**When you have clicked on a link in this Blog, to take you back to the Blog, click on the arrow top left of the screen, and not the cross on the right, as this will take you out of the Blog completely**
We have now passed the half way stage of the #TPau25 Tour, with 17 gigs already performed, leaving 12 left in the Tour.
Carol has said :
"We are so thrilled and grateful for the fan support and the turnout at the shows."
The #TPau25 Tour is celebrating 25 years since their debut album 'Bridge Of Spies' was released and went quadruple platinum. To explain this to you in what it meant in terms of record sales, one in ten homes owned a copy of the album. That is a remarkable amount of record sales!!
This Tour has certainly got the fans talking on the 'T'Pau25 Official' FaceBook page.
There was so much talk on there before the Tour started, with such excitement from the fans.
It was announced prior to the tour that songs would be sung from all four T'Pau albums :
Rage
The Promise
Red
Carol says "It's an overused phrase, but some of our songs are the soundtrack of people's lives."
I totally agree with that statement. I love a song with a 'good story' to tell. It must have a beginning, middle and end and I have always found myself disappearing in the narrative of the lyrics. Let's remind ourselves why T'Pau are still loved to this day with a some of their classic tracks, showing how diverse a band they are and to get you in the mood for a #TPau25 gig!!
China In Your Hand
Heart And Soul
Sex Talk
Secret Garden
Only The Lonely
Let It All Fall
And those songs sung from each album would also include 'favourite album tracks', not just those released as singles. B-Sides were also mentioned.
This was to create a large amount of excitement, discussion and speculation about what these tracks were to be!!
Some of the songs on the set list, Carol had mentioned hadn't been sung for over 25 years!! So the fans were in for a real treat!! And I tell you what, the fans have not been disappointed!!
Carol has said "It's nice to be rediscovering the back catalogue - We play tracks from all four albums. Some are stripped down to semi-acoustic and we rock some others up! I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying being on stage again!"
#TPau25 at Weston-Super-Mare Playhouse Theatre 25/04/13
#TPau25 at Brecon Theatr Brycheiniog 26/04/13
As you can see, Carol looks every bit the pop/rock sensation that she is; the 'big' red hair for which has been her 'trade mark' over the last 25 years, the high-heeled/high length studded black boots, the black tight trousers, and those exclusive red and black leather jackets.
Not forgetting to mention that 'huge' and 'powerful' distinctive voice of Carol's which has been described in the past as not being dis-similar to that of 'Striesand'!!
And to have Ronnie at her side, the original co-writer (along with Carol), and co-founder of T'Pau at the front of the stage at this 25 year anniversary of Bridge Of Spies going quadrupal platinum is just simply the 'icing on the cake' and makes it even more special.
One thing so many fans have said is that Carol's voice appears stronger than ever, which I have to agree with. At times, I actually had goosebumps listening to her sing.
Carol has always been renowned for being able to sing the rockiest of songs one minute, like 'Sex Talk' & 'Monkey House', then completely changing direction to singing the saddest of the ballads like 'Valentine', 'I Will Be With You', 'China' & 'Only The Lonely' and then changing yet again to the song that started it all for Carol, 'Heart & Soul' which is a song with overlapping rapping vocals!! "We didn't realise we'd created a classic in 'China In Your Hand'" says Carol. "It was 'Heart And Soul' which we thought was the one - I invented rap on that...."
The ability to be able to produce such diverse songs from rock to ballad to rap is what made the band so popular 25 years ago because of their diversity!! And I can tell you that the set list starts off 'rocky' with Carol letting rip, then the tone changes with the ballads we love so much, then going to one of the hi-lights of the night which is an acoustic set mid way through the set!! - 'Only The Lonely' acoustic, you are in for a surprise!!
Carol's lead guitarist James Ashby is only 23 years old!! Carol said she has jackets older than him and also he wasn't even born when T'Pau first made it on to the music scene!! A fantastic guitarist!!
My Review of Harpenden Public Hall gig on 04/05/13
I have done a full review of the above gig. It was a fantastic evening. Click on the link below :
Click Here
Carol has said about the #TPau25 Tour so far, "The Tour is going well, we're getting good audiences which I'm happy about. It was a gamble - I know my place on the food chain, we weren't The Beatles, but we are a great pop/rock band."
Ticket sales have been very good, so if you are are considering going to a show, I would book up now to avoid disappointment!
