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 ‘My friend Laurent Sinclair has died at the age of fifty eight. He was the keyboard player for the iconic French band Taxi Girl who supported The Stranglers on the 1981 La Folie tour. He was a very talented pianist and, after that band split, I helped him with a few productions, notably a track called “Devant le miroir”. There is even a version for a TV show featuring Alex Gifford (our saxophonist at the time), me on bass, John Ellis on guitar and it looks like the drummer of the Cure . Can’t remember his name. Check it out on Youtube here.
When I was asked to present something at the Transmusicales of Rennes in France I came up with the idea to form a band playing sixties material from my childhood, the Purple Helmets. He was the original keyboard player for that band.
He will be buried at the famous Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris which is also the final resting place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf amongst many other legends’.
Jean-Jacques Burnel 3rd September 2019
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 The band’s busy festival season over the summer drew to a close in the stunning surroundings of Sibernik in Croatia last night. They played a total of 14 gigs throughout the summer which kicked off in late May with a pair of shows on the west coast of the USA. Further dates saw the band visit Scotland, Wales, Devon and even Blackpool plus European gigs in Belgium, Portugal and Corsica before last night’s finale in Croatia, every show was packed with enthusiastic fans. Thanks to everyone who came along to any of the summer gigs.
Next stop for the band is the seven show jaunt with Alice Cooper around the UK in October, followed by the trio of November Tokyo dates before travelling over to Europe for 14 gigs to end the year. See you on the road…
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 The band make a return visit to New Zealand in mid February next year, playing a trio of shows. The tour kicks off in Christchurch at the Town Hall on Thursday 13th, next is Wellington Opera House on Friday 14th and finishing up at the Town Hall in Auckland on Saturday 15th.
Special guests at the gigs are New Zealand new wave band Mi-Sex. Tickets go onsale from 9am on Tuesday 27th August here
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This month’s Mojo magazine features a six page, in-depth article on The Gospel According To The Meninblack album and period. Available in newsagents now…
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Last night’s Rock n Horsepower event in Surrey marked 50 years since the sad and untimely passing of Brian Jones. Each of the bands that performed were asked to select a Rolling Stones track to cover during their set. The Stranglers selected a rhythm & blues track Around & Around, which the Stones themselves covered in the early 60s (it’s a Chuck Berry original). Luckily we captured it on video for posterity but only via iPhone so apologies for the quality. So, possibly for the only time, here is their version…
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The band are confirmed to appear at the Rock ‘n’ Horsepower event which takes place in Cranleigh , Surrey on Saturday 17th August. The show is dedicated to Brian Jones and The Rolling Stones and features various artists including Glen Matlock and The Waterboys. Further info can be found here and tickets are onsale here
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The Hamburg gig at Fabrik has now sold out as have Penmarc’h and Worpswede. Other dates on the tour are selling well…
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We’ve just heard that today’s gig in Caerphilly castle with Ruts DC has sold out. Also, the first night at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo has sold out with limited tickets left for 4/11 at WWW & 5/11 at Tsutaya O-West. Grab your tickets here
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Sadly we have just heard from the band’s management that this weekend’s festival near Paris has been cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience caused but circumstances are clearly out of our hands. Here’s the statement from the festival organisers:
It is with immense sadness and a very heavy heart that today we must announce the cancellation of the first edition of Val de Rock.
Continue reading Val du Rock festival cancelled
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We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of trombonist Chris Lawrence at the age of 57. Chris was a permanent fixture in the band’s brass section, alongside Alex Gifford, playing on the studio albums from Aural Sculpture to 10 and appearing live onstage with the band throughout the period 1984-1990.
Fly straight Chris, fond adieu x
(thanks to Stewart Ivory for the info)
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