Tony McPhee had a stroke on 16th June 2009. He is doing well in recovery, but has lost the ability to speak.... We are working on this and he is already starting to show some improvement.

I've only included a 'short' tour report and notice of a guitar exhibition, plus latest gig dates. I could have mentioned interviews in the music press, new work in progress and invitation to a great gig by the Saw Doctors... whose bass player Anthony Thistlethwaite went to meet Tony for advice 30 ish years ago. But, I thought it might just be a bit too much to get through in one sitting! So the pared down version (honest)......

TOUR REPORT

What an amazing time the Grounghogs (Hogs) had touring with Martin Turners Wishbone Ash (Bones) and Focus (Focus), 27 dates in 33 days covering 4,571 miles ... it was a bit intense!  So below see edited highlights.

Cast
Tony (TS) - Mad wielding Axe man.
Dave (Anderson Snr) - Mr Boom-bass-tic.
Marco (Anderson Jnr.) - Dr Dr Drrr drummm da drum .
Laurence (Loz) - 'Turn it up' sound and cigs.
Joanna (Jo) - Mum.

1/10/08 Norwich: All got to the first gig in good time but Marco is REALLY ill, he was up all last night being sick & coughing, never taken a bucket on tour before.... Thought Loz would have to play, but trouper Marco played gig slowly. TS got bought a few beers at the bar afterwards, he's not used to the high life & got... stinkin! On a sobriety note Dave & Loz already know members of the crew so it looks like its going to be a good un.

2/10/08 Cheltenham: It would appear...and it did, that Marco coughed up a pea that had been stuck in his throat for a few days... he is now much more chipper and throws it all (apart from the pea) into the gig. Front of house we (Gary from bones merch and I, Martin Turner & Tony ) get told off for talking too loudly.... thought this was supposed to be a rock gig?

3/10/08 Colne: Dave and the guys cut it a bit fine getting to the gig, as Dave had decided that he definitely HAD to have a transmitter for his bass (Tony has used one for a couple of years now) He got one on order to pick up on the way and was really excited about  getting it set up... classic moment - plugs in, doesn't work.... but OK really as he still had it on standby, he's now threatening to run around the stage....

4/10/08 Buxton : Really the most beautiful venue with painted ceilings depicting boosoms & such, so of great intellectual interest to the guys!

5/10/08 Cardiff: Sunday night is curry night on tour, good job Tony & I are travelling in our little camper with a new stove, got to make sure that they eat vegetables at least once a week.  Marco ill again? so is Loz's van... functioning brakes tend to be a bit useful.

6/12/08 Southend: Sell out gig, now the lads had a good gig although the abscess in Anderson snr.'s tooth has started to play up (wot a sickly lot). I however had a grim time (many people don't realise that  many gigs  charge commission on merchandise sold, some people put their prices up to accommodate this, however I don't... at Southend I was STIFFED, Its complicated, but they ended up getting tricky & more money for the merch than I did grrrr). Following on but not connected, some bright spark thought it was fun to drive past Tony when he was in the street (young idiots, not personal... I hope) and chuck an egg at him... missed him, hit the van. What's up Southend?

7/10/08 Mansfield : Tony really feels brimming with confidence now and its affecting the guys... another great gig in the bag.

8/12/08 Monmouth: Terribly posh (or should that read privileged) although the hall was nice, it suffered from strange acoustics ... can't make it too easy for Loz!

10/10/08 Bolton: My turn to get sick... cough bordering on the Bronchitis, its bad when people in the street say "that's a bad cough dear"... The guys are chipper from having had a day off and despite some interesting parking wrangles...  Good vibes all round.

11/10/08 Christchurch: Another full house, good sounding room except for a couple of rows under the balcony, where the sound desk is located...

12/10/08 Dudley: Another Sunday, another curry, strange venue, not heard of this one, despite living relatively locally, a bit quiet on the ground, but Hogs all managed to bring their nearest and dearest and Hogs Drummer Mick Jones paid a welcome visit... he really is quite mad you know! Perhaps that's why TS forgot the words to Split 1... now how many times has he sung that?

14/10/08 Northampton: Stunning new multi stage venue, with Othello being performed 'next door' I kept running around asking if anyone had seen my hankie, but no one got it, I'm not fully appreciated y'know! Dave & Marco stepped out into the foyer after the gig and were strangely surprised to get mobbed for autographs... They deserved it, crackin' night.

15/10/08 Salisbury: Worst sight of the whole tour ... and there were a couple! Anderson Snr. mooned us on the motorway and set me off on another coughing fit. Thijs and Bobbi from Focus watched from the wings tonight and made some very positive comments, including references to Punk rock... which pleased TS. Tony managed to leave his guitars at the gig... bit of a panic, but crew had picked them up Thanks then to John, James, Danny of Viking Sound and Glenn Tour Manager... Pheew!

16/10/08 Harlow: Despite some weirdness backstage with parking (again) issues & etc... Its all moving along in a rock'n roll stylee..

17/10/08 Worthing: The Good Captain Sensible came along for the show tonight and it was a pleasure to see him and his vat of real ale!  I finished it off in the van after the gig with Pasta, Pesto, Olives & a drunken McPhee. The guys had all done the fish & chips along the sea front earlier. Loz calls this a big, bad hall, definitely the worst sound the engineers will have to deal with.

18/10/08 High Wycombe: Few problems with on stage sound for once, despite Marco bashing them for all he was worth TS & Dave couldn't hear him....? Guys got into an extended jam to catch up.   Must be laundry day for the crew, all wearing newly acquired Groundhogs T-shirts, very nice!

19/10/08 Kings Lynn: Some among the throng decided that this was the best gig to date... Focus seemed to have posted lewd pictures over the bands equipment so it looks like talk of revenge is in the air. To cap it all Danny from the Bones presented Glenn with a card & appreciation for his work (as he is moving to another show after tonight....) wearing  a green Mankini al la Borat.... It still haunts me!

24/10/08 Harrogate: Magnificently refurbished in gold on gold to the tune of £10 million quid, royal opening etc... Tony managed to take a flying trip over an item of Focus' gear and landed on his nose... We were going to say he'd had a fight with Focus's guitarist Neils who really is TOOO good, but too many people saw him on the deck. It was a bit of an accident filled night as Dave also managed to save Tonys guitar from a fall with his toe... unfortunately it was the strap stud which hit first, toe went instantly black.... Loz had turned up from a few days off having removed a layer of skin from the top of his fingers with a van, he then managed to hit his head on the van and Marco bashed his elbow on the van door... need more veg, carrots most likely!

25/10/08 Hull: Tony's nose is not anywhere as bad as it could have been. Possibly a bit loud in the hall, but it is the sort of large boomy place which makes sound men work for a living. Its a good job Dave doesn't do any fancy moves on stage as he can hardly walk.

26/10/08 St. Albans: First time I've ever had anything nicked at a gig... and it was only an empty case so I've got a case less CD and some thief has got no pride.... ARSE. It may be known to a few, but Marco likes to chant a bit of a mantra in the van in a Buddhist stylee... well someone managed to graffiti the van with an Ommmmm, what ever next! Huge gig with corridors in every direction.

27/10/08 Ipswich: Sadly some people got thrown out of the auditorium for having the audacity to DANCE... I think they didn't immediately do as they were told, so were frog marched out... outrageous way to treat the customers. The auditorium  has recently been refurbished as Loz was not looking forward to the sound here, but some 'acoustic fettling' as he put it , was well placed and sound was good, gig was great.

