A BLOG FROM THE ROAD: PART ONE – THE FIRST SHOW - By Nick Bull

A BLOG FROM THE ROAD: PART ONE – THE FIRST SHOW

Opening night. It's when things get serious for a band.

No longer are they practising in small rooms with just their road crew for company. Time has run out for song endings to be rehearsed repeatedly in the search for perfection. The paying audience won't accept any group coming on stage under-prepared; they want to see the best show they've ever been to, period.

Yet, even after 15 or so years of playing together, and shows ranging from festival headline slots to the Letterman TV show in America, first night nerves aren't far away in the Starsailor dressing room.

“I'd be lying if I said I didn't get them,” says drummer Ben Byrne. “Only a little, mind, but I don't think you'd be human if you didn't.

“Luckily, once you play a couple of shows, you get 'gig tight' with the others and from there you're really on it.”

But there was plenty more at stake inside Leamington Spa's Assembly Rooms, a venue both pleasing on the eye and full of history, come 9pm on Sunday.

Yes, Starsailor played the crowd-pleasing hits ("Alcoholic", "Silence Is Easy", "Tell Me It's Not Over" and, of course, "Good Souls", to name just a few), but also featured in the 16-song set were the first-ever performances two new tracks. It is the season of goodwill, after all.

“Blood”, with its slow build-up, falsetto chorus and melodic guitar solo to end, wouldn't have been out of place on the Silence Is Easy album.

“Never looked so good and you didn't break a sweat, with a cruel ambition that caught me dead,” sings James Walsh in the opening verse, although by that point in the show his forehead was dripping, owing to the ever-lively front-man work he'd undertaken.

Then, played three songs before the end of the main set, “Best Of You” features a fine drum and bass backbone and several lines that will be shouted out by concert crowds in years to come. Word is, the other tracks lined up for the band's next album are even better. Sounds promising, right?

Regardless, this is one of the biggest reasons why Starsailor are such a joy to watch. Too many groups these days refuse to debut new material on the road, fearing the bootleggers or a mass exodus to the bar (possibly even both), but this band have balls and form in this area, too.

"In My Blood", with that instantly memorable guitar and bass riff, was a stand out during their 2004 festival shows, over a year before it appeared on the band's third album. "Tell Me It's Not Over" was perfected on the road in South America, while the 2015 American Tour reiterated that the band's chemistry and sound, not to mention James Walsh's knack of writing a killer line or two, was as good as ever when new song "Give Up The Ghost" got an airing at every show.

“I've been looking forward to playing the new songs, and we plan to throw a couple into the set each night,” added Byrne. “It's good to get them out there, as we all want to see how the fans respond.

“Somebody will probably have taken a video of us playing them on their phone and they'll be on YouTube in the morning, but it's all good exposure! Playing new songs live is the best way to fine-tune them ahead of recording them for a new album.”

Headlining their first UK Tour since 2015's triumphant Greatest Hits shows, fans in the likes of London, Sheffield, Nottingham and Edinburgh are in for a real treat over the next two weeks, if night one is anything to go by.

The tempos were quick, the music was flawless, the set-list pacing was spot on and lead singer James's voice whirled around the venue throughout. A minor problem when his guitar went quiet during “Poor Misguided Fool” was quickly fixed, and the big crowd inside the venue went home happy.

Walsh's on-stage banter continues to get even sharper, too. As he tuned his guitar between “Alcoholic” and “Fidelity”, barely 20 minutes into the show, he remembered he was in front of a crowd.

“I forgot about all these bits in between songs where I've got to talk,” he started. “It's been a while since we've been on the road. But it's great to get to get such a good audience for the first gig, because everybody's nervous, you don't know how it's going to go.”

Then, as the predictable cheers went up from the audience, he quickly added: “This is our last song, good night!”. Cue laughter all round, and a fist bump from bassist Stel.

A reminder that, if this is night one, those fans going to shows over the next two weeks are in for a real treat.

Nick Bull, by day a sports writer, has seen over 50 Starsailor concerts.

@nickbull21

Starsailor announce UK Headline Tour in December 2016

Starsailor announce a ten date UK tour in December kicking off on 11^th December in Leamington Spa and finishing in Aberdeen on 23^rd December.

'We can't wait to get out on tour again in December. We've been busy working on some new tunes & we can't wait to road-test a couple of them for the fans along with the old favourites. Will be great to play some venues we haven't played before too' - James Walsh.

