Barclay James Harvest News Archive 2004

This page contains older stories previously posted on the web site news page. For the latest happenings, see the News page.

29th December, 2004


LIVE DVD DUE IN JANUARY

On The Road DVD cover

The Barclay James Harvest Featuring Les Holroyd live DVD, On The Road, will be released by Pure Music on January 24th. The DVD, with music from the Bad Godesburg Stadthalle on 30th October, 2002, and footage from nine concerts on the band's October/November 2002 tour, has the following tracks:-

Text interviews with Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard plus band biographies in English and German are included as extra features.

28th November, 2004


WOOLLY AND JOHN BACK ON STAGE TOGETHER!

It's the paparazzi - just pretend you're the electrician! John Lees made a surprise guest appearance for two songs during the Mæstoso concert at London's Bloomsbury Theatre on Saturday. In great form on "River Of Dreams" and "Galadriel", John looked relaxed and happy, and received a tremendous welcome from the many fans who had come just to see Woolly's band. Talking to us after the show, John said that he had missed playing live, and was definitely hoping to do more before long. For more about the gig, see the reviews page on Woolly's site.

21st October, 2004


BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST FEATURING LES HOLROYD TOUR DATES

Alex Rose has confirmed the following tour dates in January/February 2005. The tour will be a double header with Asia. As always, please check with the venue before travelling, as there are often late schedule changes. The line-up for Barclay James Harvest Featuring Les Holroyd at these concerts will be as follows:-

Les Holroyd, Michael Byron-Hehir, Ian Wilson, Colin Browne, Steve Butler and Chris Jago.
A live DVD, On The Road, which was filmed at various venues on the 2002 tour, will be released as soon as possible. More details as soon as we have them.

3rd September, 2004


NEW COMPILATION CD

A new compilation CD consisting entirely of Les Holroyd songs, including two previously unreleased versions, was released at the end of August in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and September 6th in the UK. Entitled Evolution Years - The Best of Barclay James Harvest, featuring the songs of Les Holroyd the album includes an unplugged radio session version of "Berlin" and a new recording of "Life Is For Living" sung in German.


Evolution Years CD cover
  • Berlin (original single version)
  • Kiev
  • Back In the Game
  • Halfway To Freedom
  • Rock 'N' Roll Star
  • Cold War
  • The Song (They Love To Sing)
  • Ring of Changes (single version)
  • Friend of Mine
  • Victims of Circumstance (single version)
  • Crazy City
  • Moongirl
  • Life Is For Living
  • That Was Then...This Is Now
  • Berlin (unplugged SWR radio recording 2003)
  • Lebe Fur's Leben (German language studio version of "Life Is For Living", previously unreleased)

26th July, 2004


WOOLLY: LONDON CONCERT WITH CARAVAN

Woolly and the Maestoso band will perform their second live concert on 27th November at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. Although they will be supporting Caravan, they will still play at least a one hour set. Tickets are available now from the Bloomsbury Theatre web site at www.thebloomsbury.com or by telephone from the box office on 020 7388 8822.

More information on the Woolly Wolstenholme Web Site.


2nd Tribute CD cover design

NEW FANS' TRIBUTE CD

Following the success of the first Tribute CD, wherein BJH fans performed cover versions and original music inspired by BJH, we're proud to present volume 2, a double CD!

Their Light Still Remains - Tribute 2 Barclay James Harvest is dedicated to the memory of Mel Pritchard, and will be available exclusively through this web site at the end of July. More details and ordering information.

15th June, 2004


MEL'S FATHER DIES


We're sorry to report the death of Mel's father, Norman, on June 9, 2004, aged 79 years. "Beloved husband of the late Fanny and dear father of the late Melvyn." (Oldham Evening Chronicle, June 14th).

SECOND SWISS FESTIVAL FOR LES


Barclay James Harvest Featuring Les Holroyd will be performing at the Schupfart Festival on the 24th September 2004. Also on the bill are Plush and Gianna Nannini. The compilation Evolution Years - The Best of Barclay James Harvest featuring the songs of Les Holroyd (see details below) is now scheduled for release on the 30th August.

13th May, 2004


NEW DVD WITH RARE FOOTAGE


Ultimate Collection DVD artwork

A new BJH DVD entitled The Ultimate Anthology was released by Ragnarock on April 19th. The DVD is basically a repackage of the 25th Anniversary Concert issue, featuring one hour of material from the 1992 Town and Country Club concert, but it also includes a legendary short film of the band at Preston House from 1968 and some previously unheard recordings.