28/10/08 Nottingham: Got to Nottingham, drove round it 3 times when we did find the gig we realised that the trail leading from under the van was diesel... RAC.... home relay for me after gig. Tony left with the guys... gulp. It was hardwork on stage and off for the sound guys, its not an easy space to work with.   Accommodation wise 5 of them in a double room (all other rooms booked and a mate of Loz stopping over as well) ... sounds cosy & with 5 blokes... smelly!

29/10/08 Tunbridge Wells : But little did we know that the hotel had a bar.. and the bones were staying there too, up till late playing Focus songs on the ukulele, typical the night I'm at home. Loz & Dave got the giggles and kept the other two awake... does this sound like a group of grown men or a teenage sleep over?

30/10/08 Portsmouth: Got to Portsmouth in time to hear the last chords of Cherry Red from the band, garage really pulled out all the stops, its not what you know... Big cavern of a venue and again the sound was difficult to manage, but Loz is the man! Dave is a qualified pilot and some of his 'Grumpy' flying buddies came to see the show, so he was all nervous... ahh bless, not to worry they had a great night .

31/10/08 Ventnor I-O-W : Halloween, so we all dressed up Tony had green hair+ 'blood' stained lab coat, Dave Red hair & black cloak, Marco Purple and me green and purple Loz had a glow in the dark... which didn't. Put skeleton / fingers / spider etc on stage and played a spooky intro to the show.. all worked well, best performance yet according to the guys, I think the dressing up helped.. another bad sight of the tour. one of the Bones seen wearing the false teeth Dave wore in Hogs set eeeerr.

1/11/08 Folkeston : Standing gig downstairs, the mankini made another appearance to wish goodbye to Jo who had been tour managing since Glenn left, poor girl she didn't deserve that! Weather is really horrid, but guys gave it their best.... Skeleton from last night was back on stage, as was the spooky intro... Its still a lot of fun this tour.

2/11/08 London : Sorry but with all the hassle from the gig, no merch was on sale because at 25% the venue would be making 3x as much out of it as Tony...  So I dressed like a girl and watched the show with Tony's sister Olive, the sound and the gig was marvellous Thijs van Leer of Focus was so enthusiastic about Tony's performance that Tony was floating on a cloud. Bit of a drinky after the show hugs, photos etc.. then we all drift away.

Good news is the tour is likely to run again in 2009 covering different areas/ towns... don't throw that Mankini away Danny!


GUITAR EXHIBITION

Tony is the proud owner of a very special guitar, it was the first Metal Front Zemaitis ever made. Beautifully engraved by Danny O'Brien the guitar is exhibited for the first time ever at The Hub in Sleaford. Along side this are a fantastic range of British built guitars in the exhibition and a number of concerts and open mic sessions. Curated by Gordon Giltrap, Gordon played a special short concert for the opening which was fantastic and it has to be said he is a lovely, warm sincere person.

The exhibition is open till 18th Jan so get out and have a look over the Christmas break.   Check out  Gordon's tour at   www.giltrap.co.uk/index.php?page=news    and  www.thehubcentre.info  for details.


2009 GIGS

9th 100 Club London + STRAY       www.rhythmat.com
16th Cardiff, The Globe + STRAY    www.theglobecardiff.com
17th Milton Keynes, Stables + STRAY    www.stables.org
 
FEBRUARY
4th Bilston, Robin 2 + STRAY    www.therobin.co.uk
5th Chislehurst, Beaverwood Club + STRAY    www.feenstra.co.uk
7th London, Whetstone, Real Music Club + STRAY    www.feenstra.co.uk
12th Newcastle-U-T, The Cluny + STRAY   www.headofsteam.co.uk
20th Ebbw Vale, Beaufort Theatre + STRAY    www.blaenaugwentvenues.com
26th Glasgow, The Ferry + STRAY    www.the-ferry.co.uk
27th Derby, Flowerpot + STRAY   www.rawpromo.co.uk
28th Aylesbury, Civic Centre + HAMSTERS + Martin Turners Wishbone Ash. www.aylesburycivic.org
 

MARCH
7th London, Herne Hill, Half Moon + STRAY www.feenstra.co.uk
13th Stratford Upon Avon, Cox's Yard + STRAY   www.coxsyard.co.uk
14th Burnley, Mechanics + STRAY    www.burnleymechanics.co.uk                                 
15th Liverpool, Baby Blue + STRAY    www.jicomedy.co.uk/livelounge        

Regards & Best Wishes

Joanna & Tony McPhee

 

Surprise surprise & Happy Bank Holiday to you all...

This seems to have become an annual event rather than a newsletter... sorry about that, lots of excuses, but life's like that!

So the big news (if you don't already know) is that The Groundhogs are touring with Focus and Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash through October (see dates below). The Groundhogs are first on the bill, so don't be late! I shall of course be there with my 'shop' so please come and say hello. Tony will also be signing sometime after the performance, but please don't bring the whole collection! (ominous vision of bulging carrier bags flashed through my head then....)

Tony is also doing an interview for the BBC this week about the British Blues boom, don't know much more, but Im definitely going to iron his t-shirt for that one! More news when I find out.

The band have been getting lots of press and publicity, including Split named as one of the 120 best pop albums, in the Sunday Telegraph.


GIG REPORTS (from last year onwards... some gaps...)

SEPTEMBER
Friday 21st Bath Rondo Theatre : Tony & Jo Duet
Its almost too long ago to remember this, you would have thought, but although small the audience were very friendly and it was great chatting with everyone (even a very nice man who works in Dubai… who also managed to get to a couple of Groundhogs gigs in Darlington & London 100 Club, see, we do attract jet-setters)). I was called upon to do an unaccompanied song while TS changed a broken string… (Tony break a string! they chorused in … again….) of course I started a bit too high but managed to squeak my way through the high bits (if you've been to the duet gigs you may have noticed I've got a basement, rather than a rafters type of vocal range!) Tony then threatened to keep it in the act… hmmm this may account for some of his later shenanigans.

Sunday 23rd Isle Of Wight Folk & Blues Festival, Tony & Jo Duet
Its quite a long way to IofW for us (well anyone really), despite the parking difficulties we had a reasonable gig, one of those big 'up in the air stages', however we have yet to be paid, as have any of the performers… Apparently the sponsor has become ill. Sooo out of pocket for the overnight stay, out of pocket for the diesel, at least they paid for the ferry… if the ferry company got paid. Shame really I know a lot of the people working there were volunteers. Agent Ford (008.2) is on the case… but if the money's not there? Met Papa George, great character, now if anyone gets paid…… (latest update they didn't and it would appear that this game is an annual affair, get the bands in, dont' pay, yet they are running it AGAIN...)

OCTOBER
Thursday 4th Derby, The Flowerpot, GROUNDHOGS
Back to a regular venue for the Hogs. When Tony disbanded the band in 2004, this was one of the gigs we had to cancel, so he was a bit unsure that he was forgiven… of course he was, great night for all, and a fabulous set. I did record this for youtube, but the sound quality was truly horrid (even worse than those I have put on already (eccentricman01 if you haven't looked yet))….. (I seem to have a bracket-ish (which is (certainly) annoying) thang going on today, sorry) OK, I've stopped that now.

Friday 5th The Plough, Walthamstow, GROUNDHOGS
Now I didn't go to this one, so if anyone wants to send a review of (or any other gig) the offer is open.



Friday 12th Mansfield, Town Mill, GROUNDHOGS
Quite an historic building, with the venue on the higher level, but not up a wobbly iron fire escape for a change. Its got quite a nice feel this place, with the mill stream still running down one side. I was pleased to sell a few copies of the Boulton Iron Maiden covers CD here (see web site….) which is being sold to collect money for McMillan Nurses. Tony has now admitted that he has been having trouble with his eye and I was a bit concerned that the lighting would be too bright/ too dim/ too flashing just too too, but despite what he sais Tony is playing so well at the moment, like he has just found another brain connection, its almost as if he needs a bit of adversity to get his motors cooking, I must remember to be more horrid to him!

