|
|
What's Hot... and What's Not! |
April 2008
Procol Harum - Whiter Shade Of Pale
Press Statement
This morning at the Law courts in London the Appeal Court judges handed down their ruling on the White Shade of Pale case
Gary Brooker and Onward Music have been successful on their appeal concerning the copyright in the 1967 Procol Harum hit ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’.
The Court of Appeal today overturned the High Court’s 2006 decision under which Matthew Fisher, former organist with the band, was awarded 40% of the musical copyright in the song.
Following the appeal court ruling, the full copyright in the song remains with the original writers Gary Brooker (music) and Keith Reid (lyrics) and their publishers. Fisher, who played the organ on the Procol Harum recording, will get joint authorship for his contribution to the work. However he is not entitled to a copyright interest in the song, royalties whether past or future, and has no control over it's exploitation.
Gary Brooker commented “For nearly three years this claim has been a great strain upon myself and my family. I believe the original trial was unfair and the results wrong. Justly, the decisions of the Court of Appeal have gone some way to putting this right and I would hope that now, we can all get on with our lives.” |
|
19 December 2007
The "Not forgotten" Association Christmas Party - 2007
A Charity for War Veterans.
The Drifters were honoured to perform at The "Not forgotten" Association Christmas Party - 2007 at St. James' Palace. Other celebrities at the prestigious event included Kate Adie, OBE., Hannah Gordon, Angie Best, Nickolas Grace, Tony Blackburn, Honor Blackman, Libby Purves, OBE., Shirley Anne Field, Simon Callow, CBE and Moira Stuart, OBE. Before the performance, The Drifters spent time with Princess Anne and the war veterans. This very worthwhile association has veterans from all wars, with ages ranging for 20 to 111 years old. |
|
31 October 2007
Icons On Film
This artical appeared in the Daily Telegraph recently which lists The Commitments as film icons.
CLICK HERE to view (1.5mb Adobe pdf document). |
|
October 2007
Jerusalem Rocks!
The much travelled Commitments have just returned from an exciting gig in Jerusalem where the Commitments went down a storm. Also on the bill was the chart topping USA band the Black Eyed Peas...now our friendly drummer, Dick Massey (aka Billy "The Animal" Mooney), is not one to miss a golden photo opportunity and Jerusalem was no exception... |
Black Eyed Peas with Dead Eyed Dick
L-R: apl.de.ap, Fergie, Dick, Taboo and Will.I.Am
|
|
10 September 2007
The Commitments - BBC Movie Connections
UK viewers will be able to see
The Commitments feature on BBC1's Movies Connections on 17 September at 10.35pm . The show will feature interviews with director Sir Alan Parker and writer Roddy Doyle plus cast members of the film including Ken McCluskey and Dick Massey.
Press Release (627kb pdf doc)
|
|
16 July 2007
BUCKINGHAM PALACE TEA PARTY
Supporting the war vets at "The Not Forgotten Association". The Drifters have given their support for the last 2 years. It was set up to look after disabled ex-servicemen and women from all the services and all wars going back as far as the first world war, they also support the Chelsea pensioners |
Mark Lundquist and The Drifters.
L-R Mark, Patrick Alan, Peter Lamarr, Anne, Rohan Delano Turney and Alison.
|
|
|
29 June 2007
 THE NOT FORGOTTEN ASSOCIATION
Agent, Mark Lundquist and Manager, Phil Luderman were requested by The Not Forgotten Association to arrange an exclusive Drifters performance on Wednesday 27 June 2007 at The Painted Hall, Greenwich. Impresario Dougie Squires produced the event with his usual flare and added the wonderful touch of bringing on the original line of The Tiller Girls.
Other performers appearing were Edward Woodward, Michelle Dotrice, Rolf Harris, Englebert Humperdinck and Robert Hardy. This was a great opportunity to remember the bravery and commitment of our British Forces war veterans.
 
The Drifters with Rolf and Englebert
|
|
25 June 2007
 THE DRIFTERS AT THE PM PARTY
The Drifters (Vic Bynoe, Patrick Alan, Peter Lamarr and Rohan Delano) performed at Tony Blair’s Farewell party on the 20th of June 2007, at The Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London. Hosted By The Right Honourable Keith Vaz MP.
A delightful meal of various Indian Dishes were served whilst traditional dancers took to the stage. Cherie Blair made her way through the audience and sighted The Drifters, Drifter Patrick Alan was honoured with a quick peck on the cheek.
The event was celebrating diversity and 10 years of achievement of The Right Honourable Tony Blair MP, the youngest Prime Minister of the 20th century, and the longest serving Labour Prime Minister the party has ever seen.
|
|
6 January 2007
THE COMMITMENTS IN THE MALTESE TIMES
This article on The Commitments appeared this week in the
Maltese version of The Times newspaper...
