The Bricklayer's Arms

Biography

Blyth Power is a British rock band formed in 1983 by singer/drummer Joseph Porter, formerly of Zounds and The Mob. Blyth Power's music shows strong influences from punk rock and folk music, and the band members have described their sound as a cross between The Clash, Steeleye Span and The Rubettes. Established in 1983 and named after a locomotive shed in Northumberland (Blyth, 52F), the one constant in an ever-shifting lineup has been drummer/vocalist/songwriter Joseph Porter (real name Gary J...

Blyth Power is a British rock band formed in 1983 by singer/drummer Joseph Porter, formerly of Zounds and The Mob.

Blyth Power's music shows strong influences from punk rock and folk music, and the band members have described their sound as a cross between The Clash, Steeleye Span and The Rubettes.

Established in 1983 and named after a locomotive shed in Northumberland (Blyth, 52F), the one constant in an ever-shifting lineup has been drummer/vocalist/songwriter Joseph Porter (real name Gary James Hatcher, born 21 February 1962 in Templecombe, Somerset). The band's lyrics often deal with episodes from history, ranging from the Trojan War to the Cod War — as well as aspects of English culture such as cricket, village life and trains. Porter is an avowed trainspotter, and in August 1998 appeared on the LWT television programme Holy Smoke! in a slot in which musicians discussed their individual religions — with trainspotting cited as his religion.

Since 1993, Blyth Power recordings have been released on their own label, Downwarde Spiral. Since 2000 they have cut back on their touring schedule due to various personal commitments, but they have organised an annual mini-festival, the Tallington Ashes. The festival took place in Lincolnshire in August of each year, and combines live music with a cricket match featuring band members and their associates. It was cancelled in 2007, and renamed the Blyth Power Ashes, moving to Ripley in Derbyshire, from 2008.

Each audience is presented with a tailor made selection that can vary from the gentle acoustic arpeggios of Burning Joan to the full-on punk rock assault of songs like Carlisle and Sometimes I Wonder. There is everything in between as well, and it is with a sly sense of mischief that the band will take delight in taunting the least folk-oriented crowd with the sound of accordions, or slipping in a raucous anthem to enliven the atmosphere of a balmy country fayre.

Joseph Porter has also being involved with various side-projects, such as doing solo guitarist/vocalist performances and collaborating in 2 other bands, Red Wedding and Mad Dogs And Englishmen.

Current members
Joseph Porter (drums/lead vocals)
Annie Hatcher (keyboards/harmony vocals)
Steven Cooper (guitar)
Jerry Hatcher (bass)

Former members
Neil Keenan (guitar)
Curtis Youé (bass) - a former member of The Mob
Andy Morgan (harmony vocals)
Sarah Lewington (harmony vocals)
Martin (Protag) Neish (bass) - a former member of Alternative TV
Steve Ardcorr (guitar)
Jamie Hince (guitar) - later formed Scarfo and The Kills
Sian Jeffreys (harmony vocals)
Julie Dalkin (harmony vocals)
Helen Rush (harmony vocals)
Wob (guitar)
Darren Tansley (keyboards)
John Rutherford (guitar)
Chris Hopkins (guitar)
Andrew (Jessi) Adams (guitar) - Vocalist and Guitarist for Eastfield
Bambi (bass) - Bassist for Eastfield
Gary Miller (guitar) - Member of The Whisky Priests

http://www.blythpower.co.uk/
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