GUESTBOOK Please leave a message on our guestbook!   Click here to leave us a message   GUESTBOOK Hogweed - Bournemouth 02/09/2010 How can I refuse when I've been nagging anyone who doesn't watch the X-Factor to buy Victory for the last 15 months? The order for the goody bag is in. Go on guys, thrash those people who think that a football is shaped like the Pinky Ponk out of In the Night Garden with your rhubarb and milk the World Tour for all you're worth. Simon Malia - Liverpool 26/08/2010 Life can be cruel sometimes: I was due to go on holiday to Italy, which would prevent me seeing the Bristol gig on Sptember 10th. Now it seems I've been booked to do some work on that date, so can't travel to Italy after all. But I *think* with a strong tail-wind I might make it to Brizzle in time for the show. Wooooopeeee! Seeing Stackridge - FAR better than a mouldy old holiday! John Chapman - St. Ives Cornwall 21/08/2010 Reg, you refere to 'fans'. I have been a Stackridge fan for 40 years and there are many like me.The reason I remain a 'fan' is because the lads keep coming up with the goods.After 40 years I dont think that is about to change.It appears to me that all fans are members of the Stackridge family and as family members we are being asked to help out.This is not a donation. We are being asked to make a purchase in order to give them the American TV break.As a 'fan' my order is in. Reg Portinscale - SW London 20/08/2010 So do you expect fans to pay £50 for a souvenir of something that hasn't happened yet? That seems a little optimistic! Response:Yes. A bit like how Football Clubs work , which judging by your E Mail Address you would know all about, Reg. Have you ordered yours yet ? Mike Turner - Newcastle-under-Lyme 19/08/2010 Wouldn't the best way for Stackridge to tour the States be as the support act for a band with a big following in the States. Unfortunately Stackridge never got the crowds or reputation they deserved even in the UK, and it would be worse in the States. Playing as support would guarantee bookings, and possibly even road crew. Response:Supporting a major act in the USA ( or anywhere !) is always an option. One problem though is that often the support act has to pay the main act for the priviledge ! We will keep knocking on doors though. The live market in the USA is depressed at the moment- tickets not selling even for bigger acts, so often the promoters/venues want a support act that will also put "bums on seats". Ade Macrow - Radstock exile 18/08/2010 Stackridge haven't yet gone to California, Reg! Check out the 'News' page here. There is a 'Fighting Fund' to raise funds to ensure they get their scheduled appearance on 'The Craig Ferguson Show' on American TV on October 25th. Possibility of a concert or two afterwards, as well. How can you contribute? See the News page: you can either buy an excvlusive CD, featuring musicianly members of my Zorgan's Daughter Stackridge site (this also has some VERY RARE and completely exclusive 'hidden extras' - I'll say no more). And/or also buy an exclusive goody bag. Packed full of great gifts. All this is being organised by Ian Osborne and every penny goes towards the band's efforts to get Stateside. Paypal is set up, so it's easy. Help get the band to California and who knows what might transpire? Reg Portinscale - SW London 17/08/2010 When did Stackridge go to California? Is this a live recording, or what? Rie - Japan 17/08/2010 The URL of A Victory for Common Sense lyrics hasn't disappeared. Do you have a new URL? Response:Sorry. The Website with the lyrics for A Victory For Common Sense was taken down as it had not had many visitors after one year. Reg Portinscale - SW London 09/08/2010 Thanks for the sock info, Glenn. Would it be the Yiwu Jinluda shop in Hong Kong, by any chance? I've used their services before (but for stockings rather than socks), and found them to be very reasonable. Response:The very same Reg ! What a remarkable coincidence . They used to also do a nice line in bamboo underwear but the Panda Protection League caused such a fuss they had to stop producing it. By the way have you ordered your souvenir Tote Bag yet ? Only £50 for an exclusive souvenir of Stackridge in California. Send an E Mail to their manager ( address on the contacts page ) for details. Damon Rowley - Gravesend, Kent 09/08/2010 I was unfirtunate enought o first go and see Stackridge live when I was 13 in 1971. I say unfortunate because I was so taken with the music that I as an impressionable adolescent used it as a benchmark for good music. I haven't heard anything better since. Only a few bands have ever come close in creativity, musicianship and an underlying sense of fun. at the moment I can only think of REM as being anywhere near as good. Rie - Japan 30/07/2010 I'll fly to Farncombe from Far East, to join your gig!!!!! I've booked a gig's ticket, an accommodation and an air ticket. Looking forward to seeing you! Response:That is amazing ! Make sure you introduce yourself - look forward to meeting you. Hogweed - Bournemouth 