Here is a good interview in Portsmouth News Online dated 24/05/13
Click Here
As I have said there are 12 dates left on the #TPau25 Tour. These are :
28/05/13-Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre
30/05/13-Southsea Kings Theatre
31/05/13 Bishops-Stortford Rhodes Theatre
01/06/13-Camberley Theatre
06/06/13-Eastleigh Concorde Club
07/06/13-Falmouth Princess Pavilion
08/06/13-Tavistock Wharf
09/06/13-Budleigh Public Hall
14/06/13-Isle Of Wight Festival
15/06/13-Bilston The Robin 2
16/06/13-Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
22/06/13-Falkirk Here And Now Tour
Firstly, click on the link below which will show you on a map of the UK where the gigs are. By clicking on the name of each gig/venue to the left of the page, you will be shown where in the UK the gig is, showing you which gigs are nearest to you, making it a convenient way to pick a gig.
Click here for Google Maps
.jpg)
Carol has said :
"We are so thrilled and grateful for the fan support and the turnout at the shows."
The #TPau25 Tour is celebrating 25 years since their debut album 'Bridge Of Spies' was released and went quadruple platinum. To explain this to you in what it meant in terms of record sales, one in ten homes owned a copy of the album. That is a remarkable amount of record sales!!
 |
| T'Pau back in the 1980's |
This Tour has certainly got the fans talking on the 'T'Pau25 Official' FaceBook page.
There was so much talk on there before the Tour started, with such excitement from the fans.
It was announced prior to the tour that songs would be sung from all four T'Pau albums :
Bridge Of Spies
Rage
 |
| Rage went platinum. Artists today would do anything for a platinum selling album |
Red
 |
| Red is released through Carol's own record label 'Gnatfish Records' and sells so well after the gigs. It is now available on iTunes. |
Carol says "It's an overused phrase, but some of our songs are the soundtrack of people's lives."
I totally agree with that statement. I love a song with a 'good story' to tell. It must have a beginning, middle and end and I have always found myself disappearing in the narrative of the lyrics. Let's remind ourselves why T'Pau are still loved to this day with a some of their classic tracks, showing how diverse a band they are and to get you in the mood for a #TPau25 gig!!
China In Your Hand
Heart And Soul
Sex Talk
Secret Garden
Only The Lonely
Let It All Fall
And those songs sung from each album would also include 'favourite album tracks', not just those released as singles. B-Sides were also mentioned.
This was to create a large amount of excitement, discussion and speculation about what these tracks were to be!!
Some of the songs on the set list, Carol had mentioned hadn't been sung for over 25 years!! So the fans were in for a real treat!! And I tell you what, the fans have not been disappointed!!
Carol has said "It's nice to be rediscovering the back catalogue - We play tracks from all four albums. Some are stripped down to semi-acoustic and we rock some others up! I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying being on stage again!"
From the 'demo' version of 'Thank You For Goodbye', to the spine-tingling acoustic version of 'Only The Lonely', this Tour delivers from all angles!
Here are some clips recorded from some of the gigs :
Opening night at Buxton Opera House 09/04/13
#TPau25 in South Wales
#TPau25 at Weston-Super-Mare Playhouse Theatre 25/04/13
#TPau25 at Brecon Theatr Brycheiniog 26/04/13
As you can see, Carol looks every bit the pop/rock sensation that she is; the 'big' red hair for which has been her 'trade mark' over the last 25 years, the high-heeled/high length studded black boots, the black tight trousers, and those exclusive red and black leather jackets.
 |
| Carol looking every bit the pop/rock sensation that she most certainly is! |
And to have Ronnie at her side, the original co-writer (along with Carol), and co-founder of T'Pau at the front of the stage at this 25 year anniversary of Bridge Of Spies going quadrupal platinum is just simply the 'icing on the cake' and makes it even more special.
 |
| Carol & Ron back on stage together for this celebratory Tour. |
 |
| Carol performing one of her much loved ballads. |
 |
| Ron clearly having fun on stage. |
 |
| Carol & the fans doing the 'China In Your Hand' wave. Before the smoking ban, you would have seen lighters everywhere!! |
 |
| Carol and James. "I have coats older than James" admitted Carol!! |
My Review of Harpenden Public Hall gig on 04/05/13
 |
| Carol at Harpenden Public Hall. |
Click Here
Carol has said about the #TPau25 Tour so far, "The Tour is going well, we're getting good audiences which I'm happy about. It was a gamble - I know my place on the food chain, we weren't The Beatles, but we are a great pop/rock band."
