Music to the ears Star duo return to Monklands for fourth time

Henry has enjoyed decades of success with his music

A respected musician who has performed with top bands Echo and the Bunnymen and The Lightning Seeds, and produced for artists including Take That’s Mark Owen, is set to wow Monklands fans this weekend.

Henry Priestman and musical partner Les Glover will make a welcome return to the popular Berits & Brown venue at Eurocentral on Saturday night.

And the gig will have even more of a local flavour as the duo – dubbed the “Morecambe and Wise of music” – will be supported on stage by talented Airdrie singer-songwriter Louise Connell.

Promoters Intimate Gigs are bringing the much-anticipated show to Monklands and promotor Iain Strefford gave a flavour of the sensational sounds to expect on the night.

He said: “Henry has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career; he has certainly earned his reputation as one of the most respected songwriters in the UK.

“First finding fame as part of the iconic new wave punk heroes The Yachts, the band skimmed the charts with a series of catchy singles on the Legendary Stiff Record label that gained them a cult following, as well as opening for the Sex Pistols and touring the US with The Who.

“After leaving the band, Henry went on to be an in-demand session player with the likes of The Icicle Works, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Lightning Seeds, Johnny Marr and Pete Wylie before forming the chart-topping band The Christians.

“The Christians were regulars in the charts during the 80s and 90s with a string of hit singles, including Forgotten Town, Hooverville and Ideal World, with their album Colour topping the charts in 1990.

“Henry later produced for other artists, such as Take That’s Mark Owen, as well as writing music for TV and stage, including the BBC’s Wildlife on One and Natural World and hit West End musical Dreamboats and Petticoats.”

Iain continued: “Henry re- invented himself as a singer-songwriter in 2009 and released his first solo album, The Chronicles of Modern Life, and found himself scooping the accolade of the oldest person to be offered a solo record deal by a major label.

“The album was a critical and commercial success and it was another five years before he released follow-up The Last Mad Surge of Youth, which also saw him forge his musical partnership with Les.

“They have been referred to as the Morecambe and Wise of music because of their on-stage banter and the musical mayhem of their live shows.

“This will be their fourth visit to Berits & Brown and it’s sure to be another great show.”

Iain added: “Support for the gig comes from Airdrie singer Louise Connell, formerly known as Reverieme, who has been gaining rave reviews for her last album, Straw Woman.

“She is supremely talented and will be a wonderful addition to the gig this Saturday.”

Tickets for the concert are £ 10 and available online at www. wegottickets. com/intimategigs and in-person from Berits & Brown.

Food is available before the gig but tables need to be pre-booked by calling 01698 733311.

Doors open at 7.30pm and for more information, visit www.beritsandbrown. com

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