28/07/2010 Has anybody else found themselves listening to their Stackridge back-catalogue on the iPod subconsciously re-arranging songs with flute and trying to work out whether a bit of trombone might deputise in Syracuse and Lummy Days? Another passtime I have is fantasising about Sarah and/or Claire.......learning the flute in time for the autumn gigs. Probably just a dream, but well worth dwelling upon By the way where did Crun get his jacket from? Reg Portinscale - SW London 27/07/2010 Can you tell me where Glenn gets those little grey socks from? They are very nice. And what kind of material are they made of? Thanks. Response:Hi Reg, Glad somebody is concerned with really important stuff. Glenn has them hand knitted from raw silk by a boutique in Hong Kong which he visits in between gigs. He first discovered it when he was playing second trombone on a Salvation Army Tour of the far east. Harry Honeypot - Solihull 27/07/2010 Why did Stackridge record the Beatles tune Hold Me Tight for their Mr Mick album? I know it was added late, after pressure from Rocket Records - but who chose to do this song? Did Rocket demand a Beatles cover (even if they did, this seems a strange song to pick)? Had it ever been performed live by the group - either before Mr Mick or since? It just seems like a funny choice for a cover version, I wonder if somebody from the group can explain how this particular song was chosen? Steve - Milton Keynes 22/07/2010 Looking forward to seeing the new 'magnificent seven' in Hereford in October, and hearing news of new output very soon! Stackman - London 19/07/2010 Keep On Clucking, with Crun playing the original lead guitar part - now that I'd like to hear. Harold Hill - Romford 19/07/2010 Saw Stackridge many times in the 70s, can't believe they are still treading the boards. I've just bought their latest album, and it's incredibly good. Will be checking in here for regular updates. Ade Macrow - Radstock exile 14/07/2010 But the not-quite-so-good-news is that Andy used VERY BIG WRITING when filling the three sides of A4. There are actually on seven songs listed altogether! (No, no - I'm jesting....) Hogweed - Bournemouth 14/07/2010 Good news that Andy has compiled a list of songs for the live shows three sides long. If Genesis can release a live album called "3 sides live", can we look forward to Stackridge's "3 Sides of A4 Live" album? Sushi Sparkle - Portishead 14/07/2010 Another old Korgis tune which would sit nicely in a Stackridge live set is Mount Everest Sings The Blues - truly a lost pop classic (I remember Kenny Everett playing this one on the radio back in the day...) Come on James & Andy, you know you want to! Ben Milton - Hastings 14/07/2010 What has happened to the Lummy Days podcast this month? I do hope Mr Fudge has not thrown in the towel. I have been a regular listerner since almost the start it is truly a wonderful programme. Response:Ben, "Fatty Fudge" has had a very busy month with his "proper job" , also had some computer techno. problems. So he has had to take time out from a July Episode of Lummy Days. Have no fear ( as the song goes) there will be more episodes soon. Ken - Kebeeble 11/07/2010 As Stackridge enter a new era without Mutter it's a good oportunity to bring new songs into the live set. Are they boys writing new material? When is the next album due? Maybe also some old favourites that have not had a live outing for ages - if ever. Grande Piano, Keep On Clucking, Fundamentally Yours, Three Legged Table, Dirty Postcards, - there's so much good stuff they could do! Response:The plan is to rehearse a whole new set for live gigs in late 2010 & 2011. There are a lot of new songs in the pipeline & a delve through the huge back catalogue of both Stackridge & Korgis material is happening right now ( Andy came up with a suggested list - it filled 3 pages of A4 !) Obviously this will take a lot of time & hard work so be patient ! No immediate plans for a new "Album" although it is hoped that some new material will be available possibly just as digital downloads by the Spring.There are some exciting ideas developing for something extraordinary & revolutionary to happen next year with gigs - watch for announcements . Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 10/07/2010 Concerned members of Stackridge will no doubt be pleased to know that media reports suggest the Red Squirrel is increasing in numbers ... in Liverpool. That's what I call effective preaching in song. Could we now have more songs about other endangered species? Practising Catholics, for instance. Lumpy - Lavabread 10/07/2010 Where is the July podcast, Fatty? Getting withdrawal symptoms out here. Response:Hi Lumpy , Fatty Fudge has been very busy with his "proper job" plus his laptop had a hissyfit & packed up so he has sent an apology to HQ & assures us there will be a new Podcast soon. John Chapman - St.Ives Cornwall 09/07/2010 It was 12 months ago this weekend that St.Ives played host to a fantastic Stackridge concert.This can mean only one thing, Happy