Ticket sales have been very good, so if you are are considering going to a show, I would book up now to avoid disappointment!
Here is a good interview in Portsmouth News Online dated 24/05/13
Click Here
As I have said there are 12 dates left on the #TPau25 Tour. These are :
28/05/13-Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre
30/05/13-Southsea Kings Theatre
31/05/13 Bishops-Stortford Rhodes Theatre
01/06/13-Camberley Theatre
06/06/13-Eastleigh Concorde Club
07/06/13-Falmouth Princess Pavilion
08/06/13-Tavistock Wharf
09/06/13-Budleigh Public Hall
14/06/13-Isle Of Wight Festival
15/06/13-Bilston The Robin 2
16/06/13-Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
22/06/13-Falkirk Here And Now Tour
Firstly, click on the link below which will show you on a map of the UK where the gigs are. By clicking on the name of each gig/venue to the left of the page, you will be shown where in the UK the gig is, showing you which gigs are nearest to you, making it a convenient way to pick a gig.
Click here for Google Maps
Below is a list of :
- All the remaining gigs
- Pictures of the venues
- Links to the venue's websites for more information about the gigs
- And you can purchase tickets by clicking on the links
Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre
28/05/2013
click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Chris Corney will be the support act**
Southsea Kings Theatre
30/05/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Bishops Stortford Rhodes Centre
31/05/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Chris Corney will be the support act**
Camberley - Camberley Theatre
01/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Eastleigh Concorde Club
06/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Falmouth Princess Pavilion
07/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Click here to see an interview with Carol in 'This Is Cornwall' promoting the gig.
Another article/interview in 'This Is Somerset' promoting the gig
Tavistock Wharf
08/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Budleigh Salterton Public Hall
09/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Isle Of Wight Festival - Seaclose Park
Big Top Stage
14/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
Bilston The Robin 2
15/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
16/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Joshy Connor will be the support act**
Here And Now Falkirk Stadium
22/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
Flashback Festival Clumber Park Worksop
17/08/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
He is a Singer/Songwriter/Musician/Performer.
Born on 5th October 1987 in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, this proud 'Valley Boy' was first introduced to the music of the Stereophonics at the tender age of nine. Their influence has played a significant part in Nick's passion for writing and performing his own songs.
It was at Cyfarthfa High School, (the Welsh translation of which is 'Place of the Barking Dog'), that Nick learned to play drums and guitar before studying Marine Geography at Cardiff University allowing him to indulge in his love of scuba diving.
After graduating, Nick became a teacher at Radyr Primary School, but, after 18 months, left to persue a full time career in music.
He has recently performed for Louis Walsh in Dublin and is set to tour the UK and Channel Islands extensively in 2013.
The gigs Nick will be appearing at for the #TPau25 Tour are :
17th April - Newport, Riverfront
Jay Leighton
Jay has been named as the support for the gig at Halifax Victoria Theatre on 11/05/13.
Jay's latest single 'Wish I Was Springsteen' was released on 29/04/13 and is from his forthcoming album 'Hours'.
Wish I Was Springsteen
http://www.jayleighton.com/gallery/img_5691
The Story Behind The Tracks
There was talk of Universal Records releasing a package to coincide with the 25th year anniversary that all T'Pau fans could 'treasure'. A deluxe edition of Bridge Of Spies at the very least. However, this, unfortunately, was not to happen.
Carol and Ron decided to put something out under Carol's Record Label, Gnatfish Records.
The CD/DVD package titled 'The Story Behind The Tracks' was born.
The CD includes all 10 songs from 'Bridge of Spies' in demo form, plus 6 songs, previously unheard, which didn't make the final cut on the album. There are 2 other songs, 'Taking Time Out' which was to appear on the band's second album 'Rage' and 'Don't Give It Up' which was a B-Side to 'Road To Our Dream', but was called 'Time Of Our Lives'.
Rare footage is included in a documentary DVD with up-to-date interviews with Carol Decker and Ron Rogers as they describe life in T'Pau in the early days and re-visit the journey that took them to international success.
