From all of us at AFG we want to wish Gerald Scarfe a very happy 82nd birthday.
Working with Pink Floyd from 1974, he is chiefly known for his excellent and chilling work for The Wall project…
Category Archives: News
Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets Announce 21 Date European Tour
A full 21 date european tour has been announced, you can find all the details below.
Tickets can be purchased via www.thesaucerfulofsecrets.com
Sunday 2nd September – Cirkus, Stockholm, Sweden
Monday 3rd September – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tuesday 4th September – Moya, Rostock, Germany
Thursday 6th September – Royal Theatre Carré, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Saturday 8th September – Stadsschouwburg, Antwerp, Belgium
Sunday 9th September – Den Atelier, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Monday 10th September – Olympia, Paris, France
Tuesday 11th September – Mitsubishi Electric Halle, Dusseldorf, Germany
Thursday 13th September – Laeiszhalle, Hamburg, Germany
Saturday 15th September – Beethovensaal, Stuttgart, Germany
Sunday 16th September – Tempodrom, Berlin, Germany
Monday 17th September – Haus Auensee, Leipzig, Germany
Wednesday 19th September – Weiner Stadthalle F, Vienna, Austria
Thursday 20th September – Teatro Arcimboldi, Milan, Italy
Friday 21st September – Samsung Hall, Zurich, Switzerland
Sunday 23rd September – Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth, UK – 100 approx tickets left (capacity: 2,500 all seated)
Monday 24th September – Roundhouse, Camden Town, London, UK – SOLD OUT (capacity 3,300 all standing)
Tuesday 25th September – Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK – 10 tickets left (capacity 2,262 all seated)
Thursday 27th September – O2 Apollo Manchester, Manchester, UK – A few hundred tickets left (capacity 3,500 all seated)
Friday 28th September – SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, UK – Approx half of tickets sold (capacity 3000 all seated)
Saturday 29th September – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, UK – SOLD OUT (capacity 2,499 all seated)
The Pretty Things “Final Bow” Concert Features Special Guest David Gilmour.
After 55 years of live performing, The Pretty Things – the iconic, 1st wave, R&B cult heroes, formed by Ex Rolling Stone Dick Taylor, and singer, Phil May – will retire from electric performances at the end of this year.
Serial under-achievers, and the greatest band you never heard of, The Pretty Things have been a massive critical success and a huge influence on artists as diverse as David Bowie, Aerosmith, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, The White Stripes, Kasabian and many, many more – who site their outrageous behaviour, incandescent stage performances and astonishing catalogue of remarkable, ground-breaking recordings as fundamental in the creation of their own work.
With a huge history of musical and cultural “firsts” at their core – the “longest hair in the world”, first ever rock and roll drugs bust, most arrests of any band, first ever “garage” single, first ever rock-opera, first U.K. band to win Rolling Stone Record of the Year, arrested for discharging a sawn off shotgun, first band to regain full control of its entire recorded catalogue and on and on… – The Pretty Things are an indelible part of the fabric of popular music and the social influence that it has created.
Still creating significant front-line records today and with such influential work as their ground-breaking masterpiece and world’s first rock opera – S. F. Sorrow – which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, in their back catalogue, they remain a hugely significant artistic and creative force. With no other first-wave artist but The Stones, outselling their frontline recordings today and probably no artist at all out-performing them live.
It should be compulsory for anyone with the slightest interest in popular music and the 
youth and social revolution of the 1960’s to see The Pretty Things before they hang up their guns at the end of this year. Their farewell show in London will feature guest appearances from significant old friends David Gilmour, Van Morrison and Bill Nighy and some new young gunslingers to make sure they go out like they came in – with all guns blazing and taking no prisoners.
They play their final performance at Indigo at The O2 on 13 December 2018. Tickets on sale now from AXS by Clicking Here
Richard Wright : AFG Exclusive Interview With Zee Co-Founder Dave Harris
Identity is the only album by Zee, a short-lived side project of Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright, a duo partnership consisting of Wright and Dave Harris of New Romantic outfit Fashion, released in 1984. The album was written and produced by Wright and Harris and all the lyrics were penned by Harris.
The album makes heavy use of the Fairlight CMI, a musical synthesizer popularized in the 1980s. This creates a very electronic sound that persists through every track.