Birthday AVFCS. Hogweed - Bournemouth 01/07/2010 I will miss Mutter for sure, but there is enough in the Stackridge cannon to blow many an audience to smithereens in the future. Funnily enough I think it will be Slark where I will miss the Slatermeister the most, for all his awesome flautism and stage presence, it is in leading the audience to the LALALALALALALA LALALA LALALA finale that will forever live in my memory. If I was as old as Mick (and I nearly am) I wouldn't be wanting to use up all my annual leave to travel to entertain you lot 300 miles round trip on a wet Wednesday night only to return to work the next morning unless I was getting a lot of gratuitous sex in return, I don't know about you. Ade Macrow - 140 miles from Radstock 30/06/2010 No, they're not, Brendan. (See the Gig list on this site and you'll always be au fait with when/where the band are next playing). Melanie Cheetham - Thrupp 30/06/2010 Can we have some more of the musings from the band members just to cheer us up from the departure of mr slater. Or even one of their many fans could write some. brendan - luton 29/06/2010 are stackridge playing at the rhythm festival in twinwoods on sat 21st august, please let me know a.s.a.p. thank you Rie - Japan 26/06/2010 I'm shocked to hear about Mutter...I'm really regretting that I haven't been your gigs in UK yet... Steve - Sale 24/06/2010 I was so sorry to hear of the wonderful Mutter's departure from Stackridge but guess that a number of factors have influenced his decision. Having just turned 60, perhaps it is a time to re-evaluate his life. It must be a great disappointment that the marvellous AVFCS did not achieve the acclaim it truly deserved, despite all the positive comments on this website. This has happened to a number of artists - witness Paul Heaton and the brilliant Cross Eyed Rambler. We have been lucky enough to see the band 5 times in the north over the past 3 years and whilst every show without exception has been excellent, attendances have not always been that good. Maybe it's the recession, apathy, poor advertising, who knows ... but I can't help but think that many people have missed out on seeing a band continuing to evolve with new, compelling and innovative music whilst retaining a magnificent back catalogue. Mutter was the focal point, the comedian, lead singer and flautist extraordinaire. He was always first in the bar, chatting endlessly to fans, signing autographs, posing for photos ... and that's before a gig even starts! Thank you, Mutter, for providing so much entertainment - you are a true star and I wish you well for the future. It is some consolation from Mike to learn of exciting plans for the future. I'm sure the songwriting will continue to develop and I hope for more classics like AVFCS and a return to touring in the not too distant future. Stackridge will be back stronger than before! Mark Kibble - Coalville 19/06/2010 Just logged in for my weekly check on the world of the Ridge and I must confess that I'm in a state of shock .... no Mutter, well chap, you obviously have your reasons for leaving and may I take this opportunity to thank you for many happy memories especially the chat earlier this year at the Stables, and wish you well in the future. We have witnessed personel changes before and no doubt if a replacement is sought another quality flautist come harmonica player come tap (or maybe pump) dancer extraordinaire will materialise, how do you find them? I was saddened when Mike left but Sarah along with Rachael and now Claire have taken fiddle playing to a new level and I might add are a damn sight easier on the eye, just what a bald headed female flautist would look like though .... I dread to think. Good luck in the future and I plan to see you all at the Nottinghamshire gig later in the year. Just thought ... I'd better check thats still on. Nick Brown - Stroud 18/06/2010 I can't help but feel really sad about this. Good luck Mutter, we will miss you! David/Lindsay Jones - Kingston Seymour 18/06/2010 A real shame about Mutter and a pity we couldn't have had a farewell gig locally to demonstrate our appreciation and thanks. Onwards and upwards as they say and lets hope more people discover this super talented and inspirational band. Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 18/06/2010 Just like to say I'm really pleased that my original reaction was well over the top. As Mutter was, amongst lots of other good things, a large part of the band's character, I assumed the whole thing would fall apart on his leaving. Thank you Mr. Tobin for putting me right on that point, as well as giving grounds for us to expect some new recorded material in the not too distant future. Oh, and all the best to Mutter. Thanks for everything. Hoggy - Bournemouth 17/06/2010 I love Stackridge and also a big fan of Genesis. I will miss Mutter but excited at the prospect of the band learning to deal with the departure of a flute-playing lead singer. If history repeats itself I look forward to filled stadiums and world domination, is