Graham Gouldman’s Heart Full of Songs
Graham Gouldman and 10cc bandmates Rick Fenn, Mick Wilson and Mike Stevens join us this Thursday at RNCM for a show with a difference – a 90-minute acoustic set that spans over 4 decades of hits as you’ve never heard them before.
We caught up with Graham to find out more about the show…
- So how did the Heart Full of Songs tour come about?
For the past two to three years the line-up for this new tour has been the opening act for our 10cc gigs, with four of us performing acoustic versions of classic 10cc songs – as well as some newer material, particularly from my recent Love and Work album.
The act became so popular that a promoter suggested we tour it – and it’s working really well so far. We're travelling differently, with a smaller setup and it’s good fun.
I’m excited about reaching a new generation with the music. We’re expecting a mixed crowd – including some long time fans but also a lot of young people who didn’t hear the songs the first time around, so that’s really gratifying.
- What material can we expect to hear on the night?
We’ll be performing some of the songs I wrote with Andrew Gold, some material from the 60s – a little of everything really, covering four and a half decades of work. 10cc classics like I'm Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday will feature, some hits I wrote for The Hollies, The Yardbirds and Herman’s Hermits, songs from my recent solo album – and definitely a few surprises …
- How did you find the process of reworking the songs for an acoustic setting?
The really interesting thing has been adapting some of the songs to an acoustic situation after being used to hearing them with a full band. Once they’re transformed, you find that some things work and some things don't.
One particular song we worked on didn’t quite translate, so we changed the rhythm and it took on a different form – almost in the way that Layla became like a different song when Eric Clapton played it acoustically.
- It must be good to be back in Manchester. How does the local music scene today compare with when 10cc started out?
It’s always good to come back. It has changed a lot but I think Manchester is still producing great music; it’s something that’s inherent in the city that still applies today. There are always plenty of clubs and places for bands to play and being a University city as well, there are a lot of opportunities for new acts to get noticed. I still consider myself really lucky to have been born at the time that I was, though, and to have the chance to see the bands we could back then.
- You’ve worked with a diverse mix of artists – including McFly more recently – what do you look for in a collaboration?
I’ll collaborate with anybody if they’re good! Working with McFly was a case where I was old enough to be their Dad – but once you sit down with your guitars, age doesn't come into it. It’s more about your influences and the music you want to make.
- What advice would you give to young musicians trying to make it in the industry?
The number one piece of advice is simple, be original. It’s important to stand out. Talent shows are an easy route into the business these days but they’re not always the best idea. The experience you gain on the road really makes for the best foundation.
For me it’s all about the joy of performing with each other – if you can make a success of it, then great, if you can't, that's still great because it's worth it for the love of what you're doing.
Graham joins us at the RNCM on Thursday 18 April 2013 at 7pm – find out more and book here.
16 April 2013