You can either purchase this at a #TPau25 gig, or online at Carol's label, Gnatfish Records.
www.gnatfishrecords.com
This has definitely sold well at the gigs, along with other merchandise, and one thing fans have said is how lovely it is that Carol and Ron meet the fans after each gig; posing for photos, signing merchandise/fans memorabilia and chatting with the fans. This has seemed to be the 'icing on the cake' for the fans, after such a great gig being able to meet them!!
If you are not already following us on FaceBook, there are now two sites you can follow :
T'Pau25 Official
The above site has everything you need to know about the #TPau25 Tour, with up-to-date news, press coverage, reviews and gig photos/You Tube videos, to name a few!!
Click here to follow & then click on 'like'
T'Pau/Carol Decker Official
Carol has recently set up her own FaceBook page. Don't forget to follow her for all the latest!!
Click here to follow & then click on 'like'
Happy #TPau25
Deano x
28/05/2013
click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Chris Corney will be the support act**
Southsea Kings Theatre
30/05/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Bishops Stortford Rhodes Centre
31/05/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Chris Corney will be the support act**
Camberley - Camberley Theatre
01/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Eastleigh Concorde Club
06/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Falmouth Princess Pavilion
07/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Click here to see an interview with Carol in 'This Is Cornwall' promoting the gig.
Another article/interview in 'This Is Somerset' promoting the gig
Tavistock Wharf
08/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Budleigh Salterton Public Hall
09/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Isle Of Wight Festival - Seaclose Park
Big Top Stage
14/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
Bilston The Robin 2
15/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Nick Pendry will be the support act**
Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
16/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
**Joshy Connor will be the support act**
Here And Now Falkirk Stadium
22/06/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
Flashback Festival Clumber Park Worksop
17/08/2013
Click here for more info and to buy tickets
Supporting Acts
The support acts for the tour are just great and extremely talented!!
Chris Corney
Chris Corney You Tube video
During the past year he has performed over 200 gigs in London, Paris, Jersey and towns around the UK. Notable highlights include Ronnie Scotts, Scala and Beach Break Live. He has also played many acoustic sessions live on BBC radio.
Joshy Connor-This Old Town
Nick Pendry
The support acts for the tour are just great and extremely talented!!
Chris Corney
Chris Corney has been named as the first support act for #TPau25. He is a Songwriter, Musician and Producer from Bedfordshire, UK.
He has been writing, recording and performing music for over 20 years and has performed all over the world as a touring musician.
Chris has recently signed to London/Nashville based publishing company Southern Crossroads Music. He has produced music by artists such as Ronnie Wood, The Quireboys, Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) and Tracie Hunter.
In 2005, Chris' band 'The Ravines' recorded their debut (and only) album "Manifesto Of a Broken Heart", the strength of this album earned Chris a publishing deal with Complete/Universal Music. The album was released in 2006 and won the hearts of the American power-pop scene, to whom it is still considered somewhat of a 'cult classic' album.
Since then, Chris has released 3 solo albums, all of which gaining critical acclaim.
His current album 'Airways Mansions' is available to buy now.
www.chriscorneymusic.co.uk
The #TPau25 dates Chris will be appearing at are :
May 4th - Harpenden
May 12th - Milton Keynes
May 18th - Shrewsbury
May 28th - Stevenage
May 31st - Bishop Stortford
He has been writing, recording and performing music for over 20 years and has performed all over the world as a touring musician.
Chris has recently signed to London/Nashville based publishing company Southern Crossroads Music. He has produced music by artists such as Ronnie Wood, The Quireboys, Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) and Tracie Hunter.
In 2005, Chris' band 'The Ravines' recorded their debut (and only) album "Manifesto Of a Broken Heart", the strength of this album earned Chris a publishing deal with Complete/Universal Music. The album was released in 2006 and won the hearts of the American power-pop scene, to whom it is still considered somewhat of a 'cult classic' album.
Since then, Chris has released 3 solo albums, all of which gaining critical acclaim.
His current album 'Airways Mansions' is available to buy now.
www.chriscorneymusic.co.uk
The #TPau25 dates Chris will be appearing at are :
May 4th - Harpenden
May 12th - Milton Keynes
May 18th - Shrewsbury
May 28th - Stevenage
May 31st - Bishop Stortford
Chris Corney You Tube video
Joshy Connor
Joshy Connor is an acoustic folk singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer.
Born in London and raised in Cambridge, Joshy released his debut album ‘Running’, in 2011, which was critically acclaimed and reached the iTunes singer-songwriter charts. Since the release of his debut album he has also released two further EP’s.