Saturday 13th Leeds, Rios, GROUNDHOGS
Quite a new venue this, but not a bad set up, could have been a bigger audience but you never can tell. There were quite a few young people in the audience who were relatively new to the band, but loved it (& bought merch to prove it). The real downside to the venue is the rapid turn over from live music to rock disco with the 2 up-their-own-arse knobhead DJ's doing nothing to smooth the way and no help from any staff to clear/carry gear or provide security. It was a very stressful end to the evening AND when we got outside, what we hadn't realised was that the club is situated in jack-hammer alley and it was SO noisy with conflicting club systems that I would have admitted to anything…YES I AM GHENGIS KHAN….JACK(IE) THE RIPPER….GEORGE BUSH……RONALD MCDONLD….just get me out of here! If any of you are torturers by profession take note!

Friday 19th Darlington Arts Centre, GROUNDHOGS
What a difference a week made, from shiny, clubland rock venue to the back room of an arts centre…. But they would have sold double the tickets at this gig if they could have transferred to the larger room (unfortunately pre booked by someone else). WHAT a squeeze, and it got a tad warm. I was on the lights which meant 5 faders I could slide up & down fixed to a shoe box. I was particularly proud of my big ending blackout…. (called the off switch!) The evening has been documented both by Sonny… who has famously kept the Yahoo group chat going and (see you tube) and Keith Sunderland who provided much of the archive footage for the DVD and had borrowed a BIG fancy camera to record the evening, we shall have to wait and see what this reveals.

DECEMBER
Saturday 1st Windsor Arts Centre, Tony & Jo Duet, this appeared to be a small, friendly crowd in a well run venue, sadly the receivers have now been called in .....
guess who doesn't get paid again!

2008
JANUARY
4th 100 Club, London
Always a great night at the 100. We were pleased to play to such a warm responsive audience with some fans having travelled from Denmark for the occasion. Last time we saw 100 club was on the telly with George Melly filming his final gig, The bouncers were full of praise for him and pride that he had chosen the 100 for his swan song.

18th January : Sudbury, Quay Theatre.
Sell out gig, which is great for the duet, especially in January. Tony absolutely blew us away with a spectacular solo electric version of Eccentric Man and his acoustic set was terrific I was particularly impressed with 'No place to go', which was typical, as we had decided to drop it when we next update the set, perhaps . DESPITE the battery in his guitar giving out and I had to finish one of my numbers acca-pulco (quite enjoyed it really)!

19th January : Worcester, Huntingdon Hall
Again a great turn out (must have been that listing in the guardian Guide that did it), especially as the rain was pouring down and the river was rising higher...... We were a bit concerned on the way, when I asked TS if he would turn out to watch a gig on a night like that, he pulled one of his special McPhee faces... Its not nice....! However (thankfully) the people of Worcester are made of sterner stuff. For those who don't know it, the Hall is an old church with many of the pews (especially the family pews intact) seemed a strange spot for an 'Edifying evening of Wrock & Wroll', me of little faith, it was superb, stamping and cheering from the gallery disturbing the rest of 'Moses Jones, late of the city'.

13th June 100 Club
This was the last gig the lads played before the summer recess & what a blinder, I had one of those moments when I had to genuinely go up to the lads and say thank you myself. So picture of the famous dressing room/corridor/back stage dungeon and Jim Driver who keeps many of the gigs going attached... how rock 'n roll is that!

Good mornin' afternoon, evening folks,

Its all happening here (& there, and even over there!) there are a lot more gigs lined up for the band, and even a few acoustic for Tony & myself, so check out the new gig dates below.

TS (TILTING SLIGHTLY) BITS

RIP Dave Wellbelove
If you've been on the website you will have seen the sad news that Dave Wellbelove died on 30th June. Dave played second guitar on Crosscut Saw, and can be heard on the 'Live '76 album and joined John Miles after leaving the Hogs in 1976.

So what has he (The McPhee) been up to... Apart from myspace-ing!
New pedals... Just when I thought it was impossible for a man to have any more knobs (fnar fnar) he goes and buys a Zoom G7.1ut (whatever that is) pedal and now all the gig set lists are titled 'Banks & Patches' and colour coded. Of course in typical McPhee fashion he set to work with a hacksaw in order to fit it into the pedals case, with the other two pedals... (Super overdrive and Chorus ensemble).
We have also started putting gig footage on youtube the channel is eccentricman01, although there's only 2 on yet, (on a search there are a few other bits of footage from Half moon, Sheffield and an interview with Pete Feenstra (see link below)). Sorry about the sound/video quality, I'm working on it.... Honest.... I'm going to put another clip on next week from The Musician in Leicester... Still a bit wobbly but a fine version of Split 2.

John Connelly & his mate Jem
Went to see the Fall in Manchester, they couldn't believe it when they played Strange Town in their set. "Pretty good version close to the original" Mark Smith is known as a Groundhogs fan and you might notice that Tony often wear his 'Fall' T-shirt during gigs...

PRESS etc...Lots of coverage

Youtube
http://my.videoegg.com/video/dzyQIZ - interview with Pete Feenstra
http://uk.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5A452E0AFBD10AB7 (probably same)


New Release
CD (live at the New York Club) "is just up there with the best...fantastic" 4 star review by Michael Heatley in August 2007 Record Collector Magazine (in full).

"Taped in Switzerland in 1991, this features mainman Tony 'TS'McPhee in his preferred power trio format with drummer Mick Jones and ex-Hawkwind bassist Dave Anderson in support. Its something of a 'greatest hits' set, focusing
Mainly on the early 70's albums that made their name, but mixing in the odd unexpected delight (Muddy Waters' I want you to love me) among the Splits, Thank Christ for the Bombs & Cherry Reds.
The guitar work is, as ever, pretty fearsome, combining power with feeling. While McPhees vocals have always been an acquired taste, he's clearly enjoying himself here on what was surprisingly only the fourth gig of an extensive European tour. Vocal ad libs but few wasted notes make this a memorable show.
Its a crying shame there are no informative sleeve notes to give this release a context, but the bootleg style presentation (the stage greeting is given its own track title, Greeting The Masses) is maybe fitting for what is an unvarnished blast of progressive blues that's remained unheard for a decade and a half"


Q magazine September 2007, Cherry Red in '20 Greatest Guitar Tracks'

Rated as No. 17 & Chosen by Serge Pizzorno (Kasabian). Who describes it as "a perfect guitar performance" ...." It sounds like the wrongest song on paper, but they get away with it".

TV
We were informed that there were a couple of (very) short clips of 'Wages of Peace' on second episode of second series of Saxondale ... They were right! see it on youtube (end part 1 & start mid part 2).
Well done to Steve & Elaine Thornton & Martyn Hanson (him wot wrote the book), for spotting (or 'earing) that (I certainly wouldn't have).


GIG REPORTS

Zoom at the Moon - Half Moon, Herne Hill
Time out gave this gig a star rating and it well deserved it, half of Space Ritual turned up plus fans from Paris, Austria & Lithuania. Angel (who normally dances for Space Ritual) got up & danced on stage, she was wonderful (see pic) ...did Tony notice.... Y'know, I'm not sure he did.

Boardwalk, Sheffield
Excellent turn out and a 2008 return promised for this gig. I managed to get Pete Rigby to come along and take some photos although Dave was standing in the shadows a bit, got some nice shots & hoping to update the web page with recent pics...

