Page 79 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

The South
(The Beautiful South ... The Housemartins) Bedford Corn Exchange
Saturday 30 November at 7.30pm Box Office no: 01234 718112 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/whats-on/details/?id=1823
FHistory of the South
ormed in 1988, The Beautiful South had a string of hit singles such as ‘Old Red Eyes Is Back’, ‘Rotterdam’, ‘Don’t Marry Her’, ‘Perfect 10’ and Number One single, ‘A Little Time’. Their greatest hits album, ‘Carry On Up The Charts’, was
one of the fastest-selling albums in UK history, entering at Number One and staying there for weeks, becoming one of the country’s most popular albums ever. After 20 years, ten studio albums, five greatest hits compilations, 34 chart singles, 15 million record sales worldwide, and performing in front of millions of fans, when time was called on The Beautiful South in 2008, not everyone was ready to leave the party.
Dave Hemingway and Ali Wheeler, lead singers with the band – along with departed songwriter Paul Heaton – were having too much fun to get out the pipe and slippers, and so The South was formed.
Dave Hemingway’s musical career stretches back into the 80s. He became a founder member of The Beautiful South after the demise of The Housemartins, who had enjoyed a sustained purple patch and many hits, before calling it a day in 1988. Whilst bassist Norman Cook went on to become superstar DJ Fat Boy Slim, Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway proceeded to form the new band in December 1988.
Competition:
For the chance to win a pair of tickets please answer the following:
What is the name of the lady lead singer pictured?
Send your answer to competition@phoneboxmagazine.com - Two First correct entries out of the hat will win 2 tickets to see The South.
The South Interview
Debbie caught up with Dave Hemingway from the South and asked him a few questions.
So Dave, how’s the tour going so far?
Well the audience are the best judge of that but it seems to be going well.
There are nine of you in the band so how does that work out?
Well, we have known each other a long time. Getting together for rehearsals can be awkward as we live in different parts of the country so working on new stuff can be difficult.
Do you ever get nervous on stage?
Yes very! I am not naturally comfortable on stage as I am quite a shy person. I much prefer to be in the studio making music.
Can you give any advice to those performers who are nervous.
I wouldn’t have any advice as it seems nowadays what with the X factor people seem less nervous.
How do you relax?
I live a quiet life, stay at home, watch TV and so on.
If you weren’t a singer what would you be.
Well, I was good at sports, but maybe I could be a gardener.
What musical influences were there on you?
Paul Weller, Squeeze, Elvis Costello, in fact any intelligent song writers with good melodies.
What’s the best advice you have received from others.
Be true to yourself. My mum died last year and many times things come back to me that she said.
What advice would you give to others starting in the business?
Well its harder now as people seem to want instant fame like the X Factor. It’s tough now as it’s hard to sell music when people can download for free. People want fame rather than to be successful in what they do. How does the future look to you?
Well we have a new album and plenty of material. But I don’t make plans for the future. You must have something new to offer people rather than just rely on the old material. I always want to create new stuff. I certainly don’t want to keep going past my sell by date!
And finally Dave, if you could take just one track to a desert island what would it be?
Well I’m going to cheat slightly and choose a double sided 7” single with Strawberry Fields on one side and Penny Lane on the other. This combines the great song writing talents of John Lennon and Paul MCartney. This would be played on an old Dansette record player of course.
Good choice Dave!
If you want to see Dave Hemingway and the South catch them at Bedford Corn Exchange on 30th November - Tickets available from the box office!
Phonebox Magazine 79