THE CASBAH CLUB - 2004

There are fascinating roots to this band.

Bruce Watson (Big Country) Guitars
Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) Drums
Josh Phillips (Big Country) Keyboards
Bruce Foxton (The Jam/SLF) Bass
JJ Gilmour (The Silencers) Vocals + Guitar

THE CASBAH CLUB performed songs from all their individual incarnations, when they embarked on their first UK tour in April 2004, followed by further dates in September and November/December 2004.

Performing classic hits AND some hugely popular, but rarely performed gems, this is a band that SERIOUSLY ROCKS.

OUT NOW: the debut live album EASTWORLD (recorded in April).

2004 press release:

BRUCE WATSON and MARK BRZEZICKI spent two decades in BIG COUNTRY, one of Scotland's finest rock bands. Bruce Foxton was a founder member of first generation punk/new wave's legendary THE JAM. The Jam gave Big Country their first break on the British live circuit, opening for The Jam at Wembley Arena for six nights back in 1982, which were The Jam's last ever gigs.

With the break up of Big Country and then the passing of STUART ADAMSON in 2001, Bruce and Mark have been working with other acts, but had a yearn to be in a band that was part theirs as opposed to being paid session men. Besides, when Bruce was working with FISH and DEAD MEN WALKING recently, there was a lot of demand for Big Country songs. Bruce and Mark had met for the first time in awhile when recording the new Fish album and decided that it was time for them to make their own waves. Encouraged by Big Country manager Ian Grant, Bruce and Mark approached Big Country bass player TONY BUTLER but he was not available, as he has temporarily retired from live work. Bruce says, "I am really looking forward to being in a band again. The only danger is that there are now two Bruce's."

Mark Brzezicki and BRUCE FOXTON had a mutual wish to work with each other and nearly did in 2003 with Simon Townshend, so when it became known Tony wasn't available; it was obvious whom to call. Bruce has been working with STIFF LITTLE FINGERS for the past 14 years, and also more recently with 3 MEN & BLACK playing acoustic shows around the UK. When Mark called Bruce said, "Count me in"! Bruce says, "I am very excited about the forthcoming shows. With such a wealth of material and, dare I say, talented line up, this band really has great potential. Here's to the future".

There is a business connection as well in that Ian Grant was there at the outset of The Jam's career in that he gave them their initial gigs in London at The Nashville Rooms and Red Cow (both legendary venues of the pub rock/punk rock era).

The musical combination of these three whets the appetite. Add to it former Big Country keyboard player JOSH PHILIPS with singer JJ GILMOUR formerly of THE SILENCERS and one can unashamedly drool over its musical potential. Josh's career began when he was fifteen with an appearance in the film and soundtrack of 'Quadrophenia. He has since worked with acts such as Pete Townshend, Phil Collins & Procul Harum & also worked on stage with Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, & Sting.

JJ has his own band and last year recorded and released a superb solo album "Sunnyside (P.A.L)". It is an emotionally charged intensely personal album, a record of rare honesty, which throughout identifies certain important, influential or amusing people and moments in his life. The chemistry that this new line up will no doubt have will create and exciting melting pot of their combined talent.

THE CASBAH CLUB performed songs from all their individual incarnations, when they embarked on their first tour in April 2004. All shows were recorded and on Monday 20th September the debut live album EASTWORLD will be released. Performing classic hits AND some hugely popular, but rarely performed gems, this is a band that SERIOUSLY ROCKS.

The band’s debut tour in April ignited the flame, and the live album release was preceded by a 5 date promotional tour of Scotland. A 7 date England and Wales tour is scheduled for 25th November – 2nd December, which may feature BRAND NEW ORIGINAL MATERIAL as the band are currently writing and demoing new songs, before heading to the studio to record their Debut Studio Album, which will be released in Spring 2005.

Facts:

The Jam were on the UK album charts for 162 weeks.
Big Country were on the UK album charts for 142 weeks
Both bands had number 1 albums

The Jam had 13 Top Twenty singles (including 4 number 1's)
Big Country had 8 Top Twenty singles (highest peaking at 7)

THE CASBAH CLUB Live, Glasgow 14/04/04 SetList:

Eastworld
Look Away
Town Called Malice
Me And You
King Of Emotion
Never Take Your Place
Down in The Tube Station At Midnight
I Can Feel It
Perfect World
Ships
Butterfly Collector
Fragile Thing
Seven Waves
In A Big Country
Going Underground
That's Entertainment
Chance

BILLY SLOAN on THE CASBAH CLUB Live, Glasgow 14/04/04:

Despite being a huge fan of Big Country, The Jam and The Silencers, I had a nagging fear at the back of my mind that The Casbah Club could turn out to be something which seemed a good idea on paper ... but a bad idea when put into practise.

How wrong could I be. Mid-way through Ships everything clicked. Great song. Fine vocals. Real heart and passion.

It happened on King Of Emotion and Butterfly Collector too. Frontman JJ Gilmour isn't attempting to replace the late, great Stuart Adamson. Quite the reverse. He's just giving an affectionate nod in the direction of a guy who wrote and played some immense songs. We miss him very much.

I'm certain Stuart was in Glasgow in spirit. He loved guys who shared a passion for real music. He'd be proud of what The Casbah Club are doing. And rightly so.

Billy Sloan
19/04/04

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Official website: http://www.bigcountry.co.uk/casbahclub