After a long hiatus spanning 35 years, Fairground Attraction are setting the stage alight once more. Best known for their 1988 chart-topper Perfect and the critically acclaimed album The First of a Million Kisses, they have marked their return not just with nostalgia but with fresh music and a new album on the horizon. The band’s journey, peppered with chart success and critical acclaim, followed by a sudden and acrimonious split, makes their reunion a tale of redemption and the enduring nature of musical bonds.
Their reformation was anything but predictable; it was the product of healed relationships and a spur-of-the-moment stage performance. Lead singer Eddi Reader and songwriter Mark Nevin, whose communication had ceased sometime post-split, bridged their silence, leading to a revival of the creative partnership that once captivated the music scene. They have debuted their comeback with the release of a new single, What’s Wrong With The World? setting the tone for their upcoming album. Accompanying the studio sessions is the announcement of a comprehensive UK tour. This prospect promises to reconnect the band with their loyal fanbase and invite newcomers to experience their unique sound.
Fairground Attraction’s influence is not restricted to fond memories of their 80s glory. They still have a significant role to play in today’s diverse music landscape. Their integrative sound, a blend of folk, jazz, country, and Cajun fusion, is testament to their timeless appeal and the broad spectrum of their artistry. The band members, in embarking on this new chapter, are not merely looking to recreate past glories but are intent on writing new ones, celebrating the evolution of their music and relationships with a forward-looking vision. The anticipation for both their upcoming album and live performances is a nod to their lasting legacy and the unifying power of music that transcends time.
The Legacy of The First of a Million Kisses
The First of a Million Kisses remains a testament to the enduring charm and craft of Fairground Attraction, encapsulating a moment when folk-infused pop serendipitously danced into the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Achievements and Awards
- BRIT Awards: In 1989, the single Perfect triumphed as the Best British Single.
- Album Recognition: The album itself won Best British Album at the same ceremony.
- Chart Success: Perfect soared to number one on the UK Singles chart.
- Sales Milestone: The album achieved double-platinum status, confirming its widespread appeal.
Influence on Pop Music
The fusion of folk, jazz, country, and Cajun elements in The First of a Million Kisses crafted a unique sound that resisted easy categorization while resonating deeply with pop sensibilities. Its meticulously penned tracks, such as Find My Love alongside the seminal Perfect, cast ripples through the pop music pond. They became hit singles and established the album as a pop classic. The creative output of Fairground Attraction laid down a blueprint for blending genres, a forward-thinking mash-up that spawned echoes in subsequent musical compositions, far and wide. The album’s artistic success left a legacy that has been critically acclaimed for its innovation and mastery in songwriting and performance.
Tour Details
As Fairground Attraction revives the melodies that once captivated audiences, their upcoming tour promises not just concerts but a celebration of reconnection. This slate of performances showcases an eagerly anticipated homecoming that is not just geographical but also emotional, bringing the band’s cherished sound to familiar cities and new stages.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
Fairground Attraction announces a 14-date UK tour that will grace cities from the north to the south, including Wolverhampton, Manchester, Gateshead, and Nottingham. Fans can expect heartfelt performances at renowned venues such as London’s Royal Festival Hall, Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Tickets on sale 10am 28th March, with pre-sales on the 27th March. Here are the dates that have been announced so far:
Date | Location |
---|---|
Saturday 28th September | Wolverhampton, The Civic at The Halls |
Sunday 29th September | Manchester, Opera House |
Tuesday 1st October | York, Barbican |
Thursday 3rd October | Gateshead, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music |
Friday 4th October | Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall |
Saturday 5th October | London, Royal Festival Hall |
Monday 7th October | Cambridge, Corn Exchange |
Tuesday 8th October | Brighton, Dome |
Thursday 10th October | Oxford, New Theatre |
Friday 11th October | Bristol, Beacon |
Monday 14th October | Perth, Concert Hall |
Wednesday 16th October | Aberdeen, Music Hall |
Thursday 17th October | Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall |
Friday 18th October | Edinburgh, Usher Hall |
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