Starsailor’s initial run of success saw both their ‘Love is Here’ debut album and the 2003 follow-up ‘Silence is Easy’ hit #2 on the charts as they raced to a total of 3 million sales. After a five-year hiatus, the band reformed in 2014, enjoying triumphant festival performances at the Isle of Wight Festival and V Festival, plus special guest to James on their UK tour. 2015 saw them tour in China, Korea, and a co-headline tour of the US and Canada with Embrace.

Their return was swiftly followed by the release of their biggest hits through ‘Good Souls: The Greatest Hits’ (released in September 2015 on Parlophone). The album was accompanied by the band’s first headline UK and European tour since 2009.

The album kicked off with the band’s three biggest hits in the shape of ‘Good Souls’ (#12), ‘Silence is Easy’ (#9) and ‘Alcoholic’ (#10). In addition to those tracks, the album featured a further seven Top 40 hits, as well as two brand new tracks ‘Give Up The Ghost’ and ‘Hold On’.

“It's been over 15 years since the band first formed and the songs still mean something to people,” says frontman James Walsh. “They still sing the words passionately back at us at gigs. We hear stories of how songs have soundtracked key moments in their lives” - James Walsh

and were clearly in love with rock 'n' roll and all its possibilities."

James Walsh (vocals/guitar,) James Stelfox (bass), Ben Byrne (drums) and Barry Westhead (keyboards), Starsailor shot to prominence in 2001 with the release of their debut single ‘Fever’. After an early NME live review drew glowing comparisons with Neil Young, The Verve and Coldplay, their 2001 debut album reached #2 shortly before they won the Philip Hall On award for best new band at the NME Awards and Best New Act at the Q Awards. The following year they were nominated for Best British Newcomer at the BRIT Awards.

Released in 2003, their second album ‘Silence is Easy’ featured two songs that were among the last to be produced by Phil Spector and also peaked at #2, with the title track becoming their highest charting domestic single when it entered the charts at #9. The Thin White Duke remix of ‘Four To The Floor’ (featured here as a bonus track) topped the charts in both France and Belgium, and also hit #5 in Australia.

They then released ‘On The Outside’ (2005) and ‘All The Plans’ (2009) which featured Ronnie Wood before Starsailor went on hiatus at the end of the year.

The band have enjoyed more than their fair share of prestigious gigs, supporting the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Police, The Killers, and U2, and have toured all over the world.

December 2016 UK headline tour dates:

Out In The Fields Of Winter Tour

11 December – The Assembly, Leamington Spa

12 December – Concorde 2, Brighton

15 December – Tramshed, Cardiff

16 December – Engine Rooms, Southampton

17 December – Waterfront, Norwich

18 December – Rock City, Nottingham

20 December – Plug, Sheffield

21 December – Riverside, Newcastle

22 December – Liquid Room, Edinburgh

23 December – Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

For full ticket information, visit: www.starsailorband.co.uk

http://www.starsailorband.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/starsailorofficial

https://twitter.com/starsailorband

Instagram: starsailorofficial

A message from the band

Hello Everyone, 'Steve. What times sound check? Is it catering or buy out today?' Hang on. I've not woken up on the bus I'm in my own bed. Back in the real world having to fend for ourselves. The end of a tour is always a strange time as the musician gets used to living in the real world after living in a bubble for a month or so. I'm sure Attenborough could do a class documentary about it!

So the tour. It’s been a brilliant one. Great fun to be back on the road with the boys. Too many highlights to list them all so I'll keep it brief. Best gig? For me, Shepherds Bush Empire closely followed by Amsterdam Paradiso, the crowd was amazing in Manchester as they have been all through the tour but it all just clicked for us on stage in London. The perfect storm of a great venue and us being road worthy as the bus pulled in for the last UK date. The Paradiso was amazing too. We were flattered so many people travelled from back home to see us but the Dutch & folk from nearby Belgium & beyond did their bit to create a brilliant atmosphere too. Really enjoyed doing BBC Quay Sessions with Edith Bowman as well. It was nice to catch up with Edith who we've bumped into in many a muddy field over the years & sessions like this are always an opportunity to take the music to a wider audience who tune in online or on radio. Best food? It has to be the lovely chicken followed by our very own personalised tiramisu in Pratteln Switzerland. They know how to put a good spread on!




