WIN 2 TICKETS TO SEE THE STEVE HILLAGE BAND IN NORWICH ON WEDNESDAY 22ND MARCH 2023

The Utopia Strong Biography.

British prog-electronica trio the Utopia Strong -improbably featuring six-time world snooker champion Steve Davis on modular synth -- combine prog, Krautrock, and contemporary electronica on their 2019 eponymous debut album.

Davis was the king of snooker during the '80s. In an era when the sport was dominated by hard-living wild men like Alex "Hurricane" Higgins and Jimmy White, his wholesome, buttoned-up, no-nonsense style saw him cruelly lampooned as the world's dullest man, particularly by the British satirical comedy puppet show Spitting Image, which ironically dubbed him "Mr. Interesting." Davis had the last laugh, however, cleaning up at the baize to the tune of six world trophies. But behind his boring image, Davis was in fact a switched-on music fan, recognized by those in the know for his love of prog rock, jazzfunk, and soul. He famously booked French prog titans Magma out of his own pocket to play three sold-out nights at London's Bloomsbury Theatre, and he later became a successful DJ in his own right with the radio show Interesting Alternative on Essex local radio station Phoenix FM. Davis' co-presenter on the show was storied Gong and Cardiacs guitarist Kavus Torabi, whom he had met at a Magma gig.

Davis' already catholic taste grew to encompass contemporary electronica, and in 2016 he took up the modular synth. Davis and Torabi met Coil's Michael J. York after the 2017 Glastonbury Festival where they had DJ'ed, and the trio decided to form a band. Starting in a spirit of experimentation, and with no preconceived notions of what the final product would be like, they effortlessly created a unique, hypnotic musical journey combining elements of prog, Krautrock, and contemporary electronica. Their eponymous debut album was released by Rocket Recordings in 2019. While largely instrumental, it featured a guest vocal appearance by Mediæval Bæbes' Katharine Blake.

STEVE HILLAGE BAND comes to NORWICH – Epic Studios on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.

Originally planned for 2021 but postponed due to the pandemic, acclaimed musician Steve Hillage has announced a brand-new tour for March & April 2023 including a date at Norwich’s – Epic Studios on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.

Virtuoso guitarist, techno futurist, prog visionary, sonic wizard: From acid rock to acid house, musician Steve Hillage has been on an incredible, transcendent journey for the past 50 years. An integral figure in the Canterbury Scene and a key member of 70s cosmonauts Gong, Steve has gone on to forge a successful solo career that incorporates several ground-breaking albums as well as being one half of electronic project System 7. His CV includes collaborations with The Orb and Todd Rundgren as well as being producer of the Simple Minds post punk Krautrock inspired double LP Sons And Fascination/Sister Feelings Call. Now Steve and members of Gong are returning to the stage for the first time in 3 years on a 12 date UK tour. playing cuts from his cherished solo albums Fish Rising, L, Green and Motivation Radio – plus a few surprises and never before played live tracks taken from Steve’s illustrious catalogue.Steve and synthesiser-playing partner Miquette Giraudy are honoured and grateful to once again have the members of Gong playing as the Steve Hillage Band: Kavus Torabi – Guitar, Vocals, Dave Sturt – Bass, Vocals, Fabio Golfetti – Guitar, Glissando Guitar & Vocals, Cheb Nettles – Drums & Vocals and Ian East – Sax & Flute.

Playing support will be The Utopia Strong, the adventurous electronic-based project of:

Kavus Torabi – Guitar: Steve Davis – Modular synths, Programming: Michael J. York – Multi-instrumentalist, Programming.

Steve Hillage recently unveiled The Glastonbury Experience (Live 1979), the latest in a string of lovingly restored live recordings from his archive, released on Madfish Records. Available on CD and 2 LP it is currently exclusive to three stores: https://burningshed.com/ planetgong. co.uk stevehillageband.bandcamp.com

Hillage’s links to the Glastonbury Festival are well documented, but 1979 was a very significant appearance as Steve was an integral member of the team who saw the Glastonbury Festival reborn that year. The Steve Hillage Band headlined the first night of the festival – Friday 21st June – and now for the first time, this most epic of sets is finally available to hear for the first time.Tickets for THE STEVE HILLAGE BAND ‘Golden Vibe Tour’ – Norwich Epic Studios show are available from: Wednesday 22nd March 2023 NORWICH – Epic Studios

Doors – 7.30pm Tickets - £30.00 advance

Website – https://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/ents/event/19828/

Age – 14+ (under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult)

To Win 2 x Tickets to see THE STEVE HILLAGE BAND 22ND MARCH 2023 IN NORWICH

Please send in your name address and phone number, by post or email: sales@beechpublications.co.uk THE STEVE HILLAGE BAND COMPETITION

Grapevine, 50 Beech Avenue, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5EH. Closing Date:10TH MARCH 2023 (Must be over 18.)