Track listing is:-


12th May, 2004


NEWS FROM LES

Les's manager has informed us that Les and his band have decided to carry on making music as Barclay James Harvest Featuring Les Holroyd, following the untimely death of Mel Pritchard earlier this year. They will not be hiring a replacement electric kit drummer but will tour as a six-piece band. The first confirmed date for the band is as follows:

JULY 31: Brienzer Rock Festival, Switzerland

2nd May, 2004


FOUR CONCERTS CANCELLED - LONDON GOES AHEAD

The planned concerts by Woolly Wolstenholme's Maestoso in Norwich, Nottingham, Bristol and Manchester have had to be cancelled due to poor ticket sales, but the London show at the Mean Fiddler on May 12th WILL go ahead. This will now be a showcase concert for the launch of the new album, One Drop In A Dry World, but will also feature a number of BJH classics plus some older solo material.

     MAY 12: LONDON Mean Fiddler, Charing Cross Road   (tickets: www.wayahead.com)

Sincere apologies for the inconvenience, but this was totally out of the band's control. Refunds for the cancelled shows will be available from the issuing ticket agency after Tuesday, 4th of May.

For more information see the Woolly Wolstenholme web site.

18th March, 2004


ONE DROP IN A DRY WORLD ALBUM

Woolly Wolstenholme - One Drop In A Dry World artwork

One Drop In A Dry World is Woolly Wolstenholme's first all-new album since 1980! The CD, released by Eclectic Records on May 17th, features Woolly and the Mæstoso band (Steve Broomhead, Craig Fletcher and Kevin Whitehead) on top form, with a powerful set of dramatic music in Woolly's inimitable style.

For a limited period, the CD came with a bonus disc of more new songs and alternative versions.

Order now!


Tracks:

  1. The Bells, THE BELLS!
  2. Blood And Bones   (listen to excerpt of an early mix)
  3. A Waiting Game
  4. It's You (Sixties mix)
  5. Souk
  6. One Drop In A Dry World
  7. ANSS
  8. The End Of The Road
  9. Explorers
  10. 2 a.m.
  11. The Starving People Of The World All Thank You For Your Time
  12. Carpet


    Bonus disc (Second Splash):

  13. It's You (the over-sixties mix)
  14. Flip
  15. Music for The Wind In The Willows
  16. The Starving People... (short version)
  17. Requiem from Blood And Bones
  18. It's You (Eighties demo)
  19. A Waiting Game (different version with Craig Fletcher on vocals)
  20. The Angelus
  21. Camelherd Hit By Falling Building


20th February, 2004


WOOLLY AND MANDALABAND CDs OUT NOW


Black Box Recovered CD artworkMandalaband - Eye Of Wendor CD artwork

The Eclectic Discs issues of Woolly's Black Box Recovered and Mandalaband's Eye Of Wendor were released on February 16th. Details of the CDs are as follows:-


WOOLLY WOLSTENHOLME - BLACK BOX RECOVERED

Black Box Recovered includes all of the songs from the 1982 sessions which appeared on the Songs From The Black Box CD (although "Deceivers All" is a different version, which originally appeared on a compilation called Rime Of the Ancient Sampler - The Mellotron Album). In addition there are nine bonus tracks, including original demos for songs from the 1980 Maestoso album, a previously unreleased song from the 1982 sessions and some live material from an audience recording of a 1982 Mæstoso concert in Vienna. Last, but definitely not least, there's a demo of a brand new song, "Bootham Park Elegy". Full track listing is as follows:


  1. Deceivers All (different mix)
  2. Has To Be A Reason
  3. Down The Line
  4. All Get Burned
  5. Too Much, Too Loud, Too Late
  6. Even The Night
  7. The Will To Fly
  8. Sunday Bells
  9. Open

    Previously unreleased bonus tracks:

  10. Why Remain
  11. Sail Away - Demo
  12. A Prospect Of Whitby - Demo
  13. Patriots - Demo
  14. Quiet Islands - Demo
  15. American Excess - Live
  16. Lives On The Line - Live
  17. Deceivers All - Live
  18. Bootham Park Elegy



MANDALABAND - THE EYE OF WENDOR: Prophecies CD

Conceived and recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport between 1976 and 1977 by producer David Rohl, the album features musical and vocal appearances by Barclay James Harvest, 10cc, Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues), Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience), Sad Café and the Hallé Orchestra. The Eclectic Discs reissue is digitally remastered from the original master tapes and features the original album artwork and story in a superb fold-out booklet, plus an extra previously unreleased bonus alternate mix of "Dawn Of A New Day", featuring Justin Hayward.

Album information, lyrics etc.

Both of these CDs are available to order now through the secure order form on this site.