Rumours began to circulate the internet back in April of 2017 that a re-release / expanded version was being worked on, Many people aross the globe had began to revisit the album after all those years, which subsequently accumilated in a refound buzz and love for the original record.
Due to the sad passing of Richard Wright in 2008, One could assume that this album would never be touched again, How very wrong we were.
We have managed to obtain some of Dave Harris (Zee Co-Founder and Rick’s Bandmate) time from his very busy schedule to bring all visitors an exclusive interview regarding Richard and Dave’s Zee Project.
AFG : First of all i want to say thank you from AFG on behalf of all of our visitors across the world, for taking the time to participate in this interview.
How did you meet Richard what set the spark to write an album jointly?
Dave : It happened in New York, I was approached by Raff Ravenscroft (Sax Player Baker Street), I had just left ‘Fashion’, Raff mentioned that Rick had been fired by the band (By Roger Waters) and Rick was looking to set up a new band. When we got back to London, I met up with Rick, Raff and some other musicians who had been selected. From here we had 2 or 3 rehearsals. The other musicians were mainly session guys and had a heavy workload. Therefore the number of players started to chang every time due to their work constraints. It was at this point whilst having a meeting alone with Rick, I suggested we did the album as a 2 piece, and worried about the players when we came to gig. Rick agreed and the plan was set.
What was the influence of your back catalogue in Fashion in the meet-up and the recording of the album?
I have been influenced by many styles of music over the years, the Floyd not being an influence, but I was a fan of them. Rick wanted to take a more modern approach to this new album.
How was the work split between Richard and you in the composition of the record? Did you work together on the songs or did you come up with your own compositions and directly recorded based on them?
We started off together, but there were periods where Rick was away for business, then I would work by myself (Sue and I had moved in with Rick because he had the studio in the rectory and I could work whenever I pleased).
Would you define Identity as a balanced joint effort by Harris and Wright?
Yes I guess so.
What are your recollections of working with Richard as a musician and as a person? What would you stress as your main concerns (both Rick’s and yours) at the time of writing the album?
Our relationship as friends took off straight away, we hooked up and as I say, Rick invited Sue and I to move into the rectory, pretty much straight away. Regarding our musical relationship, we were from completely different musical backgrounds. My concern was that Rick enjoyed working with a heavier balance of synthetic instruments, because this was the way my music was moving. There wasn’t even midi at this stage and we were both interested in using Ricks Fairlight, as he hadn’t touched it yet….
Zee… Where did the group name come from? And Identity? Did you write all the lyrics?
I came up with the name ZEE after the album was recorded, just liked the sound of it and the look, ‘Identity’ was a good name because of the 2 different characters involved. Yes I wrote all the lyrics and top lines.
Many fans still think that the vocals in Identity are Richard’s while I think it’s mainly you. Why was that? Do any takes with Richard on lead vocals survive?
No, Rick didn’t do any lead vocals, he was going through an insecure period in his life when we got to mastering the album, and although he stepped up a couple of times, it didn’t happen. Rick did sing on the B.Vox with me.
It might be an obvious question, but why did the Fairlight take the more prominent role in the record? Didn’t you consider using some other “out of fashion” synths at the time?
The Fairlight was just going through a major update regarding the Page R sequencing package, in fact we were working on beta versions with Syco Systems who were the main suppliers of Fairlight in Britain. It was a fabulous time, and a new way of syncing other keyboards to it.
Did any other musicians work on the record and remain uncredited?
No the album was totally Rick and myself.
Did you get in touch with Richard after the original release and did you ever consider a follow up?
Rick wanted to do a follow up album straight away, we had done some work at his house in the South of France and he had the idea to move everything down there and start the next album. I had been offered a co production of an album for another artist and because I wanted to advance my career into production as well, I took the Production job, Obviously I wasn’t as financially well off as Rick and couldn’t afford to take another year off writing a new album.
What are your memories of the let’s say cold reception the record has at the moment and what made your mind up to remix and re-release it?
I wasn’t aware of a cold reception at the moment, since Social media has reduced the size of the world there has been a better reception than I ever thought. I do remember a cold reception when ‘You Tube’ came out and some of the comments were pretty bad. The people I am in contact with now are people who bought the album when it 1st came out and have been a fan since then.. My mind was made up by an author from Italy who had written many books on the Floyd and persuaded me to do a digital remix. Strangely enough, within about 2 weeks I had been contacted by a record company in the UK who do License deals on out of print albums. So I said yes…
How do you feel with the album 30 years later? What would you have done differently then and what has been your re-mixing criteria now?