Best support? Ha ha I'm not doing that. They were all brilliant. Kerri Watt who brought her country tinged soulful voice & did a brilliant job guesting on Lullaby. Up Down Go Machine who overcame smashing their van’s back window on the first show to deliver a rousing set of foot stompers every night they joined us. The Sherlocks who are all over the airwaves at the moment and proved just why as they delivered on stage every time, We Are Judas who's brilliant epic rock meant the crowd was treated to a fantastic triple bill on some of the date & Oliver Pinder who joined us in Leeds also added to a brilliant night bringing his emotional acoustic style. Not forgetting the bands that joined us on some of the European dates - Pablo Polar (Switzerland), Kensington Road (Germany) and Seed The Tree (Luxembourg) who were all great.

So finally just a massive thanks to everyone who's helped put together & worked on such an enjoyable tour.

Until next time... James Walsh x

GOOD SOULS: THE GREATEST HITS - OUT NOW!

‘GOOD SOULS: THE GREATEST HITS’ 

OUT NOW

“Whatever language Starsailor speak, they speak from the heart.”

-NME

“These are epic songs full of delicate strokes, Waterboys guitars and heartfelt passion.”

-The Guardian

The album kicks off with the band’s three biggest hits in the shape of ‘Good Souls’ (#12), ‘Silence is Easy’ (#9) and ‘Alcoholic’ (#10). In addition to those tracks, the album features a further seven Top 40 hits, as well as deeper cuts such as ‘Tie Up My Hands’ and ‘Fidelity’ which became staples of the band’s live shows.

In addition, the album boasts two brand new tracks which were recently recorded with producer Harry Rutherford at the famous Fisher Lane Studios. “’Give Up The Ghost’ came from the energy of being back together after so much time,” explains Walsh. “It’s about not being ready to give up on something despite the challenges that you face.” The other new track is the ballad ‘Hold On’. “The lyrics are about reassuring someone who has their life ahead of them and passing wisdom onto them,” he adds. “We wanted to get an anthemic chorus which should get the crowd going.”

‘Good Souls: The Greatest Hits’ track-listing:

1.     Good Souls
2.     Silence is Easy
3.     Alcoholic
4.     Give Up The Ghost (NEW TRACK)
5.     In The Crossfire
6.     Poor Misguided Fool
7.     Four To The Floor
8.     This Time
9.     Fever
10.  Born Again
11.  Lullaby
12.  Keep Us Together
13.  Way To Fall
14.  All The Plans
15.  Hold On (NEW TRACK)
16.  Tell Me It’s Not Over
17.  Tie Up My Hands
18.  Fidelity
19.  Four To the Floor (Thin White Duke Mix) (BONUS TRACK) 

Available to buy now:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1OytHlD

iTunes - http://apple.co/1gtNhlc

Starsailor release "GOOD SOULS: THE GREATEST HITS" on September 18th on Parlophone

First UK headline tour since 2009 commences in October

“Whatever language Starsailor speak, they speak from the heart.” – NME

“These are epic songs full of delicate strokes, Waterboys guitars and heartfelt passion.” – The Guardian

Starsailor’s initial run of success saw both their ‘Love is Here’ debut album and the 2003 follow-up ‘Silence is Easy’ hit #2 on the charts as they raced to a total of 3 million sales. Now their biggest hits and fan favourites have been collated in ‘Good Souls: The Greatest Hits’ which will be released on September 18th on Parlophone.

The album kicks off with the band’s three biggest hits in the shape of ‘Good Souls’ (#12), ‘Silence is Easy’ (#9) and ‘Alcoholic’ (#10). In addition to those tracks, the album features a further seven Top 40 hits, as well as deeper cuts such as ‘Tie Up My Hands’ and ‘Fidelity’ which became staples of the band’s live shows.

“It's been over 15 years since the band first formed and the songs still mean something to people,” says frontman James Walsh. “They still sing the words passionately back at us at gigs. We hear stories of how songs have soundtracked key moments in their lives. That's why we felt it was the right time to release this album - hopefully if the songs mean this much to our loyal fans this collection can help spread the word wider. People who know us for 'Four To The Floor' or 'Alcoholic' can delve a little deeper.”

In addition, the album boasts two brand new tracks which were recently recorded with producer Harry Rutherford at the famous Fisher Lane Studios. “’Give Up The Ghost’ came from the energy of being back together after so much time,” explains Walsh. “It’s about not being ready to give up on something despite the challenges that you face.” The other new track is the ballad ‘Hold On’. “The lyrics are about reassuring someone who has their life ahead of them and passing wisdom onto them,” he adds. “We wanted to get an anthemic chorus which should get the crowd going.”

The release of ‘Good Souls: The Greatest Hits’ follows the band’s reunion with a triumphant set on the main stage at the Isle of Wight Festival 2014. They subsequently toured as guests to James, before heading off to North American in 2015 for co-headline tour alongside Embrace.
Completed by James Stelfox (bass), Ben Byrne (drums) and Barry Westhead (keyboards), Starsailor shot to prominence with the release of their debut single ‘Fever’. After an early NME live review drew glowing comparisons with Neil Young, The Verve and Coldplay, their 2001 debut album reached #2 shortly before they won the Philip Hall On award for best new band at the NME Awards and Best New Act at the Q Awards. The following year they were nominated for Best British Newcomer at the BRIT Awards.

Released in 2003, their second album ‘Silence is Easy’ featured two songs that were among the last to be produced by Phil Spector and also peaked at #2, with the title track becoming their highest charting domestic single when it entered the charts at #9. The Thin White Duke remix of ‘Four To The Floor’ (featured here as a bonus track) topped the charts in both France and Belgium, and also hit #5 in Australia.

They then released ‘On The Outside’ (2005) and ‘All The Plans’ (2009) which featured Ronnie Wood before Starsailor went on hiatus at the end of the year.

Starsailor recently announced their first full UK headline tour since 2009 which culminates with a London show at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on October 17th. The full tour schedule is listed on the tour page.

‘Good Souls: The Greatest Hits’ tracklisting:
1. Good Souls
2. Silence is Easy
3. Alcoholic
4. Give Up The Ghost (NEW TRACK)
5. In The Crossfire
6. Poor Misguided Fool
7. Four To The Floor
8. This Time
9. Fever
10. Born Again
11. Lullaby
12. Keep Us Together
13. Way To Fall
14. All The Plans
15. Hold On (NEW TRACK)
16. Tell Me It’s Not Over
17. Tie Up My Hands
18. Fidelity
19. Four To the Floor (Thin White Duke Mix) (BONUS TRACK)

UK Tour!

We are very excited to announce a brand new UK tour in October. Check out all the usual agents or go to gigs and tours website and get your tickets now!

As the dust settles on the US Tour

So the dust has settled and the jet lag is lingering. Getting easier but still feels like I'm moving in slow motion in a full speed word. The last few gigs were fantastic. A fitting end to an enjoyable tour. Toronto was a particular highlight for me. The US crowds have been great, excitable, warm and welcoming.

The Canadians (sprinkled with a few ex pats) found a new level that night though. The legendary Horsehoe Tavern was electric that night as the crowd spurred us on to the performance of the tour for me. Amazingly despite the searing heat in the venue they managed to keep the energy up and spur on Embrace too! New York was a good one too. We had a day off in Bowery before the show. Some of the Embrace crew hired bikes and rode the whole of Manhatten.

We took a pilgrimage to Bleeker St (Where Dylan, Hendrix, Joni et al plied their trade) and the famous Cafe Wha? Then I had a a slightly boozy night with Richard McNamara and his New York resident brother in law. The next day hangovers dealt with it was onwards to Webster Hall for the show. It was daunting going on after Embrace for this one. About 50 Embrace fans made the trip from the UK and were cheerleading the remaining 400 or so people into a frenzy! We needn't have worried though there were some enthusiastic Starsailor fans too and the Embrace fanatics stuck around for us. We enjoyed chatting to everyone after the show and it was good to catch up with friends and relatives who are based over there now.

The final gig of the tour was in Boston. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by fans looking for us to do a photo or sign an album. We're so grateful we still have passionate fans like that who have waited a long time to see us in their city. I must admit it was a little deflating to see a depleted crowd after such a busy gig in New York but the fans that were there absolutely fanatical for us and Embrace so it was a great show in the end. All thats remains to be said is thanks to Mike Hayes(US Agent)Steve Lyall (TM),Lez (TM),Beaver (Stage Tech),Tom (FOH & Monitors),Danny (Embrace),Richard (Embrace),Micky (Keyboards),Mike (Drums),Steve (Bass) and last but not least the inimitable Curt the driver for an unforgettable tour! Now where do we go next?