access via AVFCS. Hope you don't mind the free advertising lads, and please, please, please try and play near me soon, I'm still touting my local venue. Ian Hopkins - Neath,South Wales 15/07/2009 Bought the album yesterday and was blown away,superb!Stackridge sound as fresh and relevant as ever,and brilliant production. Will get another copy for the car! Please play Pontardawe or Cardiff again soon,though i'll get to one of the sheduled gigs. Thanks lads and lasses!! wynn morgan - Neath 15/07/2009 All hail Crun, songwriting genius, Long dark river now fav Stackridge song ever. To all of those involved many thanks for a wonderful,wonderful record, may it lead you to the success your talents so richly deserve Gerry Prewett - Perth, Western Australia 15/07/2009 A Victory for Common Sense. It does what it says on the tin, a victory for common sense AND for great music too. Well done to everyone. Mark Handoll - Combwich 14/07/2009 "Common Sense" arrived yesterday. Absolutely superb. Every track is great. My only complaint is that I can't get past track 6 (Long Dark River) as I keep having to play it again. Beautifully produced and the best album / CD to date. Can't wait to hear it "live" again soon. Steven Brown - Alcester 14/07/2009 Received the new album on Saturday morning, signed as promised - absolutely superb and gets better with every listen (on the 11th already!)and was worth the wait. It's a crime if this does not get the publicity it deserves. There's so much more creativity to come from you guys I'm sure - don't leave it too long before the next one!! Stephen Gleave - near Nottingham 14/07/2009 How about some gigs in the Midlands and North instead of playing to the same 300 yokels at different venues in the SW. You might be based there but you will need to travel a little further if your plan for total world domination is to be realised ! Response:Steve, We would love to play in the Midlands & The North of the Uk. We would love to play anywhere in the world for that matter. The problem is that Venues & Promoters just refuse to book the band for anything like sensible money. We can afford to play gigs closer to home as we don't need hotels. Over the last 2 years we have played a lot of gigs in the "North" even as far as Scotland. If enough fans demand to see Stackridge at their local venue(s) maybe the promoters can be persuaded to book them, then it;s up up you to justify their faith by turning up in your hundreds. JOHN CHAPMAN - ST IVES CORNWALL 14/07/2009 A huge thank you to everyone that supported the St Ives gig. Anyone who was there will know what a very special night of blistering music this was. Michael Eavis thoroughly enjoyed the evening and has expressed his delight. Anyone wishing to receive souvenir memorabilia in the form of a St Ives ticket and poster should send an addressed A4 envelope with a large envelope stamp on it to John Chapman, Roseleigh, Tyringham Road, Lelant, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3LJ. No money should be sent to me but donations to the James Warren new trousers appeal are being collected by Mike Tobin. Paul Campbell - Ramsbottom, Bury 13/07/2009 Saw album previewed at Bury Met. Just bought it today and looking forward to playing it. Excellent review in Uncut, but would like to see publicity machine step up a gear. Album not available in HMV. Managed to get it from Fopp. It should be a featured major release. Mark Kibble - Coalville 13/07/2009 AVFCS arrived today, as good as anything I've heard in the noughties and ten times better than most. Thank you very much for another work of art. paul amber - sheffield 13/07/2009 I'm waiting with nail-biting anticipation for my new Stackridge CD to arrive via the post. If it's as good as I believe it will be, then I swear that I shall run around my home - at least a dozen times - screaming out "how happy I am to live in the same world as something as wonderful and beautiful as Stackridge!" So listen up my dear Sheffield!! melanie Cheetham - thrupp stroud 13/07/2009 Will you have reviews of gigs on here by any thrashers? Response:If anybody wants to post a review here, Mel....they are welcome. Nobody has tried yet ! Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 13/07/2009 This album gets better with every listening, it's more guitar based and "proggy" than your average Stackers offering, it's got more balls than snooker club and the songs are beautiful, atmospheric and meaningful. I particularly love the first 9 tracks, brilliant stuff! Richard McKenna - Fernhill Heath Worcesterstershire 13/07/2009 Great album from a great band. Red Squirrrel brilliant. looking forward to the Bath gig. Darren Lambden - Castle Cary 13/07/2009 Album superb - Thank you Stackridge Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 11/07/2009 I had a nice surprise this morning, a Victory for Common Sense hit the doormat signed by the 4 rhubarb threshers themselves. I played it through 3 times and it's excellent, Stackridge at their best - I promise. Thanks guys, can't wait to see you live this autumn Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 02/07/2009 Bad luck Mart Dunlop, I had exactly the same response when my washing machine cover ran out. I blame Mutter bob - cornwall 02/07/2009 Just listened to the podcast I am allmost lost for words A thing of beauty is a joy to behold I hope this gets the airplay it deserves I was a little jadded in my outlook to be honest having been disapointed with sftw . but faith is restored a truly wonderfull album boys and girls. M@rt Dunlop - Wallasey, Wirral 01/07/2009 I still have my original Rhubarb Thrashers Society membership card (signed by the band in Glasgow), Friendliness comic, very large cartoon Stackridge/Camel tour poster and letter from Mutter. Would you please confirm that my life membership entitles me to free entry to all of your gigs and advance copies of albums? My certainty on this matter is lightly clouded by the rigours of beffuddlement which come with age, and I have lost the original paperwork. Mudguards, M@rt Response:Oh what a shame .....your membership ran out in 2007 ! There was a clerical error on the original membership forms which should have read " life " shall mean until the band reforms with at least 4 original members when all previous entitlements are null & void ! :-) John Chapman - Cornwall 30/06/2009 Andy Davis is being interviewed on Penwith radio (need internet access)on 2nd July at 3.30 p.m. You can listen in at www.penwithradio.org and follow the instructions. It is possible to download as an MP3. To listen live you need windows media or any decent media player (audio streaming. Steve Harvey - Aston, PA, USA 28/06/2009 The one guy I use to talk rock and roll with back in high school was the late Steve Rowe (aka Woodrow). He was a big fan of you guys and evidently worked with you since your comback. Glad to see that some things last. Response:Do you mean Wil Woodrowe , Steve? We only knew him by that name. We were all