Kentish Express Ashford & District
Legendary axeman Lee to play one-off gig with his Heroes
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A double Grammy award winning artist is set to play at Ashford town centre’s main arts and music venue.
Albert Lee and his band Hogan’s Heroes will perform at Revelations St Mary’s in the parish church on Friday next week.
Country and rock musician Mr Lee, originally from Herefordshire, started learning to play the piano aged seven.
In his 50-plus year career he has released more than 20 records and has worked with some of the world’s top artists, including the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton and Eric Clapton.
He is also a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and fronted the band at the O2 arena on the night of the Led Zeppelin reunion concert.
Hogan’s Heroes was formed by its namesake steel-guitarist Gerry Hogan more than 25 years ago, specifically to back Mr Lee.
Other members include Peter Baron, Phil Cranham, Gavin Povey and until recently Brian Hodgson, who has stood down after 27 years of playing bass with the band for health reasons.
The Heroes’ first gig was in 1987 at Gerry’s annual festival and they have since toured Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Estonia and the Czech Republic, as well as the UK and Ireland.
The band have also played Glastonbury Festival, appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival, headlined The Yilas Jazz & Blues Festival in Lapland. On TV, they have appeared on Live from Wembley and Later with Jools Holland.
Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes additionally have to their credit two songs in the 1996 film, Savage Hearts, staring the late Richard Harris.
The band will play in Ashford on Friday, September 5 for a one-off gig hosted by Folk in the Barn, who are collaborating with Revelation St Mary’s for their autumn and winter programme.
Tickets for the concert, which starts at 8pm, with doors opening at 7.15pm, cost £20 in advance online or £23 on the door.
To book go to www.revelationstmarys.co.uk