What a commitment!
by Herman Grech
When Ken McCluskey was asked to audition for Alan Parker's film The Commitments, he pounced on the idea.
He was, after all, working as a butcher and part-time guitarist in Ireland, struggling to make ends meet. At the time Ireland was going through economic strife and youngsters in general had no money.
Mr McCluskey could only pray and hope to land a part in the film steered by Mr Parker, the man who directed classics like Mississippi Burning and Midnight Express.
The 24-year old walked into a room only to find "thousands" auditioning for the part in the film about the rise and fall of a band in the poor part of Dublin.
"Out of the blue they called and offered me the part. They asked me to be the bass player and 'here's lots of money,'" Mr McCluskey told The Times, laughing.
There was one problem - Mr McCluskey didn't own a bass guitar but the film producers soon fixed that when they bought him one.
The rest is history. The cult film The Commitments was such a runaway hit upon its release in 1991 (winning even an Oscar nomination) that the cast and crew decided to take it on the road.
In the meantime, the soundtrack to the film sold some 12 million copies and the film has been seen by an estimated one billion people.
Mr McCluskey has been instrumental in keeping The Commitments alive since. Though the band has often seen exits and new recruits, it has been lauded for retaining the soul and sound that made them famous in the first place.
Known as Derek "Meatman" Scully in the film, Mr McCluskey has been pivotal in The Commitments' electrifying and interactive stage performance for 15 years.
"Yes, it's very bizarre that we're still on the road. I think The Commitments is the present, not the past - and that's amazing," says Mr McCluskey, who is also one half of the band's management.
The Commitments helped a new generation discover soul music and the work of artistes like James Brown and Wilson Pickett.
What makes the music so timeless, considering most of the repertoire was penned years ago?
"It's the tunes, the harmonies, the instruments... the music's just good. We've been lucky to capture that music and add some spice to it.
"When people listen to the sounds of The Commitments, they listen to the instruments in their pure form. A guitar sounds like a guitar, without any distortion or special effects. The vocal harmonies especially - we have three girls singing 'oohs' and 'aahs' with no effects. And it sounds so good," he says.
Renowned as the soul of Ireland's musical working class, The Commitments will be playing at Notte Magica in Valletta on Saturday.
The show is expected to provide classic songs like Mustang Sally, In the Midnight Hour and Try a Little Tenderness.
Mr McCluskey is looking forward to performing in Malta, hoping it will provide an encore of the warm, vibrant audience that The Commitments enjoyed when they played in neighbouring Sicily.
"The Europeans are exciting and exuberant - and we can't wait to play in Malta. It's going to be an honour to play for you."
|
8 July 2006
DRIFTERS MEET Mr JAMES BROWN!
The Drifters peformed on Thursday 6 July 2006 at The Summer Ball, Berkeley Square, London. The Star studded evening was in support of The Prince's Trust. The event was hosted By Vince Power of Mean Fiddler Group.
The Drifters were knocked out to meet Mr James Brown, a first for them. They even sang a little of, "Ruby Baby" back stage. afterwards.Mr Brown left shortly after his spot saying - "The Drifters is The Drifters"!
|
 15 May 2006
Gary Brooker and The Drifters Feature On New DVD
A new live DVD is to be released on the 5 June stars Gary Brooker with The Drifters as special guests. The DVD is entitled 'Band Du Lac' and also features Paul Carrack, Mike Rutherford, Andy Fairweather-Low, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Katie Melua plus many more.
The DVD is available to order from the shop by clicking here.
|
26 April 2006
EXCLUSIVE PRESS RELEASE!
THE DRIFTERS are proud to announce their first release for over 20 years “THE DRIFTERS NOW! - the legacy” audio release 12th June 2006, DVD release 26th June 2006 on Warner Vision. The DVD was recorded by Classic Pictures at Shepperton Film Studios in front of a specially invited audience, including legendary songwriter Roger Greenaway. It’s more special than just a concert recording – it covers The Drifters Live Stage show with hits from 1950’s to 1980’s. Photographs and further details are available on the news page. Please visit www.thedrifters.co.uk/news
THE DRIFTERS : Saturday Night At the Movies; Under The Boardwalk; Come On Over To My Place; Kissin’ In The Back Row Of The Movies; & many more!
|
24 April 2006
What's All This Then?