The main thing I wish is that the Fairlight wasn’t so strong in the compositions, having said that, it was the keyboard and the new sound and sequencer of the time, so that’s that. I wish, Rick had been up to singing some lead vocals and writing some lyrics.
Regarding the remix, the digitalization and subsequent eq’ing has brought out a lot of frequencies especially bottom end which have become available because of the new amazing software plugins that are available.
You’ve had several proposals to re-mix the record in 5.1. Did you seriously consider the possibility and thought of any engineer? Andy Jackson would be a perfect candidate, but there are other like Bruce Soord or Giancarlo Erra that might be interested.
Yes I have been approached by a guy, Jan Printz who has offered to do that. We will see as we get to release.
Apart from Richard’s family, did you have to pass any other filters inside Pink Floyd’s world to have the record released? How would you define having to deal with PF’s bureaucrats?
Yes we are dealing with Pink Floyd Music Ltd. As it was them who own the recording rights. They have made an agreement as well as that we have to adhere to, and defining working with them, fine but slow…..
Will Pink Floyd support the promotion of the release? Your closeness to the fans in Internet has been greatly appreciated, but having PF’s marketing machinery supporting the reissue will surely boost sales.
Unfortunately not, I agree It would have been great to have them on board especially as they or Richard Wright Music Ltd. haven’t had to pay 1 penny in the reproduction of this album, they could just sit back and take their cut. That’s all I can say.
Did you consider asking David Gilmour or Nick Mason to do any special contribution for this new edition?
I would have loved to have done that, but to have had an agreement for them to be a part of the re release would have been out of the question and financially crazy.
What is Richard’s family position regarding Mr. Wright’s musical legacy? Have they considered opening the vaults for you to use any unreleased material he may have been working on prior to his death?
I met with Gala and Jamie last summer, we had a great meeting after so long, and they were young kids in 84. I mentioned this to them, but it seems there are so many tapes files etc. that they haven’t been able to really make head nor tail out of it. So no commitment really. We will have to wait and see….
After all the delays in releasing the record, do you have now a new target date?
As it happens Liam, I am about to contact RWML. As the ball is in their court. I am ready with the complete packages but they have had various changes they wanted to make to the album package and our agreement. We could have the album out in a couple of months if everyone is compliant and right now, I don’t see why they shouldn’t be. I will keep you and the Facebook followers posted over the next couple of weeks.
Apart from a new Fashion album that is on the works, what will the future bring to Dave Harris?
Thanks for that plug my friend… After these 2 albums are released I am looking forward to working with Zeus B Held again (The producer of Fashion Fabrique). We will be working under a new name and looking towards Recording an album and Gigging soon afterwards. I’m very excited about this project.. I hope you will be too..
Our sincere gratitude goes out to Dave once again for taken the time to participate in this interview, for those of you wishing to follow the movement on the Zee : Double Identity release you can do so by visiting Dave’s – ZEE (Official) Facebook page by Clicking Here
Many thanks to César & Jose Lira for their contributions to conducting this interview.
Nick Mason’s A Saucerful Of Secrets Debut !!
Nick Mason's A Saucerful Of Secrets - STCFTHOTS
You can find more videos and pictures over in our dedicated tour section by clicking here
Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Feature In July Edition Of Uncut Magzine
As the title suggests Nick has an exclusive new feature in the new issue of the UK printed Uncut Magazines July 2018 Edition.
In the extensive new feature there is a large contribution from Nick in which he discusses the show has the blessing of both David Gilmour and Roger Waters, In which he also gives us a very excting glimpse of a few songs that are included in the new show.
” We’re not a tribute band, It’s not important to play the songs exactly as they were but to capture the spirit, Its extraordinary, the construction of some of the songs “
The Magazine is currently available on all uk news agents and magazine retailers. For those over the pond you can buy a digital edition on the Official Uncut Website by Clicking Here
(Spoiler Alert)
*Bike* *Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun* *Interstellar Overdrive* *See Emily Play*
New issue of UK’s Prog magazine Features Article on Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets
In the newset edtion of Prog Magazine Issue Number 87 (10th May), Nick Mason is featured with an extensive article talking about his returning to the stage with a new project that pays tribute to the seminal years of his former band.
Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets includes not only the Pink Floyd drummer but also guitarist Lee Harris (Blockheads), Keyboard Player Dom Beken (ex- The Orb), Floyd bassist Guy Pratt, and Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp on vocals and guitar.
“I’d been ruminating on playing again rather than just talking about the old days” says Mason. “It seemed like a good idea and it sounded as though we could actually find enough peope commited to doing it, so it’s sort of crept into the consciousness, I suppose. I think once we actually got some instruments and played together it was a case of “Oh yeah, this is fun and it could work!”
Prog Magazine is available in most UK magazine retailers and is also available on iPad, Google Play, Kindle and Nook.
For International visitors You can purchase Prog Magazine, online by clicking here.
Nick Mason – Interview With Paiste Cymbals
Nick Mason Paiste Interview
David Gilmour : Shares His Thoughts On Jeff Beck In Jeff’s New Documentary
As the title suggests David Gilmour has made a brief appearance in Jeff Beck’s new Still On The Run Documentary.
“For many people, musicians and fans alike, Jeff Beck is the greatest ever British guitarist. For more than 50 years he has blazed an uncompromising trail across the musical landscape. Always an innovator, never a follower, Jeff has steadfastly refused to pander to the demands of the record industry. This maverick attitude required some difficult career decisions; he left The Yardbirds at the height of their popularity, deserted his own group days before their billed appearance at Woodstock and often shifted his attention to his other great passion of building hot rods rather than continuing a tour or returning to the studio.
Jeff’s adventurous spirit led him to embrace a wide range of musical styles and he is one of a handful of artists who have transcended and redefined the limitations of their instrument, be it the Fender Telecaster, Esquire, Strat or Gibson Les Paul. He pioneered the use of feedback on record and his ability to capture the zeitgeist made The Yardbirds forerunners of psychedelic blues. With The Jeff Beck Group and the album Truth, he nurtured two of rock music’s finest performers, Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, and gave birth to a sound that would later mutate into heavy metal.
He turned even the loss of Rod Stewart to his advantage by almost single-handedly inventing the guitar instrumental album with the release of Blow By Blow, which embraced the influences of Jan Hammer and John McLaughlin whilst developing a sound that was uniquely his own. Moving forward Jeff continued to push the envelope, amassing a fantastic body of work spanning many musical genres whilst constantly developing and evolving his inimitable approach and technique.
This film tells Jeff’s story from his earliest days growing up in Wallington, Surrey with his homemade guitars, teenage friendship with Jimmy Page and the influences of guitarists such as Les Paul, Cliff Gallup and James Burton. With essential tracks from throughout his career it follows his journey from art school and early bands, through his various groups, musical ventures and passion for hot rods, to the release of his latest album and sell-out show at the Hollywood Bowl. We hear testimony to the genius of Jeff Beck from musicians who have recorded and played alongside him such as Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Jennifer Batten, Beth Hart, Joe Perry and Slash, who all shine a light on his ever-evolving guitar style and reveal why to this day he remains not only a musical visionary but also the most influential and highly rated guitarist of his generation.”
The documentary will be available to buy on blu-ray for our visitors over seas from May 18th 2018
You can pre-order direct from Amazon !!
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Guy Pratt : Inglorious Bassterd hits Manchester
Guy Pratt has been a crucial member of the rhythm section of megastars such as Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Robert Palmer, Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Jimmy Page, David Coverdale, Womack & Womack, and The Smiths.
And when he’s not been parading his talents live on the stages of every stadium, concert hall and festival around the world, he has been a favourite studio bassist and accompanying singer for the biggest recording artists including Switzerland’s Florian Ast, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Iggy Pop,The Pretenders, Echo and The Bunnymen and McFly.
His one man show is all about life at the pointy end of the music business; Guy regales audiences with stories from behind the scenes. His self-deprecating wit is irresistible and his rip-roaring anecdotes are brilliant and outrageous.
This is an evening which is both funny and frank with enough insider’s references to satisfy even aficionados – and he’ll be bringing his beloved vintage Fender bass to demonstrate his craft.
The show is taking place on Friday 9th November 2018, 8.30 pm at The Principal Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA
Tickets are now on sale now for the event, Which is priced at the very reasonable rate of £8.50 plus £1.75 booking fee.
You can purchase your tickets online for this performance by clicking here.