shocked by his death last year. Lovely man, who promoted 2 gigs for us & worked really hard at making them a success. John Chapman - cornwall 27/06/2009 A VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE IN ST IVES CORNWALL THE LAUNCH Whatever you do don't miss the launch. Make sure you are at The Guildhall, St Ives on Sauturday 11th July. You still have time to send a stamped addressed envelope enclosing a cheque for £14 per ticket to John Chapman, Roseleigh, Tyringham Road, Lelant, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3LJ. Ticket hotline 08000 588001. Set in a beautiful Cornish town this will be a night to remember for all Stackridge fans for all time. Dave Gwilliam - Exmouth 26/06/2009 I have just bought your album Stackridge.This may sound daft but listening to Slark bought tears to my eyes! It bought back memories of the Colston hall era and the heady days of my youth.I have played in local band Laughing Gravy for 25 years and now you can dispel two very old rumours,did Mutter play in a blues band in the 80's in the Exeter area?Were any of you ccnnected with 5furious fish?Lastly I once met a butcher from Castle Cary who said you practiced in his shed? Thanks for Slark......Dave Response:Hi David, Yes indeed, Mutter had a "sort of" blues band in the early 80,s called Rave To The Grave, based around Dorset. 5furious fish is a bit of a mystery but yes we did rehearse in a shed in Castle Cary in preparation for the Mr. Mick Album ! Jeff Bowron - Gateshead 16/06/2009 The decision not to select the mighty Stackridge as one of the bands to play at the Bristol Festival in September is nothing short of a disgrace. This would have been a prestigious gig on home turf and would have coincided with the launch of the new album 'A Victory for Common Sense' - an ironic title in the light of this disgraceful decision. Stackridge, like all the other acts, would have played for free which makes it even harder to comprehend. The finest band to come out of Bristol turned down by their hometown ! Suggest everyone inundates the organisers and the Bristol Evening Post / Western Daily Press with complaints. Maybe then the decision will be overturned - now that would be a victory for common sense ! If not the powers that be behind the Bristol Festival should come along to the Chapel Arts Centre in nearby Bath on July 24th to see the folly of their ways. It is a mainly standing venue and will be the west country launch of Stackridge's new album. Myself and my better half, Trina, are travelling down from Tyneside to witness this great event at first hand. Bristol's loss will certainly be Bath's gain. Pascal - Liège - Belgium 13/06/2009 Woaw! Stackridge back on the road again! Very good news. It's good to know you're alive and still performing. I've all your lp's since a loooong time but alas at that time I was too young to see you live the only time you came in Belgium (74 in Brussels I think). I bought some of your cds this week to rip them on my harddisk and my curiosity saw me surfing your website. Finally, at 48 now, I think I'll be able to see you live for the first time (probably in November at the 100 Club except if you tell me you're coming in Belgium soon!). By the way, all my best wishes to you. You're great! Phil Morris - Southport 11/06/2009 I first saw Stackridge in Bolton Town Hall in the seventies and have been a fan ever since buying albums and singles. One of my mmost prized possesions was a cassette recording of them on Radio 1 In Concert which was in my cassette player when it got nicked! It would be great if this recording could be rediscovered somewhere. Response:Hi Phil, If you join zorgansgal the yahoo group devoted to Stackridge & run by fans you should find that recording available.They have a lot of rare material and we are happy for it to be available just to members of that group. Philip Goulding - Beeding on Wold - oh all right, Sheffield! 09/06/2009 Just to say that I came across this site by chance recently. I've been a fan since the mid-70s and treaure my 4 LPs. Great to know that there's a Stackridge community out there and that Benjamin's giant onion lives on.... John Chapman - Louth Lincolnshire 31/05/2009 'I'm Spartacus' John Chapman, promoter of the St Ives gig appears to be bringing other Stackridge fans with the name of John Chapman out of the woodwork. How many other John Chapman fans are there? Why don't we all meet up in St Ives for a convention? If you know of a John Chapman then invite him along. John Chapman Louth, Lincolnshire Dave Richardson - Annen, The Netherlands 30/05/2009 Clare, just like to say a big welcome to the best band ever. The tracks on your Myspace by the way sound great. Well done and all the best. John Chapman - Sheffield 30/05/2009 Just came accross the website, used to watch you in the 70's at the old Black Swan in Sheffield. Remember the incredible nights and the incredible atmosphere. Sorry did not realise you had been on at the boardwalk, sorry they are not very good at advertising to non regulars. Hope to see you perform in the near future. Best Wishes John Chapman PS No relation as fae as I aware to the chap in St Ives Wendy - Dorset 25/05/2009 Great to hear you are playing at St Ives Cornwall. This is a fantastic venue and a magnificient location. I will see you there and eagerly await this launch of the new album. John Chapman - Cornwall 24/05/2009 500 volunteers are required to attend a concert in aid of the Stackridge pasty bashing fund. Volunteers must be prepared to endure the sea views and sandy beaches of sunny St Ives in Cornwall as Stackridge strike up at The Guildhall on Saturday 11th July 2009. Tickets are available by sending a cheque for £14 per ticket plus a stamped addressed envelope. Please make cheques payable to John Chapman and send to Roseleigh, Tyringham Road, Lelant, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3LJ. Email therustyrelics@yahoo.co.uk Ticket hotline 08000 588001 Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 22/05/2009 Burning question, it's been troubling me for over 35 years: What is so dangerous about bacon? Also, this blue lagoon in Venezuala, do alpacas sometimes fly with the llamas? We need to know Danny Tibbles - Cheltenham 21/05/2009 COME BACK SOON RACHEL - YOU WERE THE ICING ON AN ALREADY FABULOUS CAKE ! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN SOON - AND THANK YOU ALL Danny Dave Patman - Australia 21/05/2009 From the snippets I've seen online, the 'making of' documentary looked very promising and had the potential to be a cut above many such efforts. With some live footage of some of the new songs included it would be a very appealing DVD package, and I for one would certainly be happy to stump up the readies if you decide to go down that path later on. Dave Patman - Australia 21/05/2009 There is no mention at Helium Records of the previously mentioned 'Making of' DVD that was to be included with the new CD - has the DVD been dropped or will it now be available in some other format/edition of the CD ?? Response:The DVD was never offered as part of a package. It is still an ongoing project. We may decide to release it as a seperate DVD at some later stage. The costs involved have put it on the "back burner" at least for a while. James Kinsella - Ireland 20/05/2009 Iloved you in the 70s and I thought I'd lost you forever....so delighted to hear you are back touring...please, please come to Ireland. Always wonderful music.....Bowler Hat is one of my top 20 alltime great albums. wayne fisher - Brighton 20/05/2009 Weird. I looked in the garden this morning and thought Hmm, rhubard needs pulling. My mind immediately connected to Stackridge, a group I last saw on Hastings Pier, and I recalled being invited to 'thrash my rhubarb'. Out of curiosity I looked on the internet and, hey, you're still going! Thanks for bringing back happy memories! I'll have to dig out my old albums listen again, I know I've still got an original Stackridge album in there somewhere. Darren Lambden - Castle Cary 06/05/2009 Very sorry to hear Rachel is to leave the band but fully understand the reasons for doing so. Rachel good luck in the future, im gonna miss your superb violin playing! Fundamentally Yours! Darren. x Mark Kibble - Coalville 01/05/2009 So sad to hear of Rachel's departure, can understand her logic though. I would like to add my best wishes to her on her future career. Who knows she may even end up at some point playing in that mighty band.......oh what was their name? ah Stackridge. Silvio - Lugano Switzerland 01/05/2009 I am Silvio the Swiss hi andy mutter james crun remember me? I was your friend and roadie at the Extravaganza tour 1974, if anybody knows how to get in touch with anyone of the band please let me know through facebook (Silvio Casanova)or my e-mail scasanova@ticino.edu tanks silvio Owen James - Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire 30/04/2009 Well, the postscript to my last message is that I enjoyed Cheltenham so much that I did a 500 mile round trip to see the band at The Cluny in Newcastle. The look on my brother's face when I appeared out of the blue was priceless. We sat in the front row just like we had done at the Colston Hall 35 years earlier. As for Stackridge, what a storming performance and a brilliant atmosphere generated by the assembled Geordies - well worth the trip north. It cost more than a pound this time though! Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 28/04/2009 Just checked the news page and sorry to see Rachel is leaving, she's a great musician and to fill Mike Evans' shoes so well AND be so much better looking (sorry Mike) is a great achievement. But great news that Stackridge look to be recruiting someone for 2-3 albums. I hope Sarah is staying, she's great. Mike Bowler - Bournemouth 27/04/2009 It's all gone quiet regarding the new album, is there any news? I see you are provisionally booked for Wimborne Tivoli in October, so I plan to be there, I really enjoyed the show last time you were there, play what you like, it's just great to see one of my favourite bands playing live again Response:A Victory For Common Sense will be released on July 13th. Keep checking the News Page on this website. We will have very exciting news about how to pre-order and listen to samples of the songs soon ! George Marple - Edinburgh 26/04/2009 What a rare privilege it was to see you in Glasgow on April 24th. Thoroughly enjoyed the gig. Lets hope we don't have to wait another 35 years be to see you again. Jim Keilt - Glasgow 25/04/2009 Brilliant gig at The Ferry last night!My new favourite band! Jeff Bowron - Gateshead 24/04/2009 A triumphant return to Newcastle last night for the mighty Stackridge who played another blistering set. Only disappointment was that the night ended so soon, but apart from that another great evening's entertainment. Any fears the new songs, most of which sounded really strong on first hearing, would dominate the set were soon allayed and most of the old favourites were still there. The mix between old and new was just right with new songs occasionally slipped in and well received. Stackridge really are a great band and I hope after two midweek gigs in Newcastle the next one will be on a Friday or Saturday, preferably the latter. We will really take the roof of then ! The Cluny is a cracking venue and a lot more Stackridge fans would come to Newcastle if the gig was on a Saturday, or even a Friday, and make a weekend of it. As James said "we like it here" while Mutter extolled the virtues of the fine city of Newcastle and put out a plea for a weekend gig next time from the stage. Thanks for another great night boys and girls and hope your sojourn north of the Roman Wall goes well. Can't wait for 'A Victory for Common Sense' to be released in July. Mahala Anne Campbell - Akron, Ohio - United States Of America 21/04/2009 Hello Members of Stackridge...I only recently got introduced to your music via Amazon.com...Thank you for making available your beautiful and aching song "Humiliation"...stunning to say the LEAST! I'm SO glad you guys got your talent recognized finally! lol I just have one question. It is REALLY hard to find ANY of your lyrics, I cannot for the life of me find the lyrics to "Humiliation". If you guys could be so kind as to make a small part of your site for lyrics...I would MOST appreciate it! *~^-^~* You have a good day my friendly gents! ^-^ Sincerely, Mahala A.C. Response:Hi Mahala, If you go to www.stackridgerhubarbthrashers.co.uk you will find the lyrics to most Stackridge songs there. It is a site set up by one of our fans for that purpose. Enjoy ! Jeff Bowron - Gateshead, UK 20/04/2009 Just three days to go to the eagerly anticipated return to The Cluny in Newcastle on Thursday. If it is as good as the first gig last year it should be a cracker. Not only that but temperatures in the Geordie metropolis are positively tropical ! Come on ! Geoff Darwent - Sheffield 17/04/2009 I hear the gig in Sheffield has been cancelled. Any chance of a later booking? I was really looking forward to that after the last Boardwalk gig in Novemberish. Response:We are hopeful that The Boardwalk will re-book Stackridge later in the year. Requests for them to do that from local fans might help ! Michael Davies - London 16/04/2009 Any planned dates in the london area this year? Response:We are almost certainly playing The 100 Club, Oxford Street on November 6th but there maybe an Album Launch Showcase gig before that In London. Watch for announcements ! David Cartlidge - Wigan ( re. Stackridge at Bury 0 16/04/2009 I am concernedthat some of you may be under the impression that the gig on Saturday is almost sold out. A ticket agengy have been telling people it is. What they should be saying is that they have sold almost all their allocation. Tickets are still available from the Met box office ( 0161 761 2216 ). also it seems at this point that they will also be available on the night. Wendy - San Antonio, Texas 14/04/2009 Hello Stackridge!!! Just wanted to drop you guys and gals a little note from across the ocean! The website is amazing and I only wish ya'll would have made it down to SXSW but never fear we have next year! All the best! Frances - Minchinhampton 13/04/2009 Looking through my local paper the other day, I saw an advert for Stackridge playing in Cheltenham - no, I couldn't believe it! I saw them when I was at college in 1974/75 in Dudley, then at Aston university, then again in Manchester - I knew I just had to go but this time my 23 year old son came with me as a Stackridge lover in his own right having grown up listening to my albums. It was brilliant - I grinned from start to finish and haven't stopped talking about it yet - Thank you so much. Danny - Cheltenham 12/04/2009 Hi Everyone. Another great night of Stackers at Cheltenham, great talking to Mutter and a passing "Have a great night" to Andy. Missed having a whole night of you though. May I propose a 3 night gig, to cover all the other great songs too ! Missed Fundamentally Yours, Last Plimsoll, Fish in a Glass etc. How about "Benjamins Giant Onion", Huniliation, Hey Good Looking,Father Frakenstein - the list is endless ! 3 nights ????!! Thanks for everything, Danny Tibbles John Brake - Ealing 10/04/2009 My highlight of last year's Glastonbury was seeing the band on the sunday afternoon. Any chance of a return this year? Surely in view of Stackridge's place in Glastonbury history they should be there every year, it should be made the law. Response:No Stackridge have not been invited back for Glasto2009. We are hopeful that Stackridge will play at next year's 40th Anniversary Fest. Of course if loads of fans requested, maybe demanded that they appear if should help . JOHN CHAPMAN (PROMOTER) - ST IVES CORNWALL 08/04/2009 500 Volunteers are required to attend a concert in aid of the Stackridge Pasty bashing fund. Volunteers must be prepared to endure the seaviews and sandy beaches of sunny St Ives in Cornwall as Stackridge strike up at the Guildhall on Saturday 11th July. Tickets are available by sending a cheques for £14 per ticket plus a stamped addressed envelope. Please make cheques payable to John Chapman and send to Roseleigh, Tyringham Road, Lelant, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3LJ. Email therustyrelics@yahoo.co.uk Mobile 07799553145 Bill Treen - Tewkesbury 08/04/2009 Don't worry Triny, the new stuff's typical Stackridge, and I'm sure once the album's out, we'll all be singing the songs. Jim - London 08/04/2009 What a treat the Rydal was last Saturday. Well worth 3 hours of travel to see them. It is so great to hear new material mixed in with the old. The new stuff is so Stackrigian and I am so impressed they can retain the Stackridge spirit in their song writing 30 years on! Long live Stackridge! Jeff Ward - Norfolk 08/04/2009 Any sign yet of you guys playing in Norfolk yet? Response:highly likely Stackridge will be @ The Ipswich Regent on Oct.15th ( supporting Curved Air !) Watch for more anoouncements Triny B - UK 07/04/2009 Bit disturbed to see on this Guestbook that a dozen or more songs from the popular back catalogue are no longer in the set. Can this be right ? As most people won't have heard the new material, with the album still to be released, the balance between 'new' and 'old' has to be right. We have waited three decades to hear these old favourites which is why the gigs since the band reformed have been so special. Some people won't even have heard these songs live if they only have the discs on vinyl and didn't catch the band in the 70s. I'm all for looking to the future and am excited about hearing the new songs, but surely not at the expense of a dozen or more Stackridge standards. Del - West Country 07/04/2009 I remember finishing college at Plymouth for Christmas in about1973....and dashing back to Torquay Town Hall to see the 'Ridge do a gig and end with a classic rendering"God Speed The Plough". I didn't know they were still in existence until now....I am sure they used to play dustbin lids during their gigs!! Response:Hi Del, The dustbin lids have long since gone ( wheelie bins don't work as well !) "God Speed The Plough" is still in the live set @ some gigs, but with all the new songs from the forthcoming album there is not so much room for the old classics any more. David - Stourbridge 05/04/2009 I was at the Robin at Bilston last Wednesday - what a fantastic show - thank you very much lads and lasses. Bostin' as we say in this neck of the woods! The new songs do gel with everything you'd expect from Stackridge - good tunes with intelligent/quirky/witty lyrics. Can't wait for the new album. Sorry to hear that James was a little unwell on the night - hope you are feeling better now, James. Any idea when you all might play the Robin again? bill treen - tewkesbury 04/04/2009 Great evening at Cheltenham last night. Enjoyed the new stuff, but maybe a dozen or more songs missed out of the set since we saw them at Huntingdon Hall Worcester last year. The guy next to us hadn't seen the band since the first album, so was itching for 'Percy the Penguin! Love Mutter's castonets at the beginning of Road to Venezuela' but really miss the slow 'waltz' bit in 'Syracuse'. No band member introductions again [as reported from Wolverhampton!] but a nice chat with Mutter beforehand who recalled visiting the car auctions at Tewkesbury many years ago! Keep on Cluckin'! Mark Handoll - Combwich, Somerset 04/04/2009 Thanks for another excellent night at Cheltenham yesterday. The new songs are brilliant, and as always, the gig was outstanding. Thanks for the last 35 odd years, and although I wasn't old enough to see you play in the "seventies" I'm making up for it now! Never thought I'd get to see you "live" but it was well worth the wait, and I'm a bit of a regular now! The band are all so approachable, and my thanks to Mike for putting me on to this gig well in advance, to enable my nine year old to have a front row seat to share the experience. A new generation fanbase beckons! Can't wait to see you all again soon. kevin stackhouse - tamworth 03/04/2009 Wonderful gig at Robin 2 Wednesday. New material sounded great. Why weren't the girls acknowledged by name? Rachel was superb and Sarah looked absolutely stunning. Response:James usually does introduce them, but he was feeling under the weather on Weds. so was not his usual vibrant self ! Steve Hammond - Wolverhampton 02/04/2009 A good friend from work invited me to join him and his mates watch a Stackridge gig on a Saturday night at Birmingham University, probably 1974 but can't remember excatly when. We had a great evening and I distinctly remembered The Volunteer, many years later. The pub we frequented after work had Purple Spaceships Over Yatto on the jukebox for what seemed like many months(they missed the "n" off!). I played that song a lot. All these years on, last October, my wife and I saw Stackridge play again at The Robin, Bilston, our wonderful local music club. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, as did everyone else present. Last night I was back at The Robin again, and enjoyed it even more, with another workmate, Eric, who has seen the band many more times than I. The 4 new songs sounded excellent and the old favourites were as wonderful as ever. Thanks for playing Purple Spaceships and also for Everbody's got to learn sometime, a great song. I hope to see Stackridge play many more times and will preach to all my friends to come and see how good you are. Owen James - Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire 02/04/2009 Very excited about seeing Stackridge in Cheltenham tomorrow night for the first time in 35 years! The last time was Friday 5th July 1974 to be precise (still got the ticket stub!) and, at the age of 13 it was my first ever concert. Me and my brother were in the front row at the Colston Hall Bristol and I remember Blodwyn Pig were the support. It cost us a whole pound each! After that I went out and bought Man in the Bowler Hat and Friendliness and played them to death. I therefore have the boys to thank for a lifetime's love of music and concert-going. So glad they are back together and looking forward to the new album. Dave Patman - Perth, Western Australia 30/03/2009 Carole at Helium records has just e-mailed me that the new CD/DVD has been delayed until mid-July - just as I was getting all excited over the approaching May release. Disappointing, but no doubt there are good reasons ? David Cartlidge - Wigan 26/03/2009 Alan Keetley ( guest book entry 22/2) really made my day. I'm promoting Stackridge (one of my favourite bands) in conjunction with Bury Met on 18/4. it's my favourite venue in this area. It seats 220 , and the staff are friendly and helpful.All seats have clear and unobstructed views, and the sound is consistently excellent. Not only that, there is a really good restaurant right next door called the Automatic. Stackridge in Greater Manchester for the first time in more than 30 years. Be there or be ....somewhere else. Anyway if enough of you come I won't have to sell my body to medical research to raise funds. £1.25 wouldn't go very far anyway. peter taylor - Johannesburg RSA 25/03/2009 I've been living in south africa 34 yrs, so I'm a bit out of touch. Great to see you guys are together again & just a whacky. Keep it up. Mark Kibble - Coalville, Leics 25/03/2009 Hi lads and lasses, thankyou very much Stackridge for re-releasing all of your truly wonderful albums, they give me many many hours of pleasure. Sadly I couldn't afford albums back in the 70's but I've made up for it now. Would love to see you 'live' again, anything in the pipeline for N.W Leics? Response:No gigs booked in your area at the moment Mark. Put some pressure on your local venues, enlist friends & family to help. Venues still need persuading that Stackridge are the happening band for 2009/2010 which of course we all know. Jeff Bowron - Gateshead, UK 25/03/2009 I have just realised that the Newcastle gig at The Cluny on Thursday, April 23rd is indeed St.George's Day ! What better time to watch such a quintisentially English band as the mighty Stackridge as on the day we celebrate all that is good about England? Can inspiration saver the nation ? You had better believe it ! see you there. sylvia wells - fleet 24/03/2009 Hi The email from Hannah Clarke about guitar lessons was intended for Jim Warren. Is he available? (just joking). Hannah is Charlottes daughter and is having lessons at the moment so she can appear with Stackridge in the future!! Sylvia Jeff Ward - Norfolk 22/03/2009 Although he won't remember it, I once shared a drink with Andy Davis, way back in the seventies. It was at a concert they were about to do. Can't remember where but I think it might have been Aylesbury. We arrived early and the whole band were there in the bar!! He told me the band was about to go into the studio to record Mr Mick. I just could not wait to get a copy. I can see from the finished product why things went sour for you guys, but please remember there is a lot of us fans who love and admire you. Don't ever think of stopping, but please, please, please, play a gig in Norfolk. Hannah Clarke - 8 Twisell Thorne Church Crookham 21/03/2009 I am related to James Warren. James Johnstone - Hampshire 20/03/2009 First saw Stackridge at Corby Festival Hall, Northants, in about '73. Support was Camel! Then saw them at Nottingham Uni. Ballroom in '75-ish with Keith Gemmel. No-one's More Important Than The Earthworm was part of my band's repertoire at the time. Good to see you all again! Mike Sheriston - Nottinghamshire 19/03/2009 Will you be coming anywhere near Nottingham? Response:Nothing booked at the moment but we would love to play Nottingham . Petition your local venue , they might take note if enough people demand they book Stackridge Michael Cunliffe - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 18/03/2009 When you do make it to this side of the Atlantic, please keep Canada in mind for gigs. Please??? Steve Gallacher - Hampshire 18/03/2009 I'm transported back to the early 70s when life was so much simpler - ah bliss. Still got a question though; just who is up there with Bill Stokes? Phil Painter - Berlin - Germany 18/03/2009 My friend Alan and me went to see Stackridge at Salford University in 1974. We went to the gig early - straight from Broadoak School in Partington catching the then 222 bus to Manchester. We walked to Salford from Deansgate and were the first fans to arrive. So we wouldn't starve to death we took out our carefully prepared jam butties and sat down to eat them outside on the steps. Stackridge duly arrived and were amused enough to film us scoffing ourselves stupid. For the life of me I don't remember anything about the concert!! Can anyone out there enlighten me 35 years later - and more to the point does any film footage exist of that concert. David Jones - Kingston Seymour 10/03/2009 Just booked for the Cheltenham gig.You guys keep us cheerful in these difficult times. Keep it going, can't wait for the new album Pete Mills - Dundee 08/03/2009 Just found the site, have seen both your 'sets' at Cropredy they have been highlights for me. See you are on at The Ferry in Glasgow, hope to make it there, keep it together..... the force is strong when you do. Keith Collins - New Milton 08/03/2009 Having almost sold out 100 tickets last night for a Paul Weller tribute band, and had plenty of room to spare, we are tentatively releasing a further 20 tickets for the Stackridge gig at the Rydal, New Milton, Hanmpshire on 4th April. Allan Bassett - Palmers Green, London 07/03/2009 I must be suffering from telekinesis overload from watching the X-Men film on TV tonight, the name Stackridge came into my head (from no-where), that's proof that I still have one brain cell active? I watched Stackridge 'Live' at a Dudley venue (was it the Uni?) in the middle to late 70's as