Back in the day (when I were a lad) there were only two Christian 'bands' in the UK really. You could go and see 'Phil and John' or 'Martyn Joesph!' The gigs were always church halls, furthermore the act would always be welcomed by an old geezer from the church who had attempted to "get with it" a bit by putting the tour T Shirt on OVER his shirt and tie!
The set, vibe and atmosphere lacked somewhat BUT you could buy Coca Cola and Crisps at the back of the hall. I recall these gigs with both horror and a mild affection.
Anyway, regardless of your sense of whether there should be a Christian Music scene or not, we are now in a much better position. There are actually a range of genre's, gigs no longer have an off-the-scale embarrassment factor and a decent mosh is possible.
However, being a little bit of a dinosaur, when asked about what bands are good to book I have no idea and can only mumble randomly. Here's where you come in! What I need is current Christian bands and a review from you on genre, style, popularity etc. (I know there is a MAHOOSIVE list on Cross Rhythmns but I've no idea who is around and UK based at the moment)
I thank you
BOSH - http://www.myspace.com/boshmusic
Anyone remember Larry Norman. He used to play Birmingham Town Hall. But perhaps i'm showing my age!
I hired 29th Chapter for the last Firm Foundations Festival and their show was amazing!
The genre is hip hop and the stage show is impacting, engaging with totally non-cringeworthy audience participation. The music and the links spoke about real youth culture in the uk and about God.
I heard young people making comments along the lines of - That was amazing and I wish I could see them again etc.
I don't have an answer for you (although I know the 29th Chapter guys and they are good), but was amused by the Stryper pic. A while back I dusted off my 2 vinyl Stryper records "To Hell with the Devil" being a classic!
And your description of the old-time gigs is spot on: Martyn Joseph at Erith Baptist was a highlight for me!
A while ago I was sent a demo for a band "Superhero" which made them seem worth checking out:
http://www.superhero.org.uk/
check out http://www.the-gentlemen.co.uk/
ok so they're my friends, but they are excellent...
Relentless Craving and Finchley were both Fab at Rock the Cathedral though both a little further from you.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=110357005
http://www.finchleymusic.com/
Superhero are well worth checking out, on uk tour right now, I am speaking on some of the tour dates. worked with them on an event in Yorkshire, and saw over 100 yong people want to know more about Chrisitan faith, they are sound gys, and have sound principles in many parts of their lives, very cool, and connect well. Other bands that we have had come here would be Titus, sounding somehwat like "Rage against the machine", but very very good indeed, Yfriday, again have come to Yorkshrie, gone down really well, 100 hours I saw in Bradford, and would love to have them at an event.
Hope some of this helps.
How come no one's mentioned Fat and Frantic?
Ian, Ian... where you suffering from black outs back in the day??? Whilst the aforementioned Phil & John and Mr Joseph where ubiquitous in the 80's there where many bands - some hangovers from the 70's Christian Rock scene e.g. After the Fire, 80's Rockers eg. 100% proof, Whitecross and The Rez Band, foreign odd-balls e.g. Steve Turner, odd balls of our own e.g. the above Fat 'n' Frantic (and Cliff of course!), Christian pop like Sheila Walsh... & what about the American invasion - Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Petra and crew... who can forget the Christian attempt to go "mainstream" with the Rock Gospel Show (Alvin Stardust!?!?!)
Mark,
fair point ... i write from my limited perspective. I did listen to ATF but I never knew of a tour. As soon as fat n frantic came along EVERYTHING changed ... they were awesome, as was Steve Taylor and Some Band.
Heartbeat anyone?
'Sounds of Salvation' great Ska band.
My favourite: it's gotta be one hundred hours for me...awesome in every way.
we're having a Rob Halligan gig shortly, he used to be in After the Fire which was before my time but his stuff is very folky, acoustic, rocky and seems to be crowd pleasing to all ages.
Also recently met a guy called Daniel Shiells and he is hertfordshire based I think, does great covers as well as his own worshippy stuff. Good for a chilled out event or a cathedral event as the ambience would work...
Would highly recommend onehundredhours - very well received gig in Salisbury. I have a contact no. if you're interested.
Thanks for ALL this INFO, fab.
Mark, you mentioned ATF. I thought they were FAB and think Der Kommissar is very cool although I have not the faintest what it's about ....
"Zwei drei vier one two three
It's easy to see
But it's not that I don't care so
Cause I hear it all the time
But they never let you know
On the TV and the radio
She was young her heart was pure
But every night is bright she got
She said sugar is sweet
She come rappin' to the beat
Then I knew that she was hot
She was singin
Don't turn around, oh oh
Der Kommissar's in town, oh oh
You're in his eye
And you'll know why
The more you live
The faster you will die
Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?
She said babe you know
I miss Jill and Joe
And all my funky friends
But my street understanding
Was just enough to know what she really meant
And I got to thinking while she was talking
That I know she told the story
Of those special places that she goes
When she rides with the others in the subway
Singin'
Don't turn around, oh oh
Der Kommissar's in town, oh oh
And if he talks to you
And you don't know why
You say your life
Is gonna make you die...
Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?
Well we meet Jill and Joe
And brother Herr
And the whole cool gang (and oh)
They're rappin' here they're rappin' there
But she's climbin' on the wall
Its a clear case, Herr Kommissar
Cause all the children know
They're all slidin' down into the valley
They're all slipping on the same snow
Hear the children
Don't turn around, oh oh
Der Kommissar's in town, oh oh
He's got the power
And you're so weak
And you're frustration will not let you speak
Don't turn around, oh oh
Der Kommissar's in town, oh oh
And if he talks to you
Then you'll know why
The more you live
The faster you will die
Don't turn around, oh oh
Der Kommissar's in town, oh oh
(repeat)"