this Crun's moment to step forward as lead singer? HEADLOSS - Somerset 17/06/2010 Just like to add my thanks to Mutter and send my best wishes to him and the band for the future . Jeff Bowron - Gateshead 17/06/2010 Great analogy Mike - couldn't agree more. Much as Mutter was an integral part of the band there is no reason why Stackridge cannot kick on after his departure. The on stage dynamics will change and, no doubt, in some ways maybe even the direction of the band. But there is so much talent in the ranks there is no doubt the 'Magnificent Seven' will rise to the challenge. If Queen can continue without Freddie Mercury, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band without Alex Harvey, the Undertones without Fergal Sharkey and Dr Feelgood without a single original member the mighty stackride can continue to blaze a trail. The new set will hopefully be an expansive one that can change slightly from gig to gig. I am looking forward to more new material and the resurrection of some old favourites to sit alongside others already in the set. Much to look forward to - onwards and upwards. Come on England - and Stackridge ! Mike Tobin - Bristol. UK 17/06/2010 Thanks for all the messages about Mutter Slater leaving Stackridge. As Manager I just wanted to add that whilst I and everybody involved with the band are sorry to see him go, we are all very excited about the "next phase". There are lots of ideas coming out of the woodwork and the creative juices are flowing in abundance. When your favourite car breaks down you don't abandon it at the side of the road. No, you repair it, get it serviced and maybe give it a respray too- then you put your foot down and drive on to pastures new ! Hoggy at Bournemouth - Bournemouth 15/06/2010 Sad to hear that Mutter is leaving, he's seen as a front man and the one who sings all the party songs, but his flute playing (I think the posh word for that is flautism, but I'm probably wrong) is exceptional, and will be missed. I hope the band take a well-earned break and realise the apathy in gig attendance is a product of the economic downturn and not their talent. It would be a tragedy if they use this as a signal to stop touring. Is there going to be a statement on this site regarding Mutter? Ian Osborne - Norwich 14/06/2010 Great night at Kingston (my old stamping ground)Glad to have been there for Mutter's valediction. Looking on the bright side that neither he will have to sing or us hear 'The Stanley' again! For me it's always stuck out as an anomoly within the set. Sad that the Gaucho will be retired though. I've long held the view that Stackridge is in some strange way a brand - for original, exciting music with an indefinable 'englishness'. Members come and go (and often come back!)but Stackridge keep making brilliant music in all guises. We'll miss Mutter but we will enjoy the wonders of Andy, James, Crun, Sarah, Claire, Glen and the wonderful solid foundation provided by Ed wherever they chose to take us next. For me the perfect moments of Stackridge come when Andy and James sing together. I came to Kingston with two friends and both were blown away by a brilliant band who deserve so much more success and attention. Looking forward to the next time already Mark Gardner - Bilbao, Spain 14/06/2010 Eh? Mutter's leaving? Christ, Stackridge in self-destruct mode - again. Just when everything was going so well. I was even beginning to look forward to news about a new record. Talk about swings and roundabouts. First AVFCS and then (by all accounts) a string of excellent gigs. Then you lot get rid of Gordon Brown - not that the new boys are particularly prepossessing, but at least they're not old Labour, and Scottish to boot. And now this. What's happened now? Chris - Weymouth 13/06/2010 Sorry to hear that Mutter has had to reluctantly leave the band- but the reasons are perfectly understandable- have to keep body and soul together. Looking to take a positive from this, the Stackridge incarnations I have seen over the years- some with and some without Mutter- all hold some very special memories for me. I know with the current "magnificent seven" and with James Andy and Crun now writing some of their best material, there is still much to be optimistic about. I for one look forward to the band rising to the challenge. Thanks Mutter for the good times, and for your contribution. Long live Stackridge, and here's to the next incarnation. Gazza - Wallington 13/06/2010 Between writing to thank the guys and publication, I learn that Mutter has left the band! Like Jeff from Gateshead, I'm heartbroken but at least I have the consolation of having been at the "final", marvellous, gig with Mutter at the front. I was one of not that many, though, (poor advertising?) and I wonder whether lack of numbers and distance contributed to Mutter's decision - it's a long way from Bridport to Kingston and back for such a poor turnout. Ah well, as Jeff says, life goes on and let's hope that so does Stackridge if only so I can see Crun sing again! Thanks, Mutter - good luck and God bless. John Chapman - St.Ives Cornwall 13/06/2010 I have a cunning plan that is so cunning that even Mutter will be out cunned.If we all get our heads together and create a site urging the wise and faithful to encourage others to make 'North Street Grande' the new non christmas number one then maybe just maybe we could cause a rethink. Gazza - Wallington 12/06/2010 Excellent gig in Kingston last night, guys, thanks for making the trip! AVFCS is a superb album and it's good to hear so much from it, although I would've loved to hear "Waiting for you". Mind you, that would have made me cry three times, having already done so at "The Slow Train" and "Purple Spaceships"! Love them both. This was my wife's second Stackridge concert (I saw you several times at the Black Swan and City Hall in Sheffield in the early 70s) following her first at the Boom Boom in Sutton in 2008 and she now shares my love of Stackridge - she's currently walking around singing Slark! Great night, guys, and thanks for everything. Jeff Bowron - Gateshead, UK 12/06/2010 Gutted to hear the news that the legend that is Mutter Slater has left Stackridge. Mutter has been the life and soul of the band in both the 1970s and in the recent reformed line up. As front man he was the focal point and of course has contrubuted much musically and in the song writing process. It is hard to imagine the mighty Stackridge without Mutter though, of course, there have been instances in the past. However, there is still much talent in the ranks of the Ridge and no doubt the product, both recorded and live, will continue to amaze and thrill. Life goes on and hopefully there is much to look forward to with more gigs and and another record/CD or whatever you call them these days to come. Until then thanks for the memories Mutter and look after yourself Hoggy at Bournemouth - Bournemouth 11/06/2010 For Steve Powell, if you look at the website http://dgagdigs.homestead.com/ and on the LHS find June 2010 Newsletter, you'll see a familiar face pictured at Ham Hill. If you wade through you'll find a short article from Danny and one from me about the Ham Hill Field Trip. He said he still likes Stackridge but didn't know the band had a new album out, but he is a great admirer of Mutter's music. Steve Powell - Maidenhead 11/06/2010 Belated reply to Hoggy in Bournmouth. Really pleased to hear that Danny is still going strong. I remember the best Geography lesson ever - Danny playing records by some chap called Mahler, Supertramp and Strackridge. In the old Chemestry lab if I remember right. MikeyBoy52 - Brighton 09/06/2010 Saw the band at my hometown, Brighton in May. First time in 36 years!! Wonderful. Buy the new album, Victory For Common Sense, it's Total Stackridge, Fantastic, got mine signed. Many Thanks All. Stackridge are a National Treasure and should be featured on Jools Holland! Go here, should you wish of course: http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/ and add your request on the contact page. Keep On Clucking!! MikeyBoy52 xx. Ade Macrow - Radstock exile 03/06/2010 That Harlow gig was Friday 22nd September 1973, Julie: my 16th birthday. What great days they were, eh? And if you look at the amount of gigs the band played back then, it's wonder they didn't all conk out from exhaustion. Julie Gradley - UK 01/06/2010 Hi. Had a blast from the past when catching up with an old school friend who reminded me that you did a free gig at our comp school in Harlow Essex ( Latton Bush) which we had organised, it was in the 70s..we are now both now in our mid 50's but remember that night...oh to feel 17 again, it was brill. Thanks Nick Linfield - Steyning 24/05/2010 Absolutely fabulous gig at Brighton on the 13th. The material from 'Victory for Common Sense' sits so well next to the rest of their repertoire, and the band was on stellar form. Thanks, guys - first gig in Brighton since 1974 (I was there, front row, Brighton Dome) - don't leave it so long next time, eh? Dennis Rudge - Droitwich 18/05/2010 Hello there,my name is Dennis Rudge,treasurer of the Droitwich Ballister, Staircase and Classic Escalator Club.(Affiliated) On a recent visit to Bristol the star attraction for myself and my wife, Pamela, was the interesting,yet spacious foyer of the Colston Hall. We had heard about the wonderful array of all things Rising and Going via the online Magazine for Hallway and Landing buffs, Practical Nosing. We stayed for several hours, and took over Seven Hundred pics,got a cracking sound bite from a janitor, and even tried the lifts! Pamela thought this a tad risque but promised not to tell the lads at the Club, as long as I agreed to polish our collection of Stair rods! And,what a surprise to find Stackridge playing there! Pamela was a bit of a fan in the 70,s,but I,m a Led Zep.man myself,so we didn,t stay Dennis Rudge,Dennis Rudge, He likes Football,Farts and Fudge, But,what he loves the best of all Is the Escalator in the Shopping Mall. Silver Fox - The Lake District 16/05/2010 Just wanted to say what a