a kid. Two things enable me to remember that special night, the band's excellent music / innovation / humour and originality, also the fact that the mini clubman I was travelling in collided with a raised manhole under a bridge (which demolished the car) driving out of Dudley. We had to walk miles to get to a bus stop only to look at our watches to realise we'd missed the last bus. This 'put me off' travelling in mini clubmans, as it was a long way to Lichfield that night. I've been on You Tube for hours listening to Stackridge songs I haven't heard for years. Things to do 1)get the old vinyl records out (I have them all) 2)get some info on tour dates 3) get the new CD....due out this spring? Brilliant. Response:....and don't forget 4) Listen to the Lummy Days Podcasts for the latest news on the new album, along with unique interviews and rare tracks!! Jeff Bowron - Gateshead, UK 03/03/2009 Counting down the days to the mighty Stackridge's return to The Cluny in Newcastle on Thursday, April 23rd. The band's first gig there last year was an absolute belter with Mutter, in particular, on top form. A good venue for the band as it is an old whisky distellery ! Looking forward to hearing a few of the new songs - but not at the expense of the classic back catologue. The wife, Trina, had been giving me frief about Stackridge for some time due to my over indulgence in said band. However she decided to come along on the night and enjoyed it so much she's coming back for a second helping of Stackridge next month ! Live performances, a new album on the horizon and Fatty Fudge's top podcast, Stackridge are indeed back ! Pete Stone - Cheltenham UK 02/03/2009 The beautiful Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham is the venue for Stackridge on April 3rd and it has a seating capacity of over 500. So bring a coach load, bring your granny for a great night of music with two terrific bands. Tickets are on sale now from 01242-258002. Sean - Worcester 02/03/2009 Lets start a petition for the Huntingdon Hall or The Marrs bar. My name top of the list. Patrick Tinton - United Kingdom 01/03/2009 When are you playing Worcester again? We need cheering up, and the music of Stackridge Is the only thing to do it. Thanks for the last 2 concerts, I had forgotten just how good you were. Response:Nothing booked for Worcester at the moment. Nearest we come to you is The Robin2,Bilston on April 1st. and The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham on April 3rd. Of course if you & 100 friends petitioned your local venue(s) demanding to see Stackridge they might take notice !!! David - Stourbridge, YU K 27/02/2009 Well well. This is the first time that I've entered anything in a guestbook - unless you class the time I went to the Pans Down Hotel, Chippenham...but that's another story. What a superb site for a superb band. I have admired Stackridge since around 1979 after a work colleague suggested I gave them a listen. I went into Virgin(ahem!!) the following day and picked up an LP copy of "Extravaganza", which unfortunately had the cover corner cut off. Why did they do that? I mean, they issued receipts didn't they in those days? You don't go to the shops for a pair of sale trousers and expect someone in the shop to have gone through them with a pair of scissors do you? Anyway, I digress. After hearing the LP - that was that - musically spellbound. Let's hope that the world will pick up on the whimsy, the power, the heart renderingness(?),the cerebral stimulus, the sheer talent that is surely Stackridge. I want to thank them for supplying much enjoyment over the years and sincerely wish them every success and happiness for the future. Incidentally, I now have a CD copy of "Extravaganza", which I also bought in a sale but luckily before someone had broken all the centre lugs off. I recommend it thoroughly. If anyone finds the end corner of my LP copy, please let me know. Was it ever released on audio tape cassette I wonder? peter Silvey - Paddock Wood, Kent 26/02/2009 Was ecstatic to finally get to see you live at The Boom Boom Club in Sutton in early summer 2007 followed by another dose soon after in October at Smarden Village Hall. After that overdose in a short space of time I am now getting withdrawal symptoms! Are you planning to come back to the South East again any time this year? Response:Nothing on the date sheet as yet , Peter, sorry. Just keep on checking the Gigs list on this Website or at our MySpace or FaceBook pages. We certainly would love to play over your way again soon. Hastle your local venues & promoters on our behalf ! Kevin Bush - London 25/02/2009 Hello Stackridge and Jim Warren, I can't wait to hear the new CD. Keep up the good work, and keep on clucking! Great podcast too, well done. Alistair - Trowbridge 25/02/2009 What a fantastic gig at Bath on Sunday night! The songs you did off the new album were amazing. The oldies were as fresh and brilliant as when they were first performed. Thank you one and all for an amazing evening. Was stunned by Rachel's violin solos and highly impressed by Sarah's dancing skills. What a great talented line up the best group in the world! I am really looking forward to buying the new album in May 3003. I may need to get myself cryogenically frozen in order to be around, but I am certain the effort will be worth it. Alan Keetley - Granada Spain 22/02/2009 I have my flight for the 18th April gig. PLEASE make sure it happens! Response:All signed, sealed & delivered so barring civil strife, act of God, or traffic jams on the M6 we will be there !!!! Make sure you come & say hello. (Hull)Mick - Maidstone 21/02/2009 Hope tomorrow's gig is a good 'un. Looking forward to the Easter gigs, and of course the Rhubarb just showing through in t'plot, now the snow's gone. Let there be lids, indeedy. :-) And a new CD... M@RT - Wallasey 19/02/2009 Where the hell did January go? Did I blink and miss it? I distinctly remember that it was Christmas only last week and New Year was, unless I'm very much mistaken, yesterday. I am beginning to wonder if Grenwich Mean Time has been the subject of a European directive and has, while I wasn't looking, been speeded up in order that the end of the recession may be more promptly facilitated. If this is indeed the case, and research would seem to confirm the affirmative, then it will be April in a matter of hours and my next birthday quicker than I can shake the stick proverbial. If things continue like this, I will be 'shuffling off my mortal coil' in no time, and renting a small but bijou flat in the heavenly Metropolis where everybody drives a bridge-ported RX7. Although this prospect has a certain appeal, and membership of God's own Rotary Owners Club is a 'goal acheived beyond the dreaming of men', I am not yet fully reconciled to the thought of giving up earthly pleasures such as beer and large cakes. I began writing this note a few minutes ago in January and it's already the first week of March! As the years pass by