Thursday 24 April 2008
 
Whilst Kris searches the bottom of his soul to add something to his blog page, here is a poem by Brian Mutton.
 

ODE TO KRIS DOLLIMORE

 
He's a bluesman, it pervades his very soul,
when playing God only knows where he goes.
He's on a different level in some other space,
listen carefully, he'll take you to the same place.
He's a bluesman through and through, true to his
idols Hooker, Waters, Leadbelly and Johnson too.

He has the same passion and sadness in his voice
as he keeps alive the magic in their music of his choice.

He's a bluesman, like a missionary full of religious zeal.
He spreads the blues gospel with guitar and stamp of heel.
A true disciple he sacrifices family life on the road,
the cross he bears for his music is a heavy load.
He's a bluesman, nothing else matters it's his vocation.
His rewards are the crowds cheers and a standing ovation.
Then it's the car and endless motorways on his own.
He wouldn't have it any other way he's a rollin' stone.
He's a bluesman it pervades his very soul,
when playing, God only knows where he goes.
He's on a different level in some other space,
listen carefully and he'll take you to the same place.
 
Brian Mutton, Cornwall
 
 
Sunday 20 January 2008
 

After getting over a Christmas full of colds and sick bugs, I am now looking forward to a busy new year.
You should be able to see me at many new venues, in many new places, including Leeds, Halifax, Shropshire, Linconshire, Brighton, Buckingham, Dudley and St Albans, to name but a few. I’m also looking forward to returning to some old favourites in 2008.

Keep an eye on the website, as there are new dates being added all the time.

February and March sees the return of the original Godfathers line up, in Spain, London and Greece.

Tickets are now on sale for The St Valentines Day Massacre gig at The Forum, London, on February 14th.
They are available online at www.ticketweb.co.uk.

One of my New Year resolutions, is to do a monthly blog!!! Watch this space.

 
 
Tuesday 6th November 2007
 

06/11/2007

It’s official now. Many will of you will have received an email informing you that the original line up of The Godfathers are reuniting for a one off show on 14th Feb 2008. Where has yet to be decided, and whether it remains a ‘one off’ is highly unlikely - some festivals and maybe a Xmas show!

Anyway, it was inevitable I suppose. Peter swore black and blue to me that his singing career was over and never again did he want to tread the sticky boards and travel the rocky road. Finite. Kaput. Done and dusted. I didn’t believe him of course. When it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood there’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t keep a good singer/front man down. That’s the truth.

I’m not a fan of reunions, reformations, tributes anything like that. In fact I was always vehemently against taking part in such an event; be it The Godfathers or The Major Setback Band! It’s always been my view that that was then and this is now; watching fat, bald old men trying recreate their youth I find rather sad. But, at least… we’re not fat.

I think what changed my mind was the fact that I owe a lot to The Godfathers: we were five people swashbuckling our way through a world full yuppies and goths; we followed no-one and took orders from no-one, set our own standards and played the most vicious rock ‘n’ roll you’ve ever heard; it made me the man I am today… plus I thought there might be a few quid in it. And you never know, it might be good.

 
Image by Duncan Munro
 

Cynicism aside, I’m immensely proud of my time in The Godfathers; the records, the concerts etc… I think there’s a fear of moving backwards, like going back with an ex wife or girlfriend after so many years, it just doesn’t seem right. But, it also feels like I’ve come a full circle, which is weird but, in my mind, a good thing. It’s new experience. I don’t think I’ve ever made the trip of a ‘full circle’ before. It won’t be the same; bringing things back from the dead never are (Pet Cemetery!), but it’ll be different, it’ll be good I’m sure of that, because we’re still in uncharted territory and not quite sure what to expect.

