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Search forHull gig for punk rockers The Stranglers
Friday, May 09, 2008, 07:00
Although the band, famous for songs such as Golden Brown, Peaches, Strange Little Girl and No More Heroes, started out in the new wave of 70s punk music, which produced bands such as The Sex Pistols and The Damned, The Stranglers quickly blossomed beyond the angriness of punk to produce some instant pop classics – scoring 32 top 40 hits and numerous gold and platinum albums.
The group, which released their 16th studio album Suite XVI in 2006, will play Hull City Hall on Sunday, November 9, as part of a 23-date UK tour.
The band's present line-up features original bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel, classic line-up keyboard player Dave Greenfield and original drummer Jet Black. Singer Baz Warne has now taken over the vocal duties after the group's previous frontman, Paul Roberts, quit in 2006. Roberts himself replaced the band's most famous frontman Hugh Cornwell, who left the group in 1990 following the release of their album, 10.
Bassist Burnel says that, despite the group's turbulent past, it is now a happier ship than it has been for some years.
“We've reverted to a four-piece and everyone seems to be a bit happier about that,” says JJ. “It's quite positive in The Stranglers' camp at the moment.”
And despite the passing of the years, JJ believes The Stranglers are as popular now as they were in their '80s heyday with new generations of fans discovering the band every year.
He's expecting a mixed audience of long-term fans and new converts when he arrives at Hull City Hall in November.
“A lot of people have grown up with us,” he says. “But recently we've noticed a lot of 15 and 16-year-olds who can mouth a lot of the lyrics. Either they are with their parents or else there's a whole new generation.
“I think there is a reaction against the manufactured music of the past few years.
“I know for a fact that guitar sales throughout the nation are the best they've been for 18 years. And our music is still fresh. Well, it's fresh for 15 and 16-year-olds because they've had a lifetime of techno.”
The Stranglers play Hull City Hall, Queen Victoria Square, Hull on Sunday, November 9, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £23. Call (01482) 226655.
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