4th February, 2004


MEL - LAST RESPECTS

We now have confirmation that Mel's death was due to a heart attack brought on by an embolism (blood clot). The funeral takes place on Monday, February 9th at 3.30 p.m. at Oldham Crematorium, and all are welcome. Mel's family would prefer that flowers are not sent, but have asked instead that anybody who wishes to pay tribute should make a donation to Kirsty's Appeal for the Francis House Children's Hospice. The address is

Francis House Children's Hospice
390 Parrswood Road
Didsbury
Manchester
M20 5NA
Tel: 0161-434 4118

Gifts can also be made directly through the Kirsty's Appeal web site at http://www.kirstysappeal.co.uk/

Alternatively, donations can be made through the funeral director (Barlows) and they will forward any monies on.

Many thanks.

1st February, 2004


MEL PRITCHARD

We are deeply shocked and saddened to have to tell you that Mel Pritchard passed away during the night of 27th/28th January, aged 56. We do not have any further information at present, although a Swiss newspaper is reporting that his death was due to a heart attack.

Mel was not only a fine musician but was also a very genuine and friendly person. He will be badly missed. We are currently putting together an appreciation of his life which will appear on this site soon.

Information is difficult to come by, as Mel had no close family, but as soon as we know more about the circumstances, funeral arrangements etc., we will keep everyone informed.

27th January, 2004


WOOLLY LIVE SHOWS

We're delighted to announce the first confirmed live shows for Woolly and the band (Craig Fletcher, Kevin Whitehead and Steve Broomhead), as follows:-

MAY 09: NORWICH, Waterfront
MAY 10: NOTTINGHAM, Rescue Rooms
MAY 11: BRISTOL, Fleece and Firkin
MAY 12: LONDON Mean Fiddler, Charing Cross Road
MAY 13: MANCHESTER Life Cafe


Tickets are on sale now - see the Woolly Wolstenholme web site for details of the venues and how to order tickets.

A second clip of a rough monitor mix from Woolly's forthcoming studio album is now available from the News page at Woolly's web site, www.woollywolstenholme.co.uk

3rd January, 2004


ECLECTIC CDs DELAYED

The Eclectic Discs issues of Woolly's Black Box Recovered and Mandalaband's Eye Of Wendor have been delayed until February 9th due to illness. Details of the CDs are as follows:-


WOOLLY WOLSTENHOLME - BLACK BOX RECOVERED

Before Woolly's new studio album hits the streets, the rare 1982 recordings from the "Black Box" sessions will be made available once again. The new CD, entitled Black Box Recovered, will include all of the songs from the 1982 sessions which appeared on the Songs From The Black Box CD (although "Deceivers All" is a different version, which originally appeared on a compilation called Rime Of the Ancient Sampler - The Mellotron Album). In addition there are nine bonus tracks, including original demos for songs from the 1980 Maestoso album, a previously unreleased song from the 1982 sessions and some live material from an audience recording of a 1982 Mæstoso concert in Vienna. Last, but definitely not least, there's a demo of a brand new song, "Bootham Park Elegy". Full track listing is as follows:


  1. Deceivers All (different mix)
  2. Has To Be A Reason
  3. Down The Line
  4. All Get Burned
  5. Too Much, Too Loud, Too Late
  6. Even The Night
  7. The Will To Fly
  8. Sunday Bells
  9. Open

    Previously unreleased bonus tracks:

  10. Why Remain
  11. Sail Away - Demo
  12. A Prospect Of Whitby - Demo
  13. Patriots - Demo
  14. Quiet Islands - Demo
  15. American Excess - Live
  16. Lives On The Line - Live
  17. Deceivers All - Live
  18. Bootham Park Elegy



MANDALABAND - THE EYE OF WENDOR: Prophecies CD

On the same day as Black Box Recovered, Eclectic will release a CD of Mandalaband's much sought-after album, The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies. Conceived and recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport between 1976 and 1977 by producer David Rohl, the album features musical and vocal appearances by Barclay James Harvest, 10cc, Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues), Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience), Sad Café and the Hallé Orchestra. The Eclectic Discs reissue is digitally remastered from the original master tapes and will feature the original album artwork and booklet alongside extensive liner notes and photographs and an extra previously unreleased bonus alternate mix of "Dawn Of A New Day", featuring Justin Hayward.

Both of these CDs are available to pre-order now through the secure order form on this site. All pre-orders will be despatched as soon as the CDs are released.

Art On Ice

Barclay James Harvest Featuring Les Holroyd will appear at five shows at the Zürich Hallenstadion on January 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th. The annual Mövenpick Art On Ice show includes world-famous skaters, musical performances and a light show. There will be three songs from Les and the band, plus performances from John Helliwell and Bob & Jessie Siebenberg of Supertramp, Jeremy Spencer from Fleetwood Mac and Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues.

There is one evening show on Thursday and Friday, January 22nd and 23rd at 8.00 p.m., two shows on Saturday 24th at 2.00 and 8.00 p.m., and a matinee show on Sunday 25th at 2.00 p.m. See the Art On Ice website for more information.

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