Henrys Southam
Pity The Godiva festival was on the same night in Coventry, as this could have affected numbers, but this promises to be a nice venue in the Hotel, bit of an unusual set up, but if enthusiasm and determination sell tickets Laura & her family should be looking at a gold mine.

Stoughton Beer & Music Festival
Find a field, drink good beer, listen to live music, what more do you want, great atmosphere at this idyllic pub side festival, It was a bit tempting to stop over but we managed to drag ourselves away. (overheard conversation 1st person "is he in the van?" 2nd "nar its just some scruffy, old geezer with a dog".... That's our TS!)

Buttermarket, Shrewsbury
If it does't matter that someone gets shot a month before, and you don't do any advertising (I gave them the opportunity to pull out of this one), you'd think they would have at least bothered to set up some lights and pay the performers.... Seldom treated as badly.

Birdman Festival, Ilfracombe
This is an amazing do, people dress up as ... Anything then hurl themselves off the pier, if they get to the other side of the harbour they get £100,000, no one got further than 10 feet this year! But the man who got furthest was dressed in his pants... That could be the key to winning, bigger pants!

Rhythm Festival, Bedford (Tony & Jo duet)
OK so we managed to blag an all weekend ticket & Tony & I hadn't played together for a bit, let me just say what a GREAT festival this is, get along next year its got unusual line up (not the same old, same old) 2 main stages, comedy/folk stage, lots of veggie food (as well as decent carnivorous grub) late nightclub. Circus, kids stuff, FLUSHING TOILETS etc. etc, on the aerodrome site where Glenn Miller left and got lost from..... (They've put up more signs now)!
Well organized and friendly staff not the usual jobs-worths you get at the bigger festivals... Oh yea & real ale! My particular favorite act was (us, of course, the gig really was a lot of fun), Dr. John, & John Cooper Clarke (who I got to shake hands with, he is someone else Tony has shared a bill with.... & he really is that thin!).

Penzance Studio Bar (duet)
Got surprised by a couple of old friends and a fantastically warm welcome, it made the long drive worth it. Excellent sound by Alex, I wasn't sure how many more people could cram in, then some young men in 'fat' fancy dress came in.... What's that about!

The Cellars, Eastney, Nr Portsmouth
Fantastic night (see youtube clip) 3 off capacity crowd, and blimey it was HOT, Tony was playing particularly well (until he started having pedal problems with his 'banks & partches'... Few expletives later he was back on track). Could be another 2008 return.

Crook Town FC, Co. Durham
Rarely have I seen quite as many drunk people crowded into one room! Again pretty much a capacity sell out, & ticket sales are already looking good for Darlington in October. Thanks to the support band (Tom Atkinson) for use of the PA, and playing 'Cherry Red' properly :) for their sound check.

Robin 2, Wolverhampton
Sunday Night in Bilston was never so good! Playing a double headliner with STRAY, Del was on form and the room rocked (gawd did I just type that). Tony was getting into it so much he didn't notice the 11 O'Clock curfew wall (see youtube for eccentric man) and had to finish a bit sharpish. Thanks for all friends who turned up & especially to Dave Roberts who helped with the shop (that man could merchandise domestos to amoeba), so I went home happy & its just down the road which was wonderful.

Musician, Leicester
Already booked in for a 2008 date, Its great what has been done to the Musician, extended, decorated and selling decent beer! Nice to see Steve (& partner Michelle) without the crutches, if Tony ever forgets the words (& lets face it, it happens) Steve will be there, pint in hand, ready to take over! Also nice to see Leicesters most popular bus driver resplendent in flares, floppy hat and smock top, someone needs to do these things.

FUTURE GIG DATES

OCTOBER
Thursday 4th Derby, The Flowerpot, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.rawpromo.co.uk
Friday 5th The Plough, Walthamstow, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.ploughe17.co.uk
Friday 12th Mansfield, Town Mill, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.townmill.com
Saturday 13th Leeds, Rios, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.rios-leeds.com
Friday 19th Darlington Arts Centre, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.gastopromotions.co.uk

NOVEMBER
Thursday 1st Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cox's Yard, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.coxsyard.co.uk
Friday 2nd Gigbeth, Kerryman Pub, Digbeth www.gigbeth.co.uk Tony & Jo Duet
Friday 23rd Ipswich, The Railway, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.ipswichrailway.co.uk
Saturday 24th Howden, Shire Hall, www.howden-live.com Tony & Jo Duet

DECEMBER
Saturday 1st Windsor Arts Centre, www.windsorartscentre.org Tony & Jo Duet
Friday 21st Bury, Hark To Towler, TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS www.hark2towler.co.uk

Be GREAT

Hi everyone, on to business....
Of course the most exciting news are the Groundhogs gigs coming up (see list below) new dates are being offered all the time. Tony is having to make sure that there is as little confusion as possible due to 'others' hijacking the name so its 'Tony McPhees Groundhogs' which is the bona fide line up, covering the albums from 1962 - 1979. The gigs are specially aimed at promoting a new 'Live' album recorded in Switzerland in 1991, available at gigs and through me or the web site.

You might have noticed that I have put 'buy it now' buttons on the web site, www.thegroundhogs.co.uk ... for all the merchandise I have for sale. I'm not sorted out on the shopping basket milarky yet, but if you want to buy more than one item at a time, I will refund the additional postage charges... Cashwise with the order.

TONY McPHEES GROUNDHOGS - GIG REPORTS

April 14th - Alexanders Chester
One of our favourite small venues. It was a good starting place to test out Marcos sticks... Yes he can certainly bash those drums about a bit... Turns out he is a real find, even does a bit of harmony vocals. It was such a great evening Dave the bass was making the most of the evening, back from his recent gigs with Space Ritual, and some familiar faces were a welcome sight. One new bit of technology is a screen further back in the gig and if we had taken a DVD recordable disc we could have had the whole thing recorded... Unfortunately its just the sort of thing I never carry round with me (although if you've seen the size of my handbag you would have thought I had all sorts, Mary Poppins like, hidden in its depths). NEXT TIME... Remind me someone!

April 20th - 100 Club
This is true Groundhogs & McPhee Territory, Club Bang Bang run by Jim Driver, (who is incidentally behind the Rhythm Festival Tony & I will be dueting at in August). If anyone saw the history of rock programme you will have seen the iconic backdrop which is still in place. Well if there ever was a gig where so many long term fans came out, this was it, it was wonderful to see so many of you & what a great night (apart from for Dave A. who got a parking fine outside the front of the gig!!!! and the support band nicking all the wine.... :) (sorry I'm shit at this internet icon smiley face thing speak stuff, I mean we didn't mind really).

May 25th - Nottingham, Brittania Boat Club
Those of you who have met Barry, will remember Barry see his site barrysblues.co.uk and the Boat club is an amazing venue, right by the river... Which is where a boat club should be and next to a football stadium?? Whatever that's about! walk up to its 60's club type exterior, walk in and it has been transformed into a dingy cave.... But really well done, I really liked it. The guys were on form Tony broke a string right at the beginning of the set (how often has THAT happened?) I think he gets too psyched up & thrashes the living beejabbers out of it... Or TS does stand for Tight Sod & he didn't change them... Take your pick!
By the end the second number he had regained his composure & really took us all along the twisted road of tangental wailing solos pulling back to ecstatic riffs, bewailing lyrics, and me had a bit of a boogie at the end. At the front of the audience sitting crossed legged were young folk... Attracted in by their friends in the support act 'Lords' (a most illuminating and individual act I might point out) they sat and gazed & so McPhee impresses another generation of the most talented Nottingham have to offer (sorry bit crawly that last bit), but I could see from the backs of their heads that they loved it!

