When great British pop institution, The Beautiful South split in 2007, some members of the band didn’t feel ready to hang up their microphones or instruments just yet…
Two years later, singers Dave Hemingway and Alison Wheeler, alongside lifelong members Damon Butcher (keys), Gaz Birtles (sax) and Tony Robinson (trumpet), came out of retirement and formed the 9 piece band, The South.
And so The South embarked on their journey. Celebrating the Beautiful South legacy and great songs of their own, the band continues performing the classic songs including: A Little Time – the number one single, Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her. All performed again live, these songs span an impressive 20 year career starting way back in 1989!
Fast forward to 2017 and its all change. Dave Hemingway has announced his retirement from the live music scene, Damon Butcher now resides in Ireland thereby leaving the band and Tony Robinson has moved on to pastures new.
It was time for The South to regroup and have a rethink. With the support from their amazing fans, they were encouraged to strive onwards. Right under their nose was an obvious choice. Up stepped longtime sax player Gaz Birtles to take centre stage and take over the male vocal duties. As well as performing with The Beautiful South and within The South, Gaz has also had success in his own right as a singer-songwriter. Quite handy he should also know the back catalogue of Beautiful South songs too!
Also welcomed into the fold, comes the amazing keyboard player –Andy Price, with years of experience playing alongside Ska legend Laurel Aitken, Blues guitar maestro, Ainsley Lister. Happy Mondays’ Bez. The Drifters. Jersey Budd
We are also excited to welcome to the band the new sax player Su Robinson. Su has had a wealth of live experience with such legends as Prince Buster, The Specials’ Horace Panters band, Uptown Ska Collective as well as sitting in with The South on the few occasions Gaz Birtles couldn’t make it.
Longtime trumpet replacement for Tony Robinson, Gareth John, is now established as a permanent fixture. His past glories include working alongside members of the Happy Mondays, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Specials, Vintage Trouble and many more.
With the new reshuffle complete,
The South are a full team again and raring to go! Their live show promises to continue to celebrate and perform the classic Beautiful South songs along with songs from The South’s debut album ‘Sweet Refrains’ and maybe even new material in the future too.