My biggest worry about all this is that it will swamp my career as solo artist. I’ve had a few emails all ready asking if I’ll be carrying on or making any more records. Many will assume that The Godfathers is my real Job and Kris Dollimore the blues musician is just a side line, a bit of fun. But you and I know that’s not the case, quite the reverse. I plan to release a new album early next year, hopefully just after the Valentines gig (how convenient). I’m gonna try also to get some new songs on the website, myspace as soon as poss. It’s all got a bit stale lately and I need to revamp a few things. In fact it’s this reunion lark that’s given me a kick up the arse to get things moving. It’s a golden opportunity to capitalise (I’m back in the Eighties) on something that could broaden my career. I should be grateful.

Cheers

Kris

 
 
Mon 4th June 2007
 

No major news, to speak of, concerning my music career anyway.  But what has been exciting is that my wife and I have had another baby girl to add to our collection. Jemma Louise Dollimore was born Sat 7th April 2007. Everyone said we’ll have our work cut out, and they’re right. It’s been a bloody nightmare, not help by there being a ‘complication’ 3 weeks after my wife gave birth. I won’t go in to detail but it was scary to say the least. Good news is that we’ll doing as well as can be at present. Mustn’t grumble.


All the way through this, of course, I’ve never been busier. It all comes at once. These things are meant to test us so I’m led to believe, and test me it did. Through this ‘testing’ period I probably played one of the best gigs of my life: promptly followed by one of the worst! I’ll resist naming the said events to avoid any disharmony between my loyal, and not so loyal employers. But for the most part the gigs have been going well. I still, more than ever, absolutely love what I do. It grows every day. It’s things like finally figuring out how to play Boogie Chillun’ by JLH. I’ve been messing around with that riff for years now, and although it always sounded ok, it never felt quite right. After downloading two great, live, John Lee albums(Alone 1&2); just him on his own, no band ; two different versions of the song; I was listening to it and  I just felt the groove of it. I heard something I hadn’t heard before. I jumped up, picked up a guitar, and bingo! I nailed it. So satisfying.  I love moments like, and that’s why I love what I do, ’cause I’m always finding something new. So every time I pick up a guitar, I sit there and play Boogie Chillun for about half hour. It’s such a great riff, so hypnotic, I could play it all day. Hat’s off to Hooker.

  
Got some great gigs coming up, really looking forward to them, check out the gigs page. Be prepared for some prolonged JLH type riffage though, if you make it along. There’s a few other new things aswell, I’ve probably got enough for a new album. When that will be I don’t know, a rough plan would be Feb/Mar next year, but I’ll have to let you know on that one. I’d quite like to get something out a bit sooner, maybe an instrumental, live album?! I’ll keep you informed. Hats off to Hooker! Hmmmm, I like the sound of that. Excuse me for a while, I’m just gonna pick up a guitar…

 

Kris

 
 
Sat 17th March 2007
 
Got to get back into this blogging lark. Though I really don't know who reads this rubbish, but I suppose it looks like I'm 'bovverd'. Which I am of course. It's just the age old problem of time, never enough, or too much; at the moment it's never enough.
 
For anyone who does read this, it's all going quite well. I'm getting a few gigs coming in, which is nice. Played a blinder the other night at The Oval Tavern in Croydon. Great venue, great people, hope to get another one there. All the new gigs should be up on the site soon. I also want to revamp the site somewhat, some additions and omissions, new pics, songs etc... I'm so glad there's some video footage of me doing what I currently do up there. I'm very proud of my past, but that was then and this is now, there's some more stuff if you go to the Youtube site, in case you didn't know.
 
 
So, more blogging, great gigs and a revamped site are all the menu for the to distant future. Also, my wife and I are expecting our 2nd kiddy in April, so all good positive stuff. Not to mention that I'm itching to record my next album, it's practically all ready and waiting. Watch this space. Got a few side projects going on as well, that sound very interesting, will let you know as and when things develop.
 
It's not War and Peace I know, but it's a start. I'll try and get back into the habit of blogging the gigs again, it's just that... no more excuses.
Bye for now
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
6th Jan 2007
 
It's always a struggle this time of year, though the worst is over. I can't really win with the Xmas thing: I dread it approaching, and I'm sad when it's over. I think there's something to be said for the 'sad' syndrome. It does make sense; cold, rain, grey, darkness. I actually enjoy it in autumn when the leaves start to turn, the days get shorter and the night closes in earlier and earlier. Though I think it's the change that I'm embracing, and also going back to something you haven't experienced for a while, something familiar. By the time Xmas arrives we're in the thick of it, and I've had enough. I want to feel the sun on my face, and wear t-shirts out and moan about how hot it is, and long for the winter. As I said, I can't bloody win.
 
