Fifty years on, still going strong
10CC is celebrating a golden anniversary – 50 years since its first single. To celebrate, the band are back on the road, and coming to The Hexagon next week. ANDREW BATT catches up with Graham Gouldman about the tour
FOR most people, the name Graham Gouldman won’t mean too much, but mention that he’s one of the founding members of pop group 10cc and memories of the 1970s will immediately spring to mind.
This year marks the 50th anniversary since 10cc released its first single, and also features the Ultimate Ultimate 10cc tour, which comes to The Hexagon next Wednesday, March 20.
Leading the current touring band, Gouldman, who is the only one of the four founding members still performing, said: “In our formative years, it was all about the songs and it’s the same for us now.
“We play them with love and energy, hit after hit after hit … we show no mercy.”
Having sold more than 15 million albums in the UK alone, 10cc have 11 top ten hits to their name, including three No 1 singles – Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and the ubiquitous I’m Not In Love
Given the longevity of 10cc and Gouldman’s career, which of today’s musicians does he think will still be touring 50 years from now?
He said: “I’m not sure. When I looked at the list of artists from the Brits, I hardly knew any of them.
“I’m not sure whether I can think of anybody, but that doesn’t mean to say there’s nobody worth listening to.
“I know there are great writers. People like Billy Eilish do great stuff, but whether they’ll be around in 50 years, I don’t know.
“Now, everything is about image, and back in the day it was more about loving people for their musicianship, whatever they look like.
“It was much more about the music.”
Graham still gets a buzz when one of his songs comes on to the radio.
“My first reaction is, ‘I know that song’. Then it finally clicks. Obviously it’s a great compliment, and I’m very proud that the songs are still being played.”
During the 70s, lyrics he wrote were used to teach English proficiency in Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world, meaning there’s a whole generation of people who learned about 10cc through his songs.
“I think that’s fantastic,” he said.
“They could have chosen Shakespeare but they’ve learned through music.”
10cc’s appearance in Reading next week is not the first time they’ve played in the town.
The band’s appeal has diversified and grown over the years.
He said: “Our audience demographic is what you’d expect, but we’re also getting three generations attending, which includes people in their early or mid-40s who also bring their children.”
“We certainly see a lot of younger people there, and they’ve just discovered the music.
“Either they’re grown up with the music playing in the house, or it’s down to the way people share music.”
The set list for Reading will include all of the classic 10cc hits, and a few of Graham’s newer creations.
The band comprises Gouldman on bass guitars, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals, Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Keith Hayman, and Iain Hornal.
The Hexagon show starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost from £40.50. For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.