UPCOMING GIG DATES - Tony McPhees Groundhogs

JULY
Sat 7th. Zoom Club, Herne Hill, London www.feenstra.co.uk/hernehill/main.php
Fri 13th. The Boardwalk, Sheffield www.theboardwalklive.co.uk
Sat 14th Henry's Music Club Southam, Warks. www.thestoneythorpehotel.co.uk
Sat 21st. Stoughton Beer & Music Festival, Hare & Hounds
Thurs 26th. The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury www.buttermarket.com
Sun 29th. Ilfracombe Birdman Festival

AUGUST
Sat 11th. Rainbow Spirit Festival, Chepstow Racecourse www.rainbowspiritenlightenmentfayre.org.uk

SEPTEMBER
Sun 2nd. The Cellars Eastney, Hampshire www.thecellars.co.uk
Sat 9th. Robin 2 Bilston, West Midlands (WITH STRAY) www.therobin.co.uk
Sat 15th. The Musician, Leicester www.themusicianpub.co.uk
Sat 29th. Honiton Hotel

OCTOBER

Thur 4th. The Flowerpot Derby www.rawpromo.co.uk
Fri 19th Darlington Arts Centre www.darlingtonarts.co.uk




UPCOMING GIG DATES - Tony McPhee Acoustic Blues & Groundhogs unplugged

AUGUST

Sat 4th. Twinwood Arena Nr. Clapham Rhythm Festival www.rhythmfestival.net
Thurs 16th. Fletcher Christian Tavern, Cockermouth www.fletcherchristiantavern.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

Fri 21st. Bath, Rondo Theatre www.rondotheatre.co.uk
Sun. 23rd Isle Of Wight Folk & Blues Festival
Fri. 28th Shaftesbury Arts Centre www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk

NOVEMBER

Sat. 24th. Shire Hall Howden www.howden-live.com


That's all for now ...


--
Regards
Tony & Joanna

OK so I know I said the Groundhogs were at an end, but its happened before & I know I really need to get on that Gibson and start making some noise with a band.
So when Barry of Talking Elephant Records suggested a new Live album (well its from 1991) it was an omen, So hereby stand notice TONY McPHEE'S GROUNDHOGS will be gigging again... see listing for detail, or Jo will send a newsletter if you contact her through the web site www.thegroundhogs.co.uk. Make no mistake this is FULL ON Groundhogs, no tributes, no stand ins, no disappointments.
TS

As its our first entry, Ive posted the last 5 Tony McPhee & Groundhogs newsletters below, hope you enjoy them. By The way I'm Joanna, Tony's partner & I get to do the typing!

Tony McPhee & Groundhogs Newsletter No. 12 2/2/07

Greetings all & a happy Groundhog(s) day.......
Sorry about getting on the band wagon. Getting a bit of a head cold here, just in time for the start of the seasons gigging (moan). Tony is practising in the living room.... good sign!

TS 'BITS'
The main news is that Talking Elephant records are to release a live Groundhogs album from 1991, recorded in Germany & Switzerland with Messrs Anderson & Jones. To celebrate & promote this Tony, Dave & Mick will be gigging later this year as Tony McPhees Groundhogs (screaming excitement heard throughout the planet). We have some tentative dates at the moment but I will let you know when this is all set up.

The DVD is now due to be re-issued and ents.tv have decided that they would like to include a CD of the gig with it. They are also thinking of selling the CD separately to anyone who has already got the DVD.

Another major excitement (and expense) for us, has been the purchase of an Otari reel to reel tape recorder... Its about the size of an old photocopier & takes 1" & 2" studio tape. Why why why... and it has been pointed out that the same (and better) technology can be fitted into a box the size of a pencil case, BUT Tony has got a cupboard full of old studio tapes and it worked out cheaper for us to buy the machine than get someone else to transpose them for us.
This means that we could find some interesting stuff ...... quite exciting really.

We have already found some studio tapes of bands he recorded in the 70's, but are not sure who they were, possibly a band called Ro-ro ?? & Dancer (Anthony Minghella on keyboards)

We might also branch out & offer a copy service to other people in the same position (got to pay for the durrrrned machine some how!) but got to work out the best system over the next month.

Very sorry to hear about Clive 'Boz' Burrell who Tony played with in 1966. Ex Bad Company & King Crimson. Them drugs don't do you any good! Also Ahmet Ertegun, who founded Atlantic records... because he LIKED music & before record companies were run by accountants.

PRESS
Not a lot of action that we know of....... we were told that Tony or the band were listed as one of 100 great icons.... but we never managed to work out which publication that was in... anyone know?

Soldier got a play on Steve Harley's show on BBC Radio 2
And Planet Rock were playing tracks again - excellent.

If you can understand Spanish, you might want to have a look at a review from some people who made a trip over from Spain to see The Groundhogs at Farmer Phils festival last summer.....
http://www.mentesdeacido.com/articulos/groundhogs/groundhogs.html

There are two Groundhogs clips on 'youtube' one is of Tony with John Lee Hooker.... yes thats him with the fringe... snicker.... The other is the touring section from the DVD, it looks a bit grainy, due to massive compression of the file (apparently, why should I know, I'm a girl!)

GIG REPORTS (couple of)

Sheffield, Highcliffe Hotel
First of a new venture for our old mate Vaughan, I had to deal with an unhappy heckler & to be honest I was a bit hyper (y'know girl stuff), but she was complaining that she couldn't hear the words very well.... I tried to improve the sound, (still moaned), I pointed out that it was a blues gig and that this was essentially an inherent problem, (more moaning) so I offered to write the lyrics down for her... her mates & others in the audience thought this was quite funny......but she left at the break.... oooops!

Scotland - The Tour
Very good & very bad...... Love Scotland & people, had some wonderful times and had to run away from Inverness gig..... (think of the noise that Lurch of the "Addams Family' used to make when someone said something he was apalled by) UUUUrrrrghhhhhhhhhhh.......

Special thanks to Birnam Fiddle Tree, Glasgow State Bar and all at the Dunnet Head Lighthouse for making it so worth while.

FORTHCOMING GIG LISTING (so far) 2007 (Tony Solo)
February
3rd Colchester, Arts Centre www.colchesterartscentre.com
24th Warrington, Pyramid & Parr Hall. www.pyramid.org.uk

March
9th Falmouth, Princess Pavilion www.carrickleisureservices.org.uk
16th Cardiff, Norwegian Church Arts Centre

April
3rd Etton, Nr Hull. Processed Pea Club @ The Light Dragoon. www.beehive.thisishull.co.uk/processedpea
14th Kings Lynn, Arts Centre. www.kingslynnarts.co.uk
27th Nuneaton, Queens Hall. www.queenshall.net
28th Chippenham, The Cause Arts Centre www.thecausemusicandarts.com

May
4th Otley, Nr Leeds, Courthouse. www.courthouseproject.org.uk

Details when we get them on web site www.thegroundhogs.co.uk






Tony McPhee & Groundhogs Newsletter No. 11. September 2006

Hi Everyone
Long time no contact, Its been so long since the last newsletter, so I dont think I can do a full gig list report... old t'imers setting in for one thing, but I will do an edited highlights. It has been a really busy few months for us, gigs and on the home front (decided to re-model the inside of the camper van... possibly a major mistake!)


TS 'BITS' (TOPPLES SIDEWARDS?)

Matt Baldwin has released an interesting acoustic version of 'Split Part 2' in the States (fabulous). It was released on Tuesday August 29th. Tompkins Square Records (in Berkeley, California), all the relevant information at www.tompkinssq.com in the "releases" section.