Contrary of how this blog might read, I am in quite a good mood; full of hope and expectation for the New Year. It usually does start to lift around this time, it helps that almost everyone else is feeling the same. Of course it doesn't last, I don't mean to be cynical, but it doesn't. But, hopefully it'll be enough to see me through to next year.
 
 
As I said, I'm really quite positive about the year ahead. I'm looking forward to recording a new album, as much as I love, and so proud of 02/01/1978, I can't wait to get working the next one. I've got the songs, though I chop and change them all the time, and I've got a wealth of ideas. Hopefully Jim and Stuart will be up for it again - bring it on!
 
I downloaded the album by Seasick Steve - Doghouse Music. It blew me away. I heard him on Andy Kershaws radio show, and on the Late Junction. Unfortunately I missed him on Jools Holland, but I heard he was amazing. It's just totally what I want to hear: filthy neanderthal blues, check it out.
 
Looking forward to the gigs too. The Nags Head has been rescheduled for the Sat 20th Jan by the way. Really excited about the CD coming out on Cargo, it's such a relief knowing that people will be able to buy it shops. Not everyone is converted to buying online - yet, but that's another moan for another blog.
 
All the best for the New Year.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
07/12/2006
 
 
The latest issue of Guitar and Bass Magazine has a 3 page article about Kris including an interview where he discusses his career, influences and tools of the trade. To read the article go to the press page. Thanks for Guitar and Bass Magazine for their permission to reproduce this article.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Sun 26th Nov
 
Apologies for lack of blogging, no real excuses, though I was laid up with quite a severe bout of flu for most of last week. I did have the intention of blogging each and every gig, but I don't think that's gonna happen. The gigs have been going great by the way, though most have been marred in some way by a persistent cold that culminated in the above mentioned flu. All better now though - I hope.
 
Starting to look forward to Xmas, I've always been a bit of a 'bah humbug' about Yuletide season, but as my little girl, Rosie, gets older (she's 3 in May) it just gets better and better. More expensive admittedly, but... whatyougonnado!
 
I took her to see Jake and Bella from The Tweenies the other day, they were making a guest appearance at the local shopping center. It's just amazing how much these characters mean to kids, they were all in absolute awe. She met Santa for the first time today too, again overwhelmed with awe and fascination... Rosie was impressed too. ; )
 
 
I sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable, knowing that we're blatantly lying to our daughter. I'm sure it's an age old debate about whether to encourage children to believe in things that don't exist. I wonder if it's a purely selfish act of the parents, because it is such a wonderful feeling, and a sight to behold to see your childs (or any child) face when they meet Santa or The Tweenies.
 
What load of old bollocks! It's a typical trait of mine to start analyzing anything that stirs an emotion. Father Xmas is real, The Tweenies and Bob The Builder too, they are to my Rosie and millions of other kids as well - you try telling them different! It's a shame they have to grow out of it, stop believing; but we have to have to grow up I suppose, we're almost forced to. I personally would rather not, some bits are alright. Take the good bits. The rest of the time I think I'd rather live life as a Rubber Dubber.
 
I started this blog with an apology, but I'm not gonna end with one, I almost did, but NO!
Free the child inside you. ( I am taking the piss... sort of).
I'll talk about the music next time.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
08/11/2006
 
Peter Coyne writes...
 
The official release date of '02/01/1978' is now set for 5th February 2007. This is because we have recently agreed and will shortly be signing, a distribution deal with Cargo Records, one of the biggest & best distributors of independent labels in the UK.
 
