A Message from Dave Cousins
I have been on an extraordinary journey these past five decades, a journey that has been filled with exhilarating highs, challenging lows, fascinating faces and life-changing experiences, all accompanied by a musical soundtrack that begins with folk music and slowly morphs into rock and prog, acoustic and electric. Strawbs’ 50th Anniversary Weekend will be a celebration of that journey.
As I prepare for this event, I find myself revisiting so many of the settings throughout Strawbs history: The hot, smoky pubs and colleges of the early years, iconic music clubs the world over, the stadiums of North America, the Royal Albert Hall in London and even the high seas. Along with me are some of the most gifted musicians, singers, songwriters, arrangers and producers anyone could ever hope to work with—people like Sandy Denny, Rick Wakeman, Tony Visconti and Robert Kirby, along with the band members past and present who have over the years made such enormous contributions to the Strawbs legacy.
We intend to deliver an overview of the whole package to The Strand’s historic stage in Lakewood, New Jersey. You can expect performances of Strawbs’ best by some of the band’s most memorable line-ups and legends along with a few Strawbs “firsts” like Grave New World, live and in its entirety, and Strawbs’ very first single, Oh, How She Changed set against a magnificent orchestral backdrop.
Particularly exciting for me will be performances by a handful of surprise artists—chart-makers, all–who, it turns out, are long-time Strawbs fans!
So many of you have been along for Strawbs’ full journey and long may it continue. Thank you all for your support over the decades, the years, or even just the months. I look forward to seeing you when the spirit moves in April during Strawbs 50th Anniversary Weekend.
Hi Dave. Nice to hear that you’re still alive and kicking and touring once again to celebrate the 50yrs of the Strawbs. I have been a fan since 1973 got all the album’s & CDs and been to many concerts including your recent solo gig at the university in Leicester in 2014. Keep well & keep rocking!
A lot of us can’t get to The States. Hoping for a few surprises maybe at Under The Bridge in November, last date of the UK tour.
From the first time I heard “The Weary Song,” I was smitten. Promo parties, reviews, “Strawbs” above my by-line, backstage with you so many times, in the booth with you for my darling Marc’s session (both married, we kept our relationsip quiet, until it was too late) . . .
You and the Strawbs have provided the soundtrack of my life. I went to the 40th, and fate notwithstanding, I will be at the 50th.
Can’t wait, although I don’t want to rush time, for April 2019 at the Strand . Bought my tickets the minute I saw the tour schedule. Bought the VIP PACKAGE. Saw them at the Strand last year when they did AUTUMN. It was a great concert. How I remember is beyond me when I first heard them around 1970. I want to thank Greg Ferguson (may he rest in peace ) for turning me on to them. Greg was a musician and had a recording studio in Newark, NJ. We went to high school and college together and he was a big fan, thanks Greg. Well my girl and I are waiting on the edge of our chairs for April. Grave New World, Lay Down , Benedictus, are some of my old time favorites. The new album is just as impressive. It should be a NIGHT TO REMEMBER.
I am so excited to hear this, and at the same time I am thrilled for Strawbs, who apparently did not turn out to be a flash in the pan! Seriously though, well done for your tenacity and longevity alike. I have been a huge fan and have all your vinyl albums (yes, including that little Sampler thingy), and your music has been a very important and big part of my life thus far, and I wish you a great weekend and superlative performances. I hope that there will be music releases following the concerts because unfortunately I will not be able to attend, but we will be there in spirit!
Music has been a huge part of my life and I truly believe we (I our age group) have been lucky enough to enjoy the decades of music from the 60’s to the present! From all the wonderful bands and music from this era, the Strawbs in my life ranks as the most influential group. I have seen them more than any other band during this time from the early 80’s to the present. Songs from Hero and Heroine to Autumn to Benedictus and the list goes on and on, have been a part of my life from when I was 18 years old (I am now 62). I have been lucky enough to meet the band members after the most recent concerts and they are truly nice down to earth blokes. As one of my t-shirts says ( I may be old, but at least I have seen all the good bands), the Strawbs remain the # 1 band that I think of in my journey of music. Can’t wait to see this 50th anniversary Spectacle in Jersey!
thanks dave. best show ever. you always said you should play all night but never did. but 3 days ago you played all weekend. it was a strawb Christmas. your music, your words, your friends. great orchestra, un singers, everyone crying, free drinks, 2 food trucks. yes, Christmas morning. the message of peace without getting political. you are a class act. good bless everyone who came to “the strand.” phil
My dear old chum,
Many congrats for lasting half a century making folk happy with your music. I dug out a couple of snaps of our days at Leicester a few days ago….weren’t we a handsome mob…if you throw in Nicholson etc.
Let us definitely make 2020 the year for a get together, either your manor or mine, as there is so much to catch up on and, as Duke Ellington used to say….” time’s a’wasting “.
Fondest regards etc. for the coming season of gross over-spending and mealy mouthedness.
Keep the home fires burning…and a spare bottle in the cupboard.
Affectionately yours
Peter.
Here we are in the grips of a worldwide devastation. Memories return in our solitude; beauty emerges against the clutter. So wonderful to hear “Autumn” again, if only on YouTube. So excellent to know the flesh and spirit ring on. Please be well, spread peace, and don’t let too much hand washing ruin your callouses. x x x o o o