The Drifters, plus Mark Lundquist, Phil Luderman and Producer Robert Garofarlo, recording at Shepperton Studios this year - watch this space for more news!
|
|
10 December 2005
Drifters Royal Performance
The Drifters on Thursday 8th December 2005 performed at St James Palace, London on invitation from The Princess Royal. The Entertainment was for the charity 'The Not Forgotten Association'. the event was arranged by impresario Dougie Squires and Master of Ceremonies Richard Stilgo. Other guests in attendance included Cilla Black, Gloria Hunniford, Esther Rantzen alongside many other dignitaries.
15 July 2005
'The Commitments' voted best Irish film of all time!
Irish film fans have voted 'The Commitments,' 1991's smash-hit about an ill-fated Dublin soul band, the best Irish movie of all time. Director Alan Parker's adaptation of Roddy Doyle's best-selling novel came first in a national poll, winning out over older classics such as 'Ryan's Daughter,' which failed to make the top 10.
The Daily Mirror reports that more than 10,000 people across Ireland voted online for their favourite movie and the satirical Dublin comedy easily topped the poll. Whiskey distillers Jameson and The Dubliner Magazine, who organised the internet vote, were overwhelmed at the number of people who responded.
Big Brother's Ray Shah, who voted for the film, said: "I loved the black humour of The Commitments. There were some fantastic and memorable one-liners.The themes were central to Dublin at that time and the music was brilliant. People all over the world seemed to catch on to the humour and appreciate the Irish wit."
Model Glenda Gilson, singer Brian Ormond and Fair City stars George McMahon and Killian O'Sullivan all voted for 'The Commitments'. Pop Idol star Ormond added: "I chose The Commitments because I think it is definitely the best Irish movie of all time. It is incredibly well-written and is typically Irish. People can relate to the characters, which makes it really interesting and fun to watch."
The soul music movie has been seen by an estimated billion people worldwide and the soundtrack album has sold around 12 million copies.
 |
|
THE TOP TEN
|
| 1. |
The Commitments |
| 2. |
My Left Foot |
| 3. |
In The Name Of The Father |
| 4. |
The Quiet Man |
| 5. |
The Snapper |
| 6. |
Michael Collins |
| 7. |
The Field |
| 8. |
Intermission |
| 9. |
Veronica Guerin |
| 10. |
Inside I'm Dancing |
|
11 June 2005
THE DRIFTERS STAR WITH RINGO STARR, ERIC CLAPTON & GARY BROOKER
A picnic and concert by the chapel on the lake at Wintershall Estate, Surrey in aid of the HASTE (Heart and Stroke Trust Endeavour) project, at The Royal Surrey County Hospital. Musical Director GARY BROOKER and featuring ERIC CLAPTON, RINGO STARR, ROGER TAYLOR, MIKE RUTHERFORD, KATIE MELUA, PAUL YOUNG WITH PACAMINOS, PAUL JONES, PAUL CARRACK, KENNY JONES and special guests, THE DRIFTERS.
 |
 |
|
Gary Brooker with special guests, The Drifters
(Photo by Robert Cooper) |
The Drifters' Peter Lamarr with Ringo |
 |
|
The Drifters (red suits) take a bow alongside a star studded cast. (L to R) Andy Fairweather Low, Henry Spinetti, The Fabba Girls, Gary Brooker, Patrick Alan, Roger Taylor, Mike Rutherford, Peter Lamarr, Victor Bynoe (behind), Frank Mead, Rohan Delano (behind), Paul Carrack & Eric Clapton. Ringo and Katie Melua are also in there somewhere with Kenney Jones and Nick Pentelow! |
Wintershall Estate played host to a star-studded event with a line up that could challenge Geldof’s Live 8 event! In the beautiful setting of the historic Wintershall Estate, the champers flowed as the black ties were loosened and the glamorous high heels wobbled from the hospitality tents down to the massive stage, upon which we were entertained by the cream of rock music’s greatest stars.
Musical director, Gary Brooker assembled an all star group under the title "Band Du Lac" especially for the occasion… and what an occasion! Following fine sets from Paul Young, Rory Bremner, The Jones Gang (Kenney Jones) and Katie Melua, Band Du Lac took to the stage. It was a genuine treat to see and hear Gary with Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Roger Taylor, Mike Rutherford, Andy Fairweather Low, Paul Carrack and Henry Spinetti rocking out to their greatest songs. Particularly inspiring were Ringo’s warm, enthusiastic version of "Photograph", Clapton’s classic "Cocaine" and Gary Brooker’s anthem, "A Whiter Shade Of Pale".