During the past year he has performed over 200 gigs in London, Paris, Jersey and towns around the UK. Notable highlights include Ronnie Scotts, Scala and Beach Break Live. He has also played many acoustic sessions live on BBC radio.
Joshy is an accomplished and versatile guitarist with a soulful and powerful voice. His music incorporates folk, pop, flamenco and blues.
His latest record, Songs of Freedom, was released in January 2013 also to critical acclaim.
The #TPau25 dates Joshy will be supporting on are :
April 9th - Buxton
April 27th - Cannock
June 16th - Leeds
Nick Pendry is the fourth support act to be named for the #TPau25 Tour.
He is a Singer/Songwriter/Musician/Performer.
Born on 5th October 1987 in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, this proud 'Valley Boy' was first introduced to the music of the Stereophonics at the tender age of nine. Their influence has played a significant part in Nick's passion for writing and performing his own songs.
It was at Cyfarthfa High School, (the Welsh translation of which is 'Place of the Barking Dog'), that Nick learned to play drums and guitar before studying Marine Geography at Cardiff University allowing him to indulge in his love of scuba diving.
After graduating, Nick became a teacher at Radyr Primary School, but, after 18 months, left to persue a full time career in music.
He has recently performed for Louis Walsh in Dublin and is set to tour the UK and Channel Islands extensively in 2013.
The gigs Nick will be appearing at for the #TPau25 Tour are :
17th April - Newport, Riverfront
18th April - Porthcawl, Pavilion
25th April - Weston-Super-Mare, Playhouse
26th April - Brecon, Theatr Brycheiniog
2nd May - Leamington, Spa Royal Centre
17th May - Rhyl, Pavilion
30th May - Southsea, Kings Theatre
1st June - Camberley Theatre
6th June - Eastleigh, Concorde Club
7th June - Falmouth, Princess Pavilion
8th June - Tavistock, Wharf
9th June - Budleigh, Salterton Public Hall
15th June - Bilston, Robin 2
Nick Pendry - Walk For Miles
Here is the promo on-line poster promoting T'Pau & Nick at the Bilston gig at the Robin 2 on 15th June :
Jay Leighton
Jay has been named as the support for the gig at Halifax Victoria Theatre on 11/05/13.
Jay's latest single 'Wish I Was Springsteen' was released on 29/04/13 and is from his forthcoming album 'Hours'.
Wish I Was Springsteen
http://www.jayleighton.com/gallery/img_5691
The Story Behind The Tracks
There was talk of Universal Records releasing a package to coincide with the 25th year anniversary that all T'Pau fans could 'treasure'. A deluxe edition of Bridge Of Spies at the very least. However, this, unfortunately, was not to happen.
Carol and Ron decided to put something out under Carol's Record Label, Gnatfish Records.
The CD/DVD package titled 'The Story Behind The Tracks' was born.
The CD includes all 10 songs from 'Bridge of Spies' in demo form, plus 6 songs, previously unheard, which didn't make the final cut on the album. There are 2 other songs, 'Taking Time Out' which was to appear on the band's second album 'Rage' and 'Don't Give It Up' which was a B-Side to 'Road To Our Dream', but was called 'Time Of Our Lives'.
Rare footage is included in a documentary DVD with up-to-date interviews with Carol Decker and Ron Rogers as they describe life in T'Pau in the early days and re-visit the journey that took them to international success.
You can either purchase this at a #TPau25 gig, or online at Carol's label, Gnatfish Records.
www.gnatfishrecords.com
This has definitely sold well at the gigs, along with other merchandise, and one thing fans have said is how lovely it is that Carol and Ron meet the fans after each gig; posing for photos, signing merchandise/fans memorabilia and chatting with the fans. This has seemed to be the 'icing on the cake' for the fans, after such a great gig being able to meet them!!
If you are not already following us on FaceBook, there are now two sites you can follow :
T'Pau25 Official
The above site has everything you need to know about the #TPau25 Tour, with up-to-date news, press coverage, reviews and gig photos/You Tube videos, to name a few!!
Click here to follow & then click on 'like'
T'Pau/Carol Decker Official
Carol has recently set up her own FaceBook page. Don't forget to follow her for all the latest!!
Click here to follow & then click on 'like'
Happy #TPau25
Deano x