and my demeanour changes, from that of the youthful and baby-faced Young Turk whom you see before you today, to that of a softly bewildered but amiable old codger, it is as though the pocket of my time-trousers is shrinking in capacity with each 40 degree wash cycle. Soon, the pocket will only be a shrivelled remnant containing a papier mache ten pound note which I forgot was there. My treasured jacket of tomorrow, now torn and threadbare, will lay ignored and crumpled on the floor of wasted youth. It's dangling threads of tweed like hopeful fingers stretching for a grip on now, and slipping. My hat of hope, once worn at the jaunty angle of contempt, now sits bashed and faded upon an older, and some would say no wiser, head. So; here we are in July, and what a glorious day it is. Time? Don't talk to me about rhubarb. It is all deeply disconcerting...... Hannah Clarke - 8 Twisell Thorne Church crookham Fleet Hampshire 18/02/2009 Hi I'm Hannah as you might know I am your sisters grandaughter. I was wondering if you could give me guitar lessons if you come down. Because I'm learning and I could use some help. yours faithfully Hannah Response:Hello Hannah, You did not say which member of Stackridge you are related to. Let us know & we will pass your message on to whom it may concern. In the meantime keep on practicing ! Aran Lovell - NY USA 14/02/2009 Just discovered this wonderful band through a link on mog.com. Please please please come over to the states. You are brilliant Response:Thanks Aran. Stackridge certainly would love to tour the USA sometime soon. In the meantime the more people we have on board like you, the stronger the liklihood.....so spread the word amongst all your friends , request your local Radio Stations to play their music....do whatever you can to make America aware. Sean - Worcester 12/02/2009 Just read Crun's musing. absolutely brilliant. Crun, youre a genius. Can this be a weekly blog. Joe Kinnaparte - New Hampshire, USA 11/02/2009 Heading back to the UK on 2/16/09 and a friend has just managed to secure for me 2 of the last 6 remaining tickets for the show in Bath on the 22nd, can't wait! Been over here a long time (27+ years) so really looking forward to seeing the band once more. Brian Ingersent - Lake District (originally Exeter) 10/02/2009 Just discovered this great website of my favourite band - last seen live at the Roundhouse concert in the early 70's!! Regularly play all the cd's (still have the vinyl copies as well) and desperately hoping I can catch a live performance soon. As the banner we had at college said - "God Bless Stackridge". jim warren - bath 10/02/2009 Greetings one and all, Jim Warren here.. We're doing our best to finish the Victory For Common Sense album by the end of Feb. although it won't be available to the world at large until May. Apart from Red Squirrel, Boots And Shoes and The Long Dark River which some of you may have already heard in our live performances, we soon hope to delight your auditory receptors with Cheese And Ham, Lost And Found, The Old Country, In Our Town, England Will Return and several others beside. And we're even venturing to perform in Bonnie Scotland in April! It really is such fun this music lark. Best Wishes Jim Keith Collins - New Milton 10/02/2009 Wendy, if you are from Hampshire, they are playing at the Rydal arms in New Milton on 4th April. Tickets £10. New Milton halfway between Bournemouth and Southampton. Wendy Brown - Hampshire 08/02/2009 I used to have such a crush on Crun when I was 16! Thank you for making all the beautiful albums available on CD. Listening to them makes me feel like I am teenager again, such happy days. I love the podcast as well what a lovely idea. Wendy x The Quo - Boogieland 07/02/2009 Keep on clucking guys Tim - Essex 07/02/2009 Saw Stackridge in 1976 they were brilliant. I am so pleased to find they have reformed Best band on the planet mike tobin - under a heap of snow 06/02/2009 Release date for " A Victory For Common Sense" is still May 25th 2009, but we are a bit behind schedule as producer Chris Hughes has been ill & unable to work. Watch this space ! Sean - Worcester 05/02/2009 Cheers Mike. I have to admit that i cant get enough Stackridge, but i'll follow your advise and avoid those cd's. Any news yet on an official date for the new album? Mike Tobin - Bristol On Ice 05/02/2009 Sean. I would,nt waste your money on Romp or Pick Of The Crop unless you have to own everything to do with Stackridge. Andy/James/Mutter & Crun totally disown those 2 CDs & they never receive any money from the sale of them. sean - Worcester 04/02/2009 can anyone advise on whether the unofficial cd's Pick of the crop and cd romp are any good. cheers Keith Collins - New Milton 03/02/2009 Just a reminder about the Stackridge Gig at the Rydal Arms on 4th April. We have a few tickets left at £10 if you phone the pub on 01425 610619 (they have now arranged to accept major credit and debit cards) or Simply Guitars 01425 626070, or E mail me. The support band Jouis and the Chic Geeks are well worth checking out as well, singer of whom sounds like a young Colin Blunstone. Shirls - Newcastle 03/02/2009 Last saw you in '74 at Watford Colleges Rag Ball where I 'won' a copy of Man in the Bowler Hat in the raffle!! Have ben a fan ever since. Look forward to the Cluny in April. The Dawg from Dorset - Dorset 30/01/2009 This is a very nice website. I like the podcast. I like the music. They are a very good band. I like Fatty Fudge. Can we have more Fatty? Thank you. Chris Groom - Purley 30/01/2009 Finally saw you guys last year at Sutton - what a great gig. I look forward to more in London and the South East - maybe even Croydon!! By the way, I saw Richard Thompson t'other night performing his show '1,000 Years of Popular Music' and to illustrate the 1980's, he is playing a fab cover of 'Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime' - I know it's a Korgi's song, but high praise, indeed! Ray Curd - Watford 29/01/2009 New PC and I can finally get into these things. Excellent work Mr Fudge. Now to try facebook ! Ade Macrow - Dark, dank London (for now....) 29/01/2009 Just saw the superb 8 minute part of BBC West's 'Inside Out' programme, regarding the 40th anniversary of Bristol's Granary Club. And yes, it is pertinent here, as it features brief Stackridgean performance/chat. Well done to Mike 'Gurning' Tobin, Al 'Handbag' Read and Ed 'DJ Super Ed' Newsom. No excuse to miss out - it's available on iPlayer. Just put in 'BBC West' and you'll find it. The piece starts approximately 21 minutes in. Lovely stuff, with a Marsupilami 'bonus' too - some of us are already looking forward to the 'Director's Cut' Mr Tobin - so get working on it. Now. Mick Henderson - Sunny Chadwell Heath 28/01/2009 Hello all - gigs in Scotland ? - whatever next ? Toni Weekes Music Agent - London 27/01/2009 You know I think you're great and I'm really looking forward to the new album. Here's to a bright new year - despite the gloomy forecast !! Nick Brown - Stroud 27/01/2009 Success! I have managed to post - well done Jim (FF). let there be lids. Darren Lambden - Castle Cary (originally Yeovil) 26/01/2009 I was only 10 when my big brother introduced me to Stackridge that was in '75..well roll on to 2008 when i had the privledge to see them live four times and managed to get Marzo Plod played on Radio 2, all i can say is thank you boys for getting it back on and doing it all again! Stephen Gaskell - Catford 26/01/2009 Since re-discovering Stackridge I no longer rub bacon on my sores. Thank you for the hours of suffering you have saved me with your amazing musical skills. BobF - the wild streets of Cornwall 26/01/2009 Having been a fan since the first album and hitching lifts to Bristol/Yeovil in my early teens , I just wanted to say thanks to Stackridge Past and Present for all the music and the good times Health problems prevent me from gigs these days but looking foward to the new album. oh for the days of my youth simon chester - alcester, warwickshire 25/01/2009 Superb gig at the Artrix, I was the star struck critic who told Andy they played 'Venezuala' too fast! Played it back on my phone, it was just right! Still have my Stackridge appreciation society membership card from 1974, number 138! See you at Cheltenham in April Ade Macrow - Upstairs, in front of my PC 24/01/2009 Delighted to say that a picture of that seminal Jim W-Asda trolley moment will soon be seen on Zorgan's, courtesy of none other than Mr Dick Vaughan, who propitiously and fortuitously snapped the scene last night. There'll be a lot more pics from the gig as well. Tim Moon - Haworth 24/01/2009 At last, could have been the first Yorkshireman here, but second will do. Hour to support the superb 'Ridge at York last year! Anytime! www.timmoon.co.uk Ade Macrow - Somerset again, eventually 24/01/2009 Brillo - you can have a light and bitter if I can relieve you of some of YOUR money on the merchandising stall! Now, which gig(s) will you be attending and what will you be buying? Paul C - Bromsgrove - ish 24/01/2009 Great show last night at the Artrix - the new material is terrific - looking forward to the new cd . Who'd believe it - Jim Warren arrives on stage in an Asda trolley - priceless ! Macca - Worcester 24/01/2009 Great show at the Artrix last night. New Crun song followed by Purple spaceships over Yatton the highlight for me. Looking forward to new cd. Sean - Worcester 24/01/2009 Love the band and all the old classics. Saw you for the third time last night at the Artrix and the new songs sound great. Cant wait for the new album. Keep playing guys. Brillo - Good 'Ole Blighty 22/01/2009 Hello my lovely people. Just a short note to say hello. I hope to see you all at a 'Ridge concert soon. Mr. Macrow: I'll have a light and Bitter please. Dick Vaughan - Hometown of Syracuse's Keeper 22/01/2009 Could be the first time in 24 years I get to see Stackridge play at least once a month? I truly hope so. And a new album to boot! What more can one ask........ Stuart Cottam - Worcester 21/01/2009 Good to have a guestbook on here now. Very unfortunately we can't make the Artix on Friday night (so have a great time all) but we will definitely be at the Robin 2 on 1st April John Langton - Maryland, USA 21/01/2009 Fan since '76. Love the website and podcasts. Glad to see so much activity. Cheers! Dave Richardson - Annen, The Netherlands 21/01/2009 The best band ever. After the split up in 1976 I never thought they would ever get back together again. Always hoping of course. For me, and I can imagine many many people, a dream come true. Thanks lads, and a big thumbs up for the web site and podcast, great stuff. Hope to be over soon for another gig. Dave. John B - On A Mission In Easter Ross 20/01/2009 The Leeds Lummy Days Society says YES! The 'Ridge and a guest book to boot. Is there no end to this thrashing good time? Hope not.......... Paul B - Up North 20/01/2009 Britain certainly has got talent, 39 years of wonderful music and much more to come;can’t wait. Mike Webb - Abbotskerswell, Devon. 20/01/2009 Hello everyone. Loved all the concerts I've been to in 2007/2008 and looking forward to three I've already booked for in 2009 being Artrix,Bromsgrove; Mission Theatre, Bath and Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. Let there be (lids) or the feelgood factor at all future gigs. Also liked the snippets from new LP on web and full songs played at concerts. Would love the reggae version of "If I had you" to be added. Phil Buck - Penwortham, Lancashire 20/01/2009 Love Stackridge and can't wait for the new album. I have a feeling in my bones it will be a corker. A big thank you to Fatty Fudge for the marvellous Lummy Days podcasts. Ade Macrow - Radstock, originally 20/01/2009 We await the appearance here of Tim. 'To The Sun And The Moon' indeed... Andrew Lee - Dancing On Air 20/01/2009 Fantastic that the best band in the world are back and with an imminent new album! Keith Collins - New Milton 19/01/2009 Never use a preposition to end a sentence with Mike ! Proud to be here and that they are playing at my local very soon !Thanks chaps Ralph Duke - Bexhill 19/01/2009 I am so glad that Stackridge are back together. They have provided the backround music to my life since the 1970s and I doubt there has been a month go by in all that time when I didn't listen to them on LP Cassette or CD. I am very excited about the new album and can't wait to catch them live at some stage this year. Love the new web site and the podcast is a great idea. Ralph Michael Bowler - Bournemouth 17/01/2009 I'm in heaven! Saw Stackridge last summer in Wimborne, great show, all the old favourites and Sarah and Rachel have done the impossible. i.e. I didn't miss Mike with the added bonus that they are much easier on the eye. Come on people of England, let's recognise Britain's best kept secret, this band deserve to be as big as Oasis, Squeeze, the Kinks, Madness and lots and lots of prog bands we all forgot about long ago. One of my favourite live bands of the 70s college circuit,brink on the new album and come to see me near Bournemouth this summer guys, I'm lusting for more in a heterosexual and platonic kind of way. Jeff Cooper - Cheltenham, Glos, UK 16/01/2009 I love Stackridge. Love this site and the Lummy Days Podcasts. Thanks for everything to everyone involved. Gerry Prewett - Perth, Western Australia 15/01/2009 It's great to see the rejuvination of the greatest undiscovered band ever. Go to it boys and conquor the world. Let there be lids :-) Ade Macrow - London, regrettably 15/01/2009 Right, I could fling superlatives around. But that'd just make the place look untidy, wouldn't it? Well done to Jim, Mike and everyone else. Ade Michael J.Tobin - In the rockin' west country of the UK. 15/01/2009 This Website goes from strength to strength, just like the band that it is devoted to. Fatty Fudge - From a Pie Factory near you 14/01/2009 By hook or by crook I'll be first in this guestbook