Tony has also bought a new box of tricks and at our last gig found out by accident that it does contain a drum machine... We were aware of a loud bum chink...bum chink etc... through the monitors & we thought the PA guys were testing the system and then they unplugged everything and it was still there bum chink...bumm... bit of a mystery, system check, local ghost blaimed, then TS touched the pedal... He denied it was the pedal till he switched it back on again..... NOW he might read the instructions!

Well it looks like the DVD is almost sold out... time to decide what we are going to do next. Im sure it will get reissued, we also need to think about a USA version, possible release of the sound track as a CD? and of course tidying up the mistake on the track listing....... now there's a challenge!

Looking forward to out tour of Scotland... see dates below.

PRESS
There have been (to our knowledge) the following Press items since the last newsletter. If you come across other mentions please let us know and we can pass on details.

MOJO mag (June 2006), free CD featuring tracks that shaped punk. Cherry Red is featured with a flattering write up!

Record Collector (Marc Bolan on cover) a review of The Groundhogs Scratching the Surface CD.

The Groundhogs are getting regular airings on DAB radio station Planet Rock at the moment? Cherry Red, Eccentric Man & Split Part 1 are the featured tracks.


GIG REPORTS

Gigs have been rather a mixed bag through the summer... something to do with an ancient game of pigs bladder chasing (football I think they call it), some of the gigs were sell out & some a bit sad (audience number wise). However what has been consistent is warm praise and a fantastic response to the performances.
We have managed to fit in a number of festivals over the year Tony & myself have 'done' LLanfyllin, which was a bit nerve wracking as a lot of our mates from 'down the pub' were there, and our spot was hijacked by a foul mouth US comedian who arrived a day late, and got on stage to do his bit before anyone could stop him?? So as is the way of all festivals, the running times slipped a bit. The festival was full and I think they are moving to a bigger site next year, probably a wise move.

Abertillery Blues festival was fun and we had a great 'catch up' with "The Hamsters", very funny guys, Slim is well into e-bay and were got heavily into discussing tactics... hold on, I didn't think it was a competative sport! We also found the security code to evacuate the site.... tempting! It must have been a quiet evening as it seemed that all the members of the local police force found themselves at the event and once they discovered the 'Green Room' that was it for the sandwiches, coffee, cups and on went the telly..... lets face it there wasn't much else for them to do. TS was interviewed for an internet radio show (must track down what happened to that) but because of the overwhelming police presence we kept getting disturbed by the sounds of police radio's "crackle....blaaa blupr ppprab lblllb...crackle...got any more cheese left crrrr...blip"

Our two set appearance on the acoustic stage at Colne Blues festival went down a storm, I was a bit nervous about this one, it is after all a bit prestigious! excellent stuff we found out afterwards though that Dave Edmunds (appearing on an adjacent stage) had forgotten his guitar!! luckily a local music shop owner was there to save the day.

Farmer Phils was an absolute blast... Tony, Dave Anderson & Marco Anderson (no relation) put on a fantastic Groundhogs set at the festival (photo attached). There was always a bit of worry as Tony hadn't played with a band for a year and would Dave remember not to break into 'Masters of the Universe' and could Marco play....? Well they worked hard, rehearsed and presented one of the best sets Ive seen Tony do (and lets face it thats quite a few). Wonderful support from the audience (chants of Toe-knee, Toe-knee).

TS also swanned off to Belgium for a gig with the British Blues All Stars, at the Harelbeke Rock 'N' Blues festival. It was a bit hectic and they only got about 4 hours sleep before having to get the early train back to Blighty, but he thoroughly enjoyed it; other musicians were, Bob Hall, (who Tony was in the very first 'Groundhogs with) piano, Tom McGuiness (Blues Band & Manfred Man) Guitar, Jim McCarty (Yardbirds) Drums, Marcus Cliffe (Blues Band & others) bass and guest Marcus Malone, vocals.






Tony McPhee & Groundhogs Newsletter No. 10. May 2006

Hi Everyone

Before you start be warned that there is a rant in the offing!

TS 'BITS' (TAKING STANDS?)
A guy called Matt Baldwin has released an interesting acoustic version of 'Split Part 2' in the States (fabulous). It put TS in mind of Mason Williams 'Classical Gas'. It will be released on 15th August as part of an album on Tompkins Square Records (in Berkeley, California). I will post details when I get them.

...............................RANT................................

It is a constant source of sadness and dismay to Tony that so many people enjoy killing animals for fun and deny the agony and suffering they cause. It is completely distressing, that there are musicians who can support the barbaric practices of such people. However this year the so called Countryside Alliance (otherwise known as 'Toffs for Torture') are holding a pic-nic and it is sad to see that the following will be appearing to support them.

Gary Brooker Mike Rutherford
Roger Taylor Nick Mason
Roger Waters Georgie Fame
Roger Daltrey Andy Fairweather Low
Paul Carrack Eric Clapton

May their lives be filled with the pain and suffering they condone.

On the other side of the coin there are plenty of musicians who hate this brutality.

LIST OF THE GOOD GUYS (who signed letter to Tony Blair asking that the import of dog & cat fur be made illegal)
Bryan Adams Jeff Beck
Tony Bennett Sir Peter and Lady Blake
Steve Buscemi and Jo Andres Brian Clarke
Phil Collins Geoff Emerick
Robin Gibb Dave Gilmour
Eddy and Anne Grant Jools Holland
Chrissie Hynde Elton John
Carla Lane Twiggy and Leigh Lawson
Lulu
Joanna Lumley and Stephen Barlow
George and Judy Martin Robbie and Flo McIntosh
George Michael Steve Miller
Adrian and Celia Mitchell Eddie Murphy
Paul Newman Stella Parsons and friends
Elizabeth Quinn Nitin Sawhney
Victor Spinetti Sarah Starkey and friends
Tracey Ullman Margo Wickens
Brian and Melinda Wilson

Other anti-blood sport musicians include:
Captain Sensible
Noel Gallagher
Brian May
Midge Ure

As for vegetarians.......... 100's of them see
http://www.viva.org.uk/celebs/fulllist.html

To find out more see the web sites of
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals http://www.peta.org.uk
or
The League against Cruel Sports: http://www.league.uk.com

............END OF RANT....................

PRESS
There have been (to our knowledge) the following Press items since the last newsletter. If you come across other mentions please let us know and we can pass on details.

March/April 2006 : Classic Rock Society - Book Review
March 11th : Irish News - Review DVD & Book
Haverhill Echo interview
Blues Matters Issue 31 : Review of Skegness Blues festival

March http://www.terrascope.co.uk/Reviews/Reviews_March06.htm - BookReview 
Newsletter on - http://melosprogbazaar.com/close_to_the_edge/ Interesting site which puts out regular 'progcasts' of progressive music.

Radio 2 - Groundhogs track played on Steve Harley, Sounds of the Seventies Radio Cornwall Interview 23rd March

GIG REPORTS

Wolverley, Queens Head
Nice pub this, (pity they've had to stop putting 'bigger' names on, hence our gig pulled later in the year) I was talked out during and after the gig and there were some very drunk people trying to get Tony very drunk! It was interesting to be told that Robert Plant had been in the bar during the set... We never got to see him though.... probably just as well, I would have got a bit nervous, although I expect Tony wouldn't.

Winsford, Cheshire. Deebees Music Bar
Who booked a gig on a football semi-final night on a wet wednesday in Winsford? Despite this there was support from a number of young talented musicians and an enthusiastic response to the gig.

Newark, Palace Theatre
Apparently Tony Played here in the 70's its a real wedding cake of a building. We got all the gear packed up for us and shipped out, can't be bad.

Newcastle-on-Tyne, Cluny
Some old friends at this gig, including Keith who did so much of the filming used on the DVD. Such an enthusiastic welcome from this crowd. Some bright spark in a previous band had decided it was funny to lock the dressing room toilet door from the inside... Tony managed to get it sorted... somehow....not by vaulting over though.