superb gig at Lyme Regis. First time I have seen the band since 1973 and the first time ever for my wife. Also thankyou to Mutter, James and Andy for taking the time to have a chat - really made my night! garryj - Brighton 14/05/2010 It was a real pleasure to see the band at the Late Bar in Brighton last night. Stackridge were one of the first bands I saw as a teenager, at the Pioneer Youth Club in St. Albans, supporting Wishbone ash if my memory is correct.I hope to see you again sometime soon. Norma Wilshaw - Brighton 12/05/2010 Hello :o) I will try to make it on 13th, in Brighton. I will be in London all that day, but will try to get back in time. You guys used to come to our parties, in Hungerford Road, (Fritz's) and camp out the night on our floor - with many others I might add! I thought that I remembered going to Rockfield when you recorded there. Thanks for confirming that, as some memories from that time have a habit of merging together! If I don't make your gig, all the best and I do hope to see you play again. Norma x Andy - Dorset 12/05/2010 Shame on the people of Yeovil for not supporting Stackridge. I just had to get to Bristol the following evening. It was a great show and the new album has not been off the car CD player since! Norma Wilshaw - Brighton, UK 08/05/2010 Hello, My first message vanished in the ethers and I was checking every day - wondered where it had gone! Here it is again. Back in the early 70's myself, my husband Mike (he was in a band in the 60's with Fritz) and our toddlers, shared a flat with Fritz, who was a very dear friend of ours. He was producing Stackridge at the time. I may even have gone along to one of your recording sessions. Did you ever record at Rockfield Studios? I just came across the name "Stackridge" on the internet by accident. I thought "I know that name" and then landed on this site, which triggered the memory. It is great to see that you are still playing and touring. Warmest wishes to you all, Norma Response:Hi Norma, Fritz was a lovely man. We remember Mike from The Four Pennies & I think we did meet him back in the 70,s .Yes Stackridge did do some recording with Fritz @ Rockfield. Lovely to hear from you. Will we see you when we play in Brighton on May 13th ? ( The Latest Music Bar ) HullMick - Maidstone 08/05/2010 Celebrating Leeds' promotion, i've just booked tickets for Thursday at Brighton direct with the Venue by phone. Looking greatly forward to it; taking some graduates from work - hoping they keep me awake & sober round the Lanes of Brighton, because Stacks are headlining a 4-band gig. How do the old codgers do it; at their age!! The Graduates, not Mutter & Crun, of course - it'll be a Victory for Cobbled Streets. Red Squirrel, of course... Rie - Japan 08/05/2010 Hello from Japan! Both of me and my hasband are big fans of yours.We are eager to see your gig.Have you had any plans for next year? To see your gig in UK,we have to take 1 week holidays at least,save money to buy airways tickets,ask my mother helping for our kids...many preparations! So I'd like to get your gigs schedule as soon as possible. Response:Hi Rie, Hello back from England. Stackridge will be gigging in the UK in 2011 ( although we would love to come to Japan too !). No dates are booked yet although it is likely we will be playing at 2 festivals on July 9th & 10th . Just keep checking the Gigs Page on this site. Norma Wilshaw - Brighton 07/05/2010 Hello, I am unsure if you received my message in April, but assumed not, as I did not see it in the Guestbook. I remember you from the 70's and how Fritz used to rave about your music. He really liked producing the band. We had Stackridge albums in the house and I enjoyed listening to them. I am going to try to come along to see you when you play in Brighton. All the best, Norma Martin - Brisbane, Australia 03/05/2010 Any thoughts at all about a tour of OZ. Response:Stackridge are eager to play/tour anywhere in the world especially OZ as we know we have a good following there. It's all about money sadly. If we can find a promoter, an agent , even a business that might consider sponsoring us we will be on the next plane ! Eric and Dilia White - Exmouth 02/05/2010 Thanks for a great night in Lyme Regis. Graet mix of golden oldies and new stuff. Looking forward to your next visit. Farrington - North Baddesley, Southampton 02/05/2010 Just back from a weekend vist to Lyme Regis to see the band. Took Mrs F along for her first time experience of Stackridge & we both thoroughly enjoyed it. What a first rate show it was, good visuals, excellent musicianship from the boys (and girls) and a great setlist with 8 out of the 9 AVFCS songs being aired. Just wish there had been more people there to witness the show. Andy - Yeovil 02/05/2010 After thirty years I have only just discovered Stackridge ! Witty, original and musically brilliant. An excellent informal performance at Lyme last night. Thanks guys and girls. Steve Clark - Dawlish, Devon 02/05/2010 Tavistock Wharf, 30th April 2010 What a great gig! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Favourite had to be Red Squirrel. Can't wait to see you guys again next time you are in the area. Thanks also for allowing me to photograph you. Steve http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsony/sets/72157623968904646/ Erica & Tony - Scarborough 01/05/2010 I was a really enjoyable night lads, First time Tony has taken me with him and I really enjoyed the show. We Travelled from Scarborough to See Tony's Family but more so he could see the show. Tony has enjoyed your music for years, It keeps him happy so I'm happy thanks lads for an enjoyable night. Erica sue - okehampton devon 01/05/2010 hi saw u at the wharf in tavistock last nite brilliant would go to lyme regis tonite but our car is up the creek good luck see u again soon xxx John Chapman - St.Ives Cornwall 27/04/2010 A great gig from our side of the speakers at Bristol on Saturday night.Well done guys.Am I correct in thinking that the girl on the hill was none other than the lovely Sarah Menage? It was a nice touch and so well done. A good way to end a great evening.If there is anybody that doesnt know what I am talking about then it is clearly time to catch another Stackridge gig Michael Cunliffe - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 26/04/2010 Have been a fan since the beginning and lament the fact that to see the band I have to travel to England. Any possible remote chance that you would ever consider touring Canada? Response:Stackridge would love to play in Canada, we know we have small pockets of fans there & across the border in the USA. The costs are enormous so unless we can find financial backing or an agent who can guarantee us well paid gigs it is difficult. We will keep on trying ! Ian Hopkins - Neath,South Wales 25/04/2010 Thanks to Stackridge for a wonderful gig in Bristol last night,i always feel uplifted after seeing them,i hope they play this side of the severn bridge again soon to save on accomodation,but always worth it!! And Mutter must be proud of his son,sounded great,yes we wonder where he got his talent from,haha! Thanks everyone! Melanie Cheetham - Thrupp 18/04/2010 Oh no Yeovil cancelled. But now its Tavistock where they charge £2 extra for seats! Cant stand all evening they should supply us with armchairs and slippers! Steve Hammond - Wolverhampton 17/04/2010 As with Kevin, this was the 3rd time I've seen Stackridge in recent years. What a wonderful show, with almost all of AVFCS plus a great selection of old favourites. My only regret was no Lummy Days but it was a superb setlist. Brought 5 friends plus our teenage sons to their first Stackridge show and everyone loved it. Hopefully I will now have a few mates to accompany me to Stackridge gigs further afield! Thanks to the band and everyone involved for a great evening. kevin stackhouse - tamworth staffs 16/04/2010 Wonderful gig at the Robin last night - the third time I have seen the band in the last few years and they just get better and better. I always have a big daft grin on my face throughout the show. I just wish the two girls would get a mention on stage - especially the beautiful Sarah. (sigh). Ali Stubbs - Birmingham 16/04/2010 I have tried several times to join your ezine but it won't accept my address - please could you have some really simple instructions about how to join it? XXX Response:Sorry about that Ali. The E-zine feature is not active & should be removed . The best thing to do is join the zorgansgal yahoo group where Stackridge fans gather & chat every day. There is a link on the ....surprise !....Links Page. eugene wearers - tiddlyminster 16/04/2010 fab gig at the robin. how good was the mix! well done, mr soundman. 2010 stackridge sound very, very good indeed. Sue - Bedfordshire 15/04/2010 I have done my bit too M@rt. Come on you others! M@RT - Wallasey 13/04/2010 I have just left a massage on the Mr. Jewels Holland website via electronical mail insisting that the over 50's are alive and well (those of us who are not dead) and that it is essential that Stackridge be featured on the show. If we all do the same, and bombard the BBC servers with what could be as many as nine or ten messages, I'm certain that they will capitulate and book our chums at the earliest opportunity. Hoggy - Bournemouth 11/04/2010 Mutter, do you remember Hugh Prudden, Geography teacher at Yeovil School? (silly question) He's still active, along with 22 others I went for a geology field trip with him yesterday, reliving something I last did 40 years ago. He asked if I remembered you and said you were some kind of musician of repute. Of course I put him right (ha ha). He's 81 now and has kidney problems, but fair play, he hasn't changed one bit in the last 40 years, still as barmy as ever. He asked me to give you his regards, so even though you don't know me I feel obliged. (I'm an old Yeovillian about 3 years after your good self and a fan of Stackridge since the early 70s by the way) Wharton JGH - Saxmundham 10/04/2010 Dear Miss Ward, I have a small, spacious,yet compact