QUIREBOYS TO RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM ‘WARDOUR STREET’ TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 11TH VIA CADIZ MUSIC

Words by Guy Bellamy (Great Music Stories)

The smiles. There’s something so innately positive about this Quireboys album project. On stage, you can tell the boys are having so much fun. From the pre-show gatherings and interviews, there’s lots of laughs and good spirits. And during the live sets, there are just so many smiles from the fans. Seldom has the countdown to an album launch felt like so much fun for everyone concerned, and what a contrast this is from the album’s inception two years ago.

I have vivid memories of what Spike went through in 2022. As a friend, and someone that ended up becoming a bit of a confidant for a while, Spike spoke with me most days as events unfolded. He got a message on his phone claiming to fire him from his own band, a social media narrative then unfolded, talking about him but not involving him. Whilst a bigger-than-life showman on stage, there is a lot more to Spike than the stage persona. He was enormously hurt by what was said about him, as there just seemed to be no brakes on the social media tirade, whoever was behind it. As is so often the case nowadays with online news and social media, the bandwagon and feeding frenzy for apparent sensation, claims, and rumor often has a drama of its own that doesn’t allow much time for balance or fact-checking. To Spike’s credit, he didn’t wade into the circus of accusations, for months he didn’t even do interviews: Instead, he spoke with his Quireboys mates Guy Bailey and Nigel Mogg, who themselves were upset over what was going on. It felt a bit like the opening of Stephen King’s novel, IT, when childhood friends all get the call 20 years later, drawn by the need to come home, to regroup and tackle a situation. From the outset, Spike’s resolve was simple and clear – he would reform the original band and they would make a new Quireboys album that captured what he regarded to be the original Quireboys sound.

‘Wardour Street’ isn’t just an album title, it’s a place – and it’s the place where the Quireboys story started. Guy Bailey and Spike wrote the early Quireboys songs with acoustic guitars in their London flat; creating what would become the debut album hits that would define the band’s brand and every show for the next four decades. Spike’s club in Soho, the early shows at the Marquee Club, the years of songwriting and shows – the vibrant formative years before the debut album was even recorded. Soho was where it all started in the 1980s but it also returned to inspire the genesis of this new album. Spike was speaking regularly with Nigel, Guy Bailey, Chris, and Rudy. Spike and Guy Bailey then had some sessions, jamming ideas together like those early Soho days. From what Spike told me at the time, it was the cathartic, spontaneous experience of those moments that cemented Spike’s resolve to write a new album and, in doing so, to carry forward the wishes of Guy Bailey and Nigel Mogg to return with a new album from the founding members of the band.

Whilst many know and love Spike the performer for his unpredictable, fun-loving, at times chaotic persona on stage, this is just one side of the coin. There is a serious and hard-working side to Spike too. From the outset, Spike told me he would reform the original band, he would recapture its original sound, he would write a Christmas single, then release a new album. He said his band would then do a select number of band shows before playing festivals. Everything Spike set out to do in 2022 he has done within two years – done completely, without fuss but with resolute conviction. The quiet story behind the headlines is Spike with his bandmates have worked extremely hard – and Spike has fitted all this Quireboys work in between relentless solo dates, a European tour with The Dead Daisies and two solo ‘Song Book’ albums. Add to this a music cruise, a visit to Fish’s garden (to drive his sit-on mower and talk prog), support for Care after Combat, video shoots, pipers, a Christmas single, and time with John Corabi – Spike has worked flat out for two years. Within this work ethic, the reformed Quireboys have been focused on the music not the headlines; they’ve maintained a sincere and constant connection with their fans, and what crowns the recent come-back shows is the big next step – the release of the best Quireboys album in decades. It’s easily on a par with the Spike and Bailey-penned ‘A Bit of What You Fancy’ – but part of me thinks it may even be better.

A ‘Wardour Street’ review cannot just be about a top-line commentary on the songs. Whilst I will touch on them later, looking at the songs in isolation largely misses the point. This collection needs to be viewed as an album in the full sense of the word, and the context in how it came about. This is an album about a group’s desire to reclaim a band that was their creation and a sound that was their signature. In my book, Quireboys were never a hard rock band: their very essence is inspired by the Stones and Faces – a very British tradition of rock-n’roll. It’s music that fits with the weathered pin-striped suits, the whisky-infused sound, the partying and the endearing fun flashes of chaos. It’s simple, honest, and authentic music that always evokes a sense of warmth and fun. When Spike coined the band’s moniker ‘this is Rock n roll’ for his band – it was British rock n roll he was talking about, and what we enjoy on this album is a full return to this sound. Had the original band not taking a break after ‘A Bit of What You Fancy’ and ‘Bitter Sweet & Twisted’, this feels like it would have been the next album. I see ‘Wardour Street’ as very much the completion of this trilogy, in terms of that immediately recognizable rock n roll Quireboys sound.

Let’s now have a quick round-up of some of the songs:

‘Jeeze Louise’ was the first single for this album – it followed the fabulous Christmas single, which was the first official release from the reformed band before