Belper, Queens Head
Tight squeeze in this friendly venue and got a lovely pint of Duchars at the end (OK I had half). We had so many people trying to get in early that we had to cut the sound check short, but we got there in the end.

St. Austell, Keay Theatre
What a gem of a gig, lovely crowd both organising and paying we got some interesting feedback so I had to ask Tony a few questions when I got back on stage for the second set, as I didn't know the answers. He also had to admit that it was his birthday the night before and he had stayed sober so as not to feel bad for the gig... wot a groan up!

Blackpool, Grand Theatre Studio
For some reason the local press decided not to run the gig adverts.
Consequently we had a small audience who really whooped it up to make up for the numbers. Many thanks to you all, and being a small gathering they were given the opportunity to ask for some song requests. (I did meet Susanna York outside the gig, as she was appearing locally, but I was talking to HER DOG for ages and didn't realise it was her till she was walking away.....duuuh)

Bury, The Met
Excellent sell out gig (another gem), although it was weird to hear applause and music coming through our monitors at one point and we realised that it was coming from the upstairs (trad jazz) gig. It seemed that the PA was picking up the hearing loop and transmitting to our monitors... bit confusing, but it got sorted right away by the very friendly & helpful crew.

Haverhill, Town Hall (A return to his old haunts).
This was a trip down memory lane for Tony as he lived in Haverhill for 10 years in the 70-80's so there were lots of old mates turned up to an (almost) sell out gig, we are definitely gearing up on the audience numbers.... doing something right I hope. Also at the gig was Tonys mate Karl Hyde of Underworld, Karl is one of the truly nice guys that Ive met in the biz, (and has written some amazing music). Tony was doing well untill a Gremlin got involved with his feet during the 'Cherry Red' encore, not to be put off he launched off again and threw Split Part 2 into the middle, only time for one encore Im afraid but it had turned into an excellent night, just right to start up the 'three in a row' tour dates. Interesting to note that the last time Tony had been on that stage was 1976 when he was rehearsing up the 'Crosscut Saw'/'Black Diamond', Scandinavian Tour

Aylesbury, Limelight
So it was a bit nerve racking to perform in front of Tonys eldest son Co and his partner Jean (without giggling), but for Tony to ask me if I had the squits on stage was really a bit much and a tad embarrasing (I didn't by the way). It was a superb night, although it must be said that Tonys electric guitar numbers were outstandingly good, it fell just right, fabulous stuff. Its a great Arts Centre by the way, lots of courses, fabulous exhibitions, worth a visit.

Maidenhead, Norden Farm Arts Centre
Everything went well again, good size, attentive audience and some very warm feedback as people came to the shop or went home. Tony is well on form and enjoying playing in the slightly 'up-market' venues we seem to have got booked into (Oh no we've got posh!). A really good end to a great three gigs. So what happens we get stuck in a 5 mile traffic jam on the M6 on a Saturday night at 2 in the morning! (It all balances out in the end).




Tony McPhee & Groundhogs Newsletter No. 9 - February 2006

Hi Everyone

I shall suffer writers cramp for not sending a newsletter out earlier as there is so much to write about now.... so lets get on to it!

GROUNDHOGS SHOP

Im getting some queries about what is in and out of stock, basically the following are now on sale:

DVD
60/40 Split, Groundhogs DVD £15

BOOK
Groundhogs: The Classic years £15

T-Shirts £10
All Sizes in stock :
Small (approx 34")
Ive also got in some very small thin strap T-shirts....to see how they go,
medium (approx 38")
L (42" ish)
XL (46" ish)
XXL (approx 50")

CD's
4CD Box Set (Scratching The Surface, Blues Obituary, Thank Christ For the Bomb & Split) £25
Blues at Ten £10
Foolish Pride £10
Groundhogs Live '76 £12
Lost Tapes Volume 1 & 2 (2 cd's) £10
Razors Edge CD (We've managed to find the last of these in the whole universe! So only available through us) £10
Solid £10
Split £10
Thank Christ For The Bomb £10
The Muddy Waters Song Book £10
The Two Sides Of Tony (T.S.) McPhee (Re-Issue) £12
Who Will Save The World £10

Collectors Section

Time Of Action/Born To Be With You. 1983 - Tony McPhee Band
7" vinyl single (only 1000 pressed, TS Records only issue) £10

Razors Edge. 1990 (Hound Dog Records) Vinyl LP £15
US Tour '72. 1999 (Akarma) Vinyl LP (This mis-labelled album is in fact compiled from BBC sessions and not from a US radio session as Tony believed when it was released.) £15

Please Leave My Mind. (Herbal Mixture and Groundhogs early singles/demo's. Distortions Records, American Import) CD £13
The Best of A.O.G. (1994, HTD) CD £12

Please add £1.50 (per order) for P&P

Details on website www.thegroundhogs.co.uk

TS 'BITS' (TWANGING STRINGS?)

Quite a bit of 'stuff' going on at present
Firstly we are looking for Scottish gigs, Nick has managed to sort out some for the end of September but more is always.... more! If you know of a nice venue near you let us know.

We have been learning a few more songs (although I dipped out of mine at Birkenhead.... sorry... ran out of time) We are going to include some of the numbers Tony recorded with Champion Jack Dupree on the Dupree & McPhee album and Tony was requested to do 'Mornings Eyes' and now he has decided to keep it in... it meant that he HAD to buy some more effects to get that guitar sound he used for it... any excuse for more gadgets!

On the social side we went to see Julian Cope's new set which is a 3 piece which includes guitarist Doggen (Tonys mate also of Spiritualized) What a great gig, really enjoyed ourselves, good solid rock & Cope-iness, with lots of interest, excellent.

Spookyness had also tracked us down and we had reports of one of the Groundhogs early drummers (Colin Davey, wrongly named as Colin Huntley in the Book) had gone for a drink in our local.... he didn't know it was our local & was only passing through and it was only through a stray, overheard comment that a connection was made. Tony managed to get a contact detail for Colin and was able to catch up later. It seems that he has worked all over with Joe Cocker and is still working hard.

It would appear that Tony is still of interest to the young and a musician from the States is planning to do a cover of Split 2 on CD.... we await with interest.

George Brigman, has had a number of his albums reissued to some acclaim (MOJO review of Jungle Rot) George has been hugely influenced by Tony and the Groundhogs naming bands, record companies and labels after Groundhogs albums/Tracks... for interest
http://www.citypaper.com/music/story.asp?id=11348
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=38:30


PRESS

There has been (to our knowledge) the following Press items since the last newsletter. If you come across other mentions please let us know and we can pass on details.

24th Jan 2006 Observer Music Monthly, Critic at Large. Groundhogs mentioned in passing.
Feb 2006. Classic Rock. DVD Review 7/10
Feb 2006. Guitar & Bass. Tony on list of Great SG Players
Feb/March 2006. Blues Matters. Dupree & McPhee review, DVD Review, Book Review & Readers offer on book.
March 2006. Classic Rock. Book Review 7/10

GIG REPORTS
We are getting busy right from the start of the year, thanks to Nick at Madrigal Music for all his hard work (phoning up for gigs is a really difficult job & not for the faint hearted!)

January 19th Brighton, Komedia
First of the year and what a start, really good crowd and a great sound. Very well organised venue and good eats! Tony was so pleased with the gig that he forgot to get paid! Met up with lots of friends old & new (including Sandy who I know lives near Birkenhead!) and we have been getting great feedback from people who attended. After the show a young man asked Tony if he could interview him for a 'project' on Eccentricity... what can he have meant!