So, from 5th February 2007 Cargo Records will distribute Kris Dollimore's '02/01/1978' album to all the best stores across the UK and the whole of Europe. If you prefer to digitally download '02/01/1978', it will also be made available from various sources. The retail price of '02/01/1978' in these record stores will be approximately £11.99. However, before and after the official release date through Cargo Records on 5th February 2007 you will still be able to purchase '02/01/1978' from the store on this site or from any of Kris' gigs for the bargain price of £10.
 
Both Kris and I are very excited at the prospect of working with Cargo Records on the impending official release of '02/01/1978'. They were our absolute first choice of distributors and we firmly believe they will do an excellent job for all Kris Dollimore's single & album releases over the coming years.
 
Kris will be releasing a strictly limited edition 7" vinyl single in mid-January - a track from '02/01/1978' coupled with 2 unreleased numbers. Kris will also be undertaking a UK tour in Jan/Feb 2007, followed by some select European dates in Feb/Mar 2007.
 
The launch night for '02/01/1978' will be held at the 12 Bar Club, 26 Denmark Street, London, WC2 on Wednesday 7th February 2007. Admission is £6. Doors open 7:30 - 12 Bar open till 1:00. Kris will play two 45 minute sets of totally different material. Martyn Myers, our good friend from Bonanza & Resonance FM, will be guest DJ for the whole event. The 12 Bar is a great venue & it promises to be a cracking night of fantastic music, so book tickets early to avoid disappointment!! See www.12barclub.com and the gigs page for more details, closer to the date.
 
2007 looks all set to be an exciting & busy year for Kris. Thanks for your continued support.
 
Peter Coyne - PC Management
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Cockroach Club, Peterborough Sat 4th Nov
 
Courtesy of The Surgens, The Cockroach Club, Peterborough. The same Surgens who have a 4 star review of their album in this months Mojo. A very cool club indeed, situated in the hull of an old barge moored on the river nene.
 
I don't really know a lot about Peterborough, I actually know more about the Surgens. I now know more about The Nightingales than I do about Peterborough. The Nightingales being the headline band whom I was supporting. The name of the band rang distant bells when I heard I was supporting them, but I couldn't claim to know anything about them - I do now!
 
 
Sat 4th was a fantastic night at The Cockroach, a night where you wouldn't want to be anywhere else, for me and a handful others anyway; for some they would rather be anywhere else, and made a swift exit to get there.
 
I started my set, as usual, with Soul Of A Man. From the very first chord I struck, I knew it was gonna be a good one. Even though I hadn't soundchecked, I was using a borrowed amp, and it wasn't my usual p.a. system. Everything was in it's rightful place - it was a full moon, the stars were aligned and the mojo was out and about in full force working it's magic on musician and spectator alike.
 
I played for about half hour, but I could've played all night. It was one of those gigs where you could do no wrong. No matter what I played, whether it was technically the right note or not, in tune or not, in time or not - it was always going to be right.
 
The plan, before hand, was: do my set, watch a few numbers by The Nightingales, then bugger off home. But, The Nightingales completely enthralled me, so we stuck around and ended up watching their whole set. Rob, the singer, is one of the scariest human beings I've ever seen front a band. It's the typical thing, I was talking to him before the gig, and I wouldn't have had a clue he was gonna perform like that. On stage he's the sort of bloke you'd avoid like the plague at a party or something, 'cause he just has a volatile air about him, like he could go off any second - a beefy, 6 ft, pissed up bloke with cropped hair dancing like your dad. Truly entertaining.
 
The best moment of the night though was when he was trying to get people to clap along, there was a few takers but not many, so he gave some bloke a fiver to join in. You had to be there, it was funny, believe me.
 
So, I still don't know much about Peterborough, Pete's Dad lost £200 there during the war; Steve Butler, and ex Gills striker, played for Peterborough United and there's a great club there called the Cockroach - and The Surgens are from there, who have a 4 star review in this months Mojo, as do The Nightingales. Bastards!
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Bonanza at The Mucky Pup - Fri 27th Oct
 
The Mucky Pup isn't a pub you'd casually stumble upon, you'd kinda have to know it was there. Tucked into the backstreets of Islington, you would definitely want to return, once discovered; especially on a Bonanza night, Martyn (Myers, Mr Bonanza), plays some great records.
 
