This October, the iconic Victoria Theatre in Halifax will reverberate with the unmistakable sounds of Lindisfarne, a band whose influence on British folk rock is undeniable. With a career spanning over five decades, Lindisfarne has remained a beloved fixture in the music scene, captivating audiences with their timeless hits and energetic live performances.
A journey through British rock music
Emerging from Tyneside in 1970, Lindisfarne quickly established themselves as pioneers in the British rock landscape. Known for their unique blend of acoustic and electric sounds, the band produced an array of hits that have since become ingrained in British music culture. Tracks like “Run For Home,” “Meet Me On The Corner,” and “Lady Eleanor” are not just songs; they are anthems that have resonated across generations.
Rod Clements, a founding member and the driving force behind Lindisfarne’s enduring appeal, reflects on the band’s journey and their connection with audiences.
“We have a lot of fun on stage, and I feel that permeates into the audience so that we all wind up sharing the moment,”
he says. His enthusiasm is shared by fans, who continue to flock to the band’s performances, ensuring that Lindisfarne’s legacy remains strong.
A return to Halifax
The upcoming Halifax show is part of Lindisfarne’s extensive 2024 tour, which has seen the band performing at over 60 venues across the nation. Their return to the Victoria Theatre is eagerly anticipated, with Clements expressing his excitement about revisiting this iconic venue.
“We’re on something of a roll again,”
he notes.
“People keep coming back to Lindisfarne, and while that carries on, we carry on. Each year we seem to put on more shows, and we’re thrilled to be back at Halifax’s iconic Victoria Theatre.”
The concert on October 30th is set to be a memorable evening, offering fans the chance to experience Lindisfarne’s music in a setting that has hosted many legendary performances.
New releases and unreleased gems
Adding to the excitement surrounding the tour, Lindisfarne’s 2024 activities coincide with the release of two significant legacy collections. Cherry Red Records has unveiled a 4CD, 90-track anthology dedicated to the late Alan Hull, a co-founding member and key figure in Lindisfarne’s history. Titled Singing A Song in the Morning Light, this comprehensive collection features an impressive 77 previously unreleased tracks, offering fans a treasure trove of material that sheds new light on Hull’s creative genius.
In addition, Cherry Red Records has released Brand New Day – The Mercury Years 1978-1979, a 3CD set that captures Lindisfarne’s mid-period work with Mercury Records. This collection includes all the albums from that era, along with A and B sides of singles and unreleased live recordings, providing a thorough overview of a pivotal time in the band’s career.
A legacy of timeless music
Lindisfarne’s influence on British music cannot be overstated. Their pioneering sound, which fused acoustic instruments like the mandolin and fiddle with their electric blues roots, created a distinctive style that was both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. This unique blend of sounds helped propel their album Fog On The Tyne to the top of the UK charts in 1972, where it became the best-selling album of the year.
Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, has continued to resonate with audiences, earning them a reputation as festival favourites and securing their place in the annals of British rock history. The annual Christmas concerts held in their native Newcastle became legendary events, further cementing Lindisfarne’s status as a band that could connect with fans on a deeply personal level.
The band today
Today, Lindisfarne continues to deliver the energetic and engaging performances that have been their hallmark since the beginning. The current lineup, led by Rod Clements, includes long-standing members Steve Daggett (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Paul Smith (drums), Ian Thomson (bass), and Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars, piano), who is also the son-in-law of Alan Hull.
This five-piece ensemble remains true to the spirit of Lindisfarne, offering a rich repertoire of songs that span the band’s entire career. With each performance, they bring a sense of history and continuity, ensuring that the music of Lindisfarne continues to inspire and entertain.
For those eager to witness this legendary band live, tickets for the Halifax show on October 30th are available now. This is a rare opportunity to see Lindisfarne in a venue that perfectly complements their timeless sound.
Event details:
- Date: 30th October 2024
- Location: Victoria Theatre, Halifax
- Tickets: Available at www.lindisfarne.com
As Lindisfarne prepares to take the stage in Halifax, fans old and new can look forward to an evening of unforgettable music, delivered with the passion and energy that has defined the band for over fifty years.