Finally, a touch of genius from Gary when he invited special guests, THE DRIFTERS to join the stellar throng onstage. Dazzling us with wonderful versions of their legendary hits "Under The Boardwalk" and "Stand By Me", THE DRIFTERS’ line up of Patrick Alan, Rohan Delano Turney, Victor Bynoe and Peter Lamarr created superb harmonies and thrilled the audience with their charisma, cool dance moves and sassy red suits, whilst Gary added his magical vocal and piano talents. The finale was a glorious affair, featuring Mike Rutherford’s Genesis tune, "I Can’t Dance" whilst The Drifters tried really hard not to dance but failed miserably! Lasers frolicked through the trees and fireworks sizzled over the lake as the artistes and audience alike took pleasure in one another’s magnificent enthusiasm.
What a fabulous evening with a surprising collection of musicans gelling perfectly under the musical guidance of Gary Brooker M.B.E.
22 April 2005
CHARITY CONCERT ROCKS
Surrey Advertiser review
A Concert at Guildford Cathedral featuring a rock band led by Gary Brooker of Procol Harum together with a choir and orchestra raised more than £15,000 for the Jubilee Action Tsunami Survivors's Fund on Saturday. Surrey Chamber of Commerce hosted the concert which delighted a packed audience with its unusual mix of classics, rock and gospel. The funds raised will go towards Thanthri, a fishing village in Tamil Nadu, India, which was devastated by the Tsunami on Boxing Day.
A varied repertoire ranged from a piece written by King Henry VIII to spirituals and Baroque Chamber music. Paul Jones (the Blues Band and ex-Manfred Mann also gave a guest performance.
"It was wonderful that Gary Brooker and the band gave so selflessly their time and talent to support this fantastic cause," said Chris Bean, Surrey Chamber of Commerce president. "It is good to see the local business community pulling together to help an area that suffered such devastation."
"We are so grateful to Gary Brooker, Surrey Chambers, and the Guildford community and Guildford Cathedral staff for making this event so special," said Emma le Beau, from Jubilee Action. "The difference the money raised will make is immense. Eight entire families can now have their homes rebuilt and receive fishing boats, providing jobs for a further 16 people. The concert was a wonderfully successful event both here in Guildford and for the community in Thanthri."
 |
 |
|
Gary Brooker with some of the performers at Guildford Cathedral, Cathedral Hill. |
Gary Brooker.
(Photos by Terry Habgood) |
4 February 2005
Never Mind The Buzzcocks
Gary Brooker will be appearing on BBC TV's Never Mind The Buzzcocks this Sunday 6 February 2005 on BBC 2 at 9.00pm.
CONCERT FOR EPIPHANY 2005
 SANTA MARIA LA NOVA - NAPLES
The annual Concert for Epiphany that will took place within the charming atmosphere of the church of Santa Maria La Nova in Naples. The concert was broadcasted through RAI UNO on 6 Jan 2005 and as usual, RAI International will broadcast the concert world-wide via satellite, being expected also the transmission through the channel via satellite SAT 2000.
The director of the orchestra was Renato Serio - Gary Brooker performed "Holding On" and "Salty Dog" to a delighted Italian audience.
The Drifters to play Denmark
The Drifters will be flying out to Denmark later this year. Their first gig will be at the Herning Kongras Hall on the November 11th . The dates are in conjunction with Intouch at www.intouch.dk/?in-flow.
Mark's 50th Birthday Party
Mark hosted a glorious party to celebrate his 50th. Among the many guests were The Drifters, Gary Brooker, Cliff Bennett, Paul Wheeler and Cream Rapper, each of whom contributed to the evening's magical entertainment in their own musical style. The Drifters provided the vocals for most of the evening, with Mark on the guitar. The evening ended around the piano with all participating in singing, dancing and much much more.
 |
|
|
The Drifters sing Happy Birthday to Mark.
|
Mark "Under The Boardwalk"
with Patrick, Victor, Rohan & Peter |
|
|
 |
Mark's "Hey Dude, Take a good song & make it badder"
|
Gary and The Drifters around the piano with a pineapple!
|
 |
| Paul Wheeler (left) performing with his daughter Sarah & band Mac Strappe. |
Further adventures with Mark...
Mark, on tour with Procol Harum in Warsaw, relaxing in the hospitality room with Procol drummer Mark Brzezicki |
 |
| Now who's this rather cool dude in the black in the photo who Cliff Bennett has his arm around? None other than our very own (and rather younger!) Mark Lundquist. This photo was taken at a private party in Hamburg in September 1989 when our Mark was living another life as a Rebel Rouser. Can you believe it, but it was taken by Michael Ackermann at the party, and he's just realised who's in his photo! (Michael's a bit of a Cliff Bennett fan, but we won't talk about that!) |
|
|
|
Mark Lundquist and Ken McCluskey (The Commitments - guitarist) relaxing before the gig at The House of Blues, Chicago. Mark flew out with The Commitments, in March 2001, and lent them his support during their tour of the USA. |
 |
|
|
|
|