26th Southampton, The Platform Tavern
This was a bit of an experiment for the Gaffer as they usually have blues on at the weekend and its free, however a Thursday night paying audience turned up on a dark night by the sea, & what a friendly bunch, even people from the Isle of Wight, very well received, all this despite somone having let a gremlin in... When we first walked in the in-house PA blew up.. It was a new rig so don't know what was wrong there, but one of the local guys who had been setting everything up stayed behind to sort out a second makeshift set up despite him needing to be elsewhere, Many Thanks. Tony had also been asked the night before by yours truly if he needed to change his strings "No No Noooo" (what do I know) and yes he broke 2 .... Just missing Peter & Jan Kemp the former has been writing to Tony since the 60's and doesn't really deserve such treatment.

27th Bristol, The Cube Microplex
WHERE IS IT...... got hopelessly lost around Bristol... sound familiar? WE ARE going to invest in a Sat Nav, however when we did get there, it turned out to be a really cosy (once they sorted out the heating) atmosphere, good crowd again and there was talk of Julian Cope on the guest list... but we never saw him.... They are very arty at the Cube and very welcoming, first off cup of strong, black, fresh coffee mmmmmmm... and then lots of help unloading the gear wonderful. Nice venue, well organised with lots of nooks & crannys reminds me of my am-dram days bits of scenery and interesting props everywhere.

28th Skegness, Butlins Blues Weekend
I could just start giggling in an un-professional way about Skegness, but needless to say I got hammered! Tony didn't neyaaar nar! (well it is supposed to be for kids isn't it?)
We were booked to play on the 'Blues Matters' (www.bluesmatters.com) Stage, in 'Jaks Bar' followed by 'Egypt' and then Tony joining Egypt to do a 'Groundhogs' set
and it all went very much to plan, however I didn't realise what a great line up Tony with Egypt were as a 1990's Groundhogs incarnation. Fantastic.. Yes I had a few drinks and yes I was dancing round in a BIG fashion with all the other big dancers.. What a brilliant night. We must thank all at Blues Matters for the opportunity to have such a lot of fun.
Also Tony met up with Luther Grosvenor of Spooky Tooth again alias (Ariel Bender of Mott the Hoople) and he managed NOT to introduce him to Alan Pearce of 'Blues Matters' Im really going to have to teach him the finer points of networking.... He just doesn't do that sort of thing, it sort of doesn't exist on planet McPhee.

February 9th Alexanders, Chester
Its almost like home territory for us at Alexanders. We were sneaky and put Brent Wakeford a friend of ours on for a short support set, to give him a bit of live experience did the lad good and went down well. Enthusiastic audience (and a bit bigger than last time) despite stalwarts Steve & Michelle not being there.... sons 21st what a lame excuse!

11th Morecambe, The Platform
Up North again to Morecambe and you know we never even saw the sea! (although we did catch a glimpse of the evocative statue of Eric Morecambe) The Platform is an old railway station building which has been turned into a fine venue very well served and organised. We were warmly welcomed and even our dog Ash, (who usually accompanies us to gigs) was invited in. The quality of the sound was outstanding in a difficult venue (lots of echo from large stone building) and Tony and the Sound Man... so sorry to forget your name ... entertained each other for ages with tales of amp gear & other artists they knew & had worked with.
Enthusiastic communicative audience & despite Marty Wilde being on opposite we still managed to get an excellent door (we couldn't decide... would Tony's fans want to go to see Marty Wilde... and vice versa...).
Hopefully we will get a return visit in the not too distant future.

15th Birkenhead, Pacific Road Arts Centre
Amazing place (with a very high stage). The first time I went to this venue I was completely unaware of the museum behind the stage, opened the curtains and was face to face with a tram.... a truly surreal moment. The Tram has now gone but the venue is still impressive. Good crowd and we had such a lot of positive comments afterwards from a long line of people eager to have Tony's signature. One of the surprises of the evening was that one of Tony's old Roadies contacted us and turned up for the gig. Gonzo roadied during the Dave Anderson days and it was he who had got Tony's Gibson out of the van the night it got nicked.... not that Tony holds a grudge.... as he says it was a long time ago. Also at the gig was 'Ape' from 'Engine' who the Groundhogs played with many times. I eventually managed to drag Tony away to deal with the 'cables' (thats his job)! But I could see that there were a lot of stories.... (Book part 2 ??)



Tony McPhee & The Groundhogs Newsletter No. 8 - December 2005

Hi folks
Just a short newsletter this time to keep in touch. Thank you everyone for the fine responses to the newsletter it would appear that its much appreciated. So before I start getting emotional.....

GROUNDHOGS BOOK & DVD
The sales of these have been going well for us and it looks like a number of you will be getting one, t'other or both for x-mas (there are a lot of sneaky family members out there!)

Other wise Ive been sorting out the shop a bit and have now got T- Shirts all sizes (including tiny thin strappy ones) and copies of Split, Thank Christ For the Bomb & Who Will Save The World; plus the 4 CD box set with Scratching the Surface, Blues Obituary, Thank Christ FTB & Split. Ive not fully put the details on the web site yet, but do have them in stock.

Im also working on a new T-shirt design sort of TS meets Darth Maul with the words of Eccentric Man on the back..... more news on how thats coming along in the new year.

TS 'Bits' (Tipsy Santa?)

Its all been a bit quiet since October.... rest & recuperation after a busy year.... Tony had been writing bits and putting "stuff" together. Thats how he puts it... bloomin' dark horses!
He has sorted the Gibson out though (e-string thing) and is now taking it out with him to all the gigs to play a bit of Groundhogs solo.

Tony had some fun when we went to see The Dammed in November. Captain Sensible is a great fan of Tonys (well its a bit reciprocal) and after the main show got Tony on to play a version (I put that loosely) of Cherry Red, half the audience said what? the other half went mental! It was great Tony was really made up and The Captain is such a lovely chap.... (sorry if that ruins another hard man image!). We also had a long chat with the excellent/interesting Wreckless Eric..... and he signed my album ..... Great night out.

We are getting a new set together for next year so there will be some of the old favourites but a bit of a change round, possibly with a bit more harmony vocals.


GIG REPORTS (Blimey only 3 gigs since the last newsletter.... )

October 29th Bedford, Gordon Arms
Candle lit tables at this dedicated music club at the Gordon Arms. Marvelous to again get a fair sized warm audience, lots of people came to have a chat, and I think I must have surprised a few who didn't realise I'd be getting up to do a couple of numbers. Tony did however suffer from the (not unusual) string breaking, however it happened right on the first note of the first number, which threw him a bit and he had to start with the Harmony, but soon got going again.

October 30th Lichfield, Guild Hall
Wow what a venue this seemed like a local do.. only an hour and a bit from home. When we got there we discovered that the Guild Hall is truly beautiful in a olde worlde flags and fanfares sort of a way, got a good crowd out and we were warmly welcomed by an appreciative audience. An old mate of Tonys (Mick Rutherford) turned up and had a good chat. Its definitely worth a visit as they serve a real ale at the bar!

November 7th
This was an unadvertised bit of a do at Gloscat (Gloucester College of Arts & Tech). Tony was asked by dedicated fan & friend Marco, who lectures there if he would give a short performance and a question answer session for some students who had been studying blues/rock so we agreed (not usually TS's thing), but it went much better than we hoped and the youngen folk seemed to enjoy the performance, even though we sometimes had to work hard to transverse the culture barrier, how do you explain a band called 'Cream' to a group of people who have only just been introduced to a concept of 'Blues'. (They do have so much more to learn these days....not that I feel sorry for them). It was quite Rock n' roll as three lads went out after the gig & vandalised the lift...... haaaaay!