Former members of The Beautiful South will bring their autumn 2017 UK tour to Stevenage later this year.
The South have announced a concert at Gordon Craig Theatre for Monday, October 23, with tickets now on sale.
When great British pop institution The Beautiful South split in 2007, some members of the band didn’t feel ready to hang up their microphones or instruments.
Two years later, singers Dave Hemingway and Alison Wheeler, alongside lifelong members Damon Butcher (keys), Gaz Birtles (sax) and Tony Robinson (trumpet), came out of retirement and formed the nine-piece band The South.
Celebrating The Beautiful South legacy, the group performed the classic songs including number one single A Little Time as well as favourites Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold and Don’t Marry Her.
Fast forward to 2017 and its all change. Dave Hemingway has announced his retirement from the live music scene, Damon Butcher now resides in Ireland thereby leaving the band, and Tony Robinson has moved on to pastures new.
So sax player Gaz Birtles has moved across to take over the male vocal duties alongside Alison Wheeler. As well as performing with The Beautiful South and within The South, Gaz has also enjoyed success in his own right as a singer-songwriter.
Also welcomed into the fold comes keyboard player Andy Price, and new sax player Su Robinson.
Watch above the first day’s rehearsals with new singer Gaz Birtles, and new keyboard player Andy Price getting to grips with some of the songs.
Gareth John, long-time trumpet replacement for Tony Robinson, is now established as a permanent fixture in the band and his past glories include working alongside members of the Happy Mondays, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and The Specials.
With the reshuffle complete, The South are a full team again and raring to go.
Their live show promises to continue to celebrate The Beautiful South along with songs from The South’s debut album Sweet Refrains.
The nine-piece live band also features Phil Barton (guitars), Steve Nutter (bass), Dave Anderson (drums), and Karl Brown (percussion).
Tickets for the Stevenage concert cost £28.50, concessions £1.50 off.
Call the box office on 01438 363200 or visit www.gordon-craig.co.uk/the-south-i1736
• For more information on The South, visit www.thesouth.co.uk
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