MUSIC
Solstice stage step for Willen Hospice A little over a year ago, we spoke with Solstice’s founder and guitarist Andy Glass about his band’s current standing. Having recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, the group was buzzing with the response, from fans and media alike, to their first album in eight years or so. “We are humbled by the response,” Andy had told me, “... this album really does seem to resonate with people and I couldn’t be happier. The support has been truly inspiring.’ Sia had reinvigorated the band, and the plan was to take the music to their masses. “We have a bunch of great shows lined up for 2021, fingers crossed!” he said. But someone, somewhere clearly forgot to entwine those fingers, and the first six months of the year were spent holed up at home. “2021 was full of joys and frustrations for the band,” Andy says looking back over the shared annus horribilis. “We started the year with Sia already out and plans in place for rehearsals and gigs to promote it. Of course, they were scuppered by restrictions and it wouldn’t be until June that, for the first time, the new lineup could get in a room together… what a joy that was!” Solstice took to the stage for four gigs during the summer. Their hometown show at The Craufurd Arms was the first live date we had been able to attend in six months. It was a glorious return to live music in general, and a welcome chance to hear Sia sounded out before its admirers. “It felt like a new band… the vibe was just magical!” Andy remembered. “We captured a lot of content during those summer shows allowing us to release a steady stream of content and that’s helped bring the music to new ears and will hopefully attract some of those new listeners to shows this year.” And while 2021 might have been the musical equivalent of ‘nil points’ at the Eurovision, the band is keen to get in the van in 2022; Solstice has more shows in the diary for this year than they’ve had since 1985! Festivals are looking tasty too, and they figure on line-ups for HRH Prog xii in Great Yarmouth (joining the likes of Pendragon and Steeleye Span), the Cambridge Rock Festival (they’ll headline the Emerald Stage), and they join The Martin Barre Band and Karnataka at the inaugural Soundle weekend as a headliner. Provided we are allowed out to play, 2022 is looking good. And local fans of the band will be able to indulge soonest – Solstice’s first gig of the year is taking place at MK11 at Kiln Farm, on February 13. 50
Solstice at play - Andy Glass and Jess Holland
Pic: James Westlake
It’s a special show with monies raised helping to swell the coffers of Willen Hospice. “It’s a gig close to our hearts and our homes,” Andy said, “We’re delighted to be playing a fundraiser for the Hospice. Their incredible work will have touched, or will touch so many of us in Milton Keynes. “This is an opportunity to give something back, while enjoying an evening of great music.” Ebony Buckle will also play the date. The Aussie-born singer-songwriter now calls
London home and will be performing tracks from her Disco Lasers album. Solstice drummer Pete Hemsley is getting twice the stage time at the gig; he’ll be opening the show by playing material from his solo album, Beauty of Time. “We really hope local people will take time out to join us at MK11 and help make this a magical evening and tribute to Willen Hospice,” added Andy. Check in with mk11kilnfarm.com for tickets.
Grey matter work out The Craufurd Arms knows how to rock out, of course, but Wolverton’s music hub knows how to give the grey matter a workout too; its Quiz Night is back in play every Thursday. The interactive keypad event is a great chance to enjoy a few drinks while showing off your general knowledge. The winners of the ‘last man standing’ bag free drinks, and the overall winning team take a £50 cash prize. The venue also has some nice new merchandise for you to add to your spring clothing collection – but the puppy is not included! Visit craufurdgarms.bigcartel.com
February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes
