It’s the tour package every serious progger’s been waiting for for years- former Enid vocalist “That” Joe Payne and the amazing Doris Brendel (last seen up here with Fish, but an astounding singer and songwriter in her own right) in tandem, hitting the clubs and halls of great Britain for a progressive onslaught you’ll never forget. In the true spirit of collaboration, they’ll also be taking it in turns to headline respective gigs- so make sure you get there early!! Best of all, it’s hitting the West Midlands on April 14, when the region’s “home of prog”, the Robin 2, takes its turn at playing host to the dynamic duo.
Accompanied by their bands, both acts will be performing their new solo material, plus selected tracks they’ve released with other projects. DORIS BRENDEL is one of the most accomplished and exciting live singers on the scene: apart from her first-class musicianship (and that of her regular collaborator Lee Dunham) she’s also known for putting on incredibly visual shows, with outlandish steam-punk costumes and even laser gloves…. not to be missed!
The North London-based Brendel has worked with some notable people over the years, including Alvin Lee, Gary Moore, Sam Brown, Joe Brown, Herbie Flowers, and has toured extensively with Marillion- both as a solo artist and a former member of her old band The Violet Hour- as well as Nils Lofgren, John Farnham and Steve Marriott. She was also offered to sing with Pink Floyd on the Great Gig in the Sky tour, which she had to turn down due to already contracted tour commitments. More recently she has completed 2 European tours – one with Wishbone Ash, plus 3 months on the road with Fish singing BVs as well as providing the support. Further tours in 2019 are planned, along with a new solo album, and vocals for the giant Scotsman’s farewell album ‘Weltschmerz’
Northampton singer-songwriter THAT JOE PAYNE, meanwhile, is a classically trained vocalist, known for his impressive 5 octave range. Now a solo artist, other projects have included The Enid (2011-2016), Methexis (2015), and more recently John Holden and Zio (both 2018-present). With various collectives he has received 3 Progressive Music Award nominations, including Best Band, Best Album, and Best Event. His personal achievements include being voted Best Male Vocalist for two years running (2014 & 2015) in the Prog Magazine Readers’ Poll.
And it’s at the Robin!! What more do you proggers need to know??? Get down there and witness two of the brightest lights on today’s scene in action. Doors open at (we assume) 7pm, although this may alter on the night: tickets are £20 adv (£22 door) and available here: http://www.therobin.co.uk/basket.asp?add=5523&pr=20 Box Office Tel No: 01902 401211. The venue is located at: 20-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston, Wolverhampton, WV14 7LJ, and is accessible by tram (from Wolverhampton, Wednesbury, West Bromwich or Central Birmingham) or buses 82 (from Wolverhampton/Dudley) 229 (also from Dudley, via Tipton) 79 (also from Wolverhampton/West Bromwich) and 34/39 (from Walsall)
See you down there, motherproggers!!
DARIUS DREWE
Thee Editorius
midlandmania.wordpress.com 