There was a bit of a scare when I first got there; the landlord showed me where he wanted me to play, and it was literally in a doorway. The DJ gear would've have to been moved, before and after I played, it would've been a complete nightmare. So, he showed me an alternative, through the mentioned doorway into the pool room. Move the pool table, a few of the punters and... Hey presto! I have a place to play. It wasn't as nice as the intended room, but I had plenty of space to set up and do my thing.
 
 
I was due to play at about 9.30, after Martyn spun Tony Joe Whites' Polk Salad Annie. I started with what seems to be a regular opener lately: Blind Willie Johnsons' Soul Of A Man, then swiftly into my own The Enemy, and onwards and upwards from there. It was a great gig. I would have to say it's up there with one of my best. Loads of people turned up, who said there they were gonna turn up, which is always nice; and I think I made some new friends too. I can't ask for more than that.
 
Thanks to all my mates who did make the effort to get along, it really is appreciated; and thanks also to all those who I didn't know for getting into my music. Hope to see you again.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
24/10/2006
 
Kris is pleased to announce that he has acquired the services of the renowned agent Mike Hinc. Mike has a legendary track record in theatre and the music industry, where he has worked with such artists as Morrissey, The Smiths, The Sisters of Mercy, Temple of Sound, Gaye Bykers On Acid and of course The Godfathers.
For all live bookings for Kris Dollimore please contact Mike at mikehinc@club-internet.fr
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Resonance 104.4FM - Sun 22nd Oct
 
My first live radio session as a solo artist. I've done live radio a ton of times with other bands or artists, but it's a bit different when you're on your own. Previously I would just skulk around in the background, trying to avoid getting spoken to by the presenter. The actual playing 'live' has never really bothered me, it's the being spoken to that I've never been that comfortable with. It went well though, I thought.
 
I didn't realize quite how nervous I was, until I actually came to play. It felt like my fingers wouldn't work properly. I soon settled into it though, Martyn (the presenter) was a great help, being so laid back and making you feel at home. I really, really enjoyed, could played all afternoon.
 
I thought the whole show was brilliant, he played some great records; some I've heard before, an others that I never heard. There was one by Johnny Cash about building the railroad or something, just him speaking and all these noises in the background, it sounded fantastic, never heard that one before.
 
 
Really looking forward to playing The Mucky Pup, which is one Martyns Bonanza nights (check out the link in the news section). It's free to get in so if anyone can make it down, it's gonna be a good night I think.
 
It all seems to be going well. Peter and I had a great day on Friday, two fantastic bits of news: I've now got a full time agent, to hopefully get me better gigs and good supports; and Cargo Records have said they'll distribute my CD in the UK and Europe. We was totally over the moon, as they were both our preferred choices for agent and distributor. This will all be in the news page at some point, but I thought I'd mention it here first. It's all looking good though.
 
Enough for now, hopefully see you at The Mucky Pup.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
18/10/2006
 
My debut release gets a short but sweet review in Classic Rock magazine. See Press page for details.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
14/10/2006
 
I will be performing on the Bonanza radio show on Resonance 104.4 fm on Sunday 22 October between 12 Noon and 1:30pm. This will include a live set and question and answer session.
 
I will also be appearing at the Bonanza Club at Bonanza@The Mucky Pup, London, N1 on 27 October at 9pm.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Smugglers, Hastings - Sun 8th Oct 2006
 
I do love to be beside the seaside. I got there way to early, as I've never played this venue before, and wanted to give myself time in case of traffic, finding the venue etc... But I had a straight run down there, found it right away.
 
So I thought I'd park up and take in a bit that sea air, and lovely it was to. I quite like Hastings, it's got a bit of a bad rep over the years, but there's a certain vibe to it. There's some fantastic old architecture along the sea front, and elsewhere in the 'Old Town' - really quite stunning.
 
So to the gig. I took my time setting up, and sound checked everything - twice. When it was time to go on, I felt pretty confident that it was all gonna sound good and I'd hit 'em hard with Blind Willie Johnsons' Soul Of A Man. The first strike of the chord and there's a howl of feedback. 'kin nightmare, it completely throws you when something goes wrong on the first song, or any song for that matter.
 
 
So I was twisting and turning, fiddling and fumbling trying to sort the sound out, which I eventually did. I don't know what happened, it just does sometimes. It's probably that I play a lot harder and louder when it comes to the real thing than I do in soundcheck.
 
It went on to be a right rockin' gig. I said before in my previous blog, that all I can ask for is for people to listen and appreciate what I do. A step up from that is for people to dance and have a good time to my music - and at Smugglers on Sunday they danced all night long. That's what Blues music should be about; it shouldn't be analyzed and dissected to figure out how, what and why so and so done this or that, it should be absorbed and enjoyed - and danced to.
I'm as guilty as any other Blues fan for getting to anal about stuff sometimes, so it's nice to be reminded about what it's really all about.
 
Thanks Smugglers for a great night, hope to see you again soon.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
06/10/2006
 
My debut release 02/01/1978 receives a glowing 5 star review at music-news.com.
 
To see the review visit the Press page.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Oranges Bar Cafe Ashford, Kent 5th Oct 2006
 
The drive down was awful. Heavy rain on a busy M20 in the dark. Horrible. Anyway, got there safe and sound, even if I did drive round the one way system three times. It was a good gig, made better by the fact that my old bandmate Chris Coyne came down to see me. Some of you may know that Chris is the brother of Peter Coyne, my manager. We were all in The Godfathers together many years ago. It was a really good night, the sound was good and the audience listened and appreciated my music. That's all I can ask for. some of the clubs/pubs I play they just want to bend as many lagers in as possible and ask me if I can play Angels by Robbie Williams. No I can't play fucking Angels by Robbie Williams, I say... thinking to myself. Well Oranges isn't like that, Stuart (the landlord) lets me get on with it and do my thing. Thanks to everyone who came to see me, and special thanks to Eddie and Remy for making the trip down, and of course to Peter and Chris.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
01/10/2006
 
The official release date for my debut CD 02/01/1978 is: 1st Nov 2006. It’s been a long while coming, but it’s finally here. 28 years to be precise. 02/01/1978 was my 12th birthday when I got my first guitar and the picture on the cover was taken on that day. Please go to the Biography page for more details. You can purchase a copy in advance of this date at the store here on the site.
 
This new website is also pretty big news, thanks to Nigel from Fruitbat Design for absolutely everything to do with the design of this site. A job well done, I’m sure everyone will agree.
 
I also have a full time manager working with me, in the shape of Peter Coyne - PC management petercoyne@tiscali.co.uk . Some of you might recognize the name as Peter and I were in The Godfathers together (Peter was the singer). I sent him a CD a few months back, just to see what he thought. I called him, we got talking, he loved my CD, I said I need a manager, he said he’d do it. Simple as that.
 
I couldn’t think of anyone better to do the job, I’ve always had nothing but respect for Pete, and to me, he’s more like a mentor than a manager. The results of him being at the helm are being felt already, this website being one of them. There’s many, many things in the pipeline at the moment, and I will let you know as soon as we’re 100% sure they’re gonna happen. Watch this space.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
The George Vaults - 26th Sep 2006
 
I think it's fair to say, that a good time was had by all. A great venue, some great musicians and poets all adds up to a great time. The talk at the end of the evening was, that we should definately do this again. My manager even suggested me playing a residency there, maybe once a month. Still keeping the open mic thing of course, for me that's what made it. Apologies to Bob(Collins); I would have loved to have listened to you all night, and I'm sure you would have willing, but I really had to get that PA packed up. Highlight for me was Stuart and I doing The North Kent Post Industrial Hillstomp Blues at a million miles an hour, and the fact that I couldn't remember any of the words. Still, we had fun. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to everyone who got up played, we'll hopefully do it again soon.