and bijou apartment overlooking the Thames at Wapping. I use it in when visiting chums in town and it is handy for the abbatoir. Said Bush would fly convincingly into its murky depths,taking that cad J.Ross with it. Yours etc, Wharton JGH. jeff ward - norfolk 08/04/2010 Dear Harry, I didn't know the Thames ran through Saxmundham? Harry Wharton - Saxmundham 06/04/2010 If those chumps at the BBC even THINK about the early demise of Radio 6,then I will forthwith resign my membership of the Isobel Barnet Fanclub and chuck the old Bush into the Thames.What are these rotters up to? We will be left with that Godawful catawailing on the light Programme,and the unspeakable drivel on theat (yes-its pronounced THEAT!) dreadful Pop Station.And I can,t imagine my chum Harry Ramset Jam Singh will be unduly flattered either.We often listen to a spot of the old bhangra down at the nets, where ,incidentally,I ,ve noticed his old googly is coming on nicely.He often tries it out on me,weather permitting. So,the upshot is ,keep pestering the buggers,get round to Alexandra Palace and annoy the hell out of them till they see sense. Wharton.J.G.H,The Beeches,Saxmundham. James Kinsella - Arklow, Ireland 05/04/2010 I too would love to see Stackridge in Ireland...please, please will you consider the idea. There are many good summer festivals and good venues around Dublin, such as the Olympia, Crawdaddy's, The Sugar Club, Vicar Street. Would love to Do the Stanley by the Liffey!! Response:Hi James, We would love to play in Ireland too.....the stumbling block is finding a Promoter/Venue or even Festival that will book the band.So far we have met with a total blank ! John Chapman - St. Ives Cornwall 03/04/2010 Conor,what a lovely idea,Stackridge in Dublin.I am up for that.As if the music was not incentive enough, I will give 100 pints of Guinness to any promoter that makes it happen in 2010. Conor Bowman - Dublin 02/04/2010 Hi, I'm just wondering if there's any chance Stackridge might venture to this side of the Irish Sea at some stage and play a gig or two. Any prospect? Response:Hi Conor, Stackridge would love to play in Ireland ( again-it's been a long time !) We have approached a few Venues & Promoters but so far with no results. Perhaps if enough fans over there were to request their local venue to put them on we might create more interest. In these tough times it's all about being convinced that a band will draw enough people. Ade Macrow - Too far from Radstock 25/03/2010 The campaign to get Stackridge some TV coverage (local or nationwide) is an ongoing one. Like all such battles, it is a long and oft-times frustrating fight. But be not disheartened. There are many of us good folk, beavbering away in the undergrowth and the bnackground, trying to effect change. No campaign is ever lost until the instigaters admit defeat. And that ain't gonna happen with any of us for a long time yet. No siree. As for Ansdy's site, some of his features and articles have beem incorporated here. As for the rest, keep watching.... Steve Powell - Maidenhead 24/03/2010 So glad to have found you again. Still experimenting and improving. The new album is great (finally growing up?), Mutter's album is a triumph. I caught a show at the Boom Boom Club last year and the memories came flooding back - the farewell gig at the Johnson Hall in Yeovil, The White Lion (too much cider), Yeovil School,buying record's from Mutter's mum in Radio House.... It seems like yesterday John Stevens - manchester 23/03/2010 It would be good to get some downloads on here. Even better, if Slow Twitch Fibres could be included as Andy's site seems to have disappeared. Chunky - Westcountry 15/03/2010 Can't tell you how delighted I was to discover this website. I have loved your music for 30 years, and the new stuff is great. Could you put the song lyrics up somewhere please? When will we see Stackridge on TV? Response:Hello Chunky, The lyrics for all the songs on the recent CD " A Victory For Common Sense" can be found via the Website printed on the sleeve. Lyrics of older material are all on a Website created by a fan. If you join the Yahoo Group "zorgansgal" they can point you to a host of links , photos, even a list of every gig Stackridge have ever done since 1969 ! TV ? A struggle to get interest from the "powers that be", but a flood of letters/E Mails etc to the producers of "Later With Jools" etc might help. They need to see that the band have a following. Silver Fox - The Lake District 14/03/2010 I last saw you guys at The Roundhouse in London in 1973 I think it was. I've just managed to get tickets for the Lyme Regis gig as we will be down in Devon for a family visit. Love everything you do and the new album is excellent. I was just wondering if you still perform two of my favourites - God Speed The Plough and Teatime. Very much looking forward to seeing you all again after following you around London venues in the early 70's and for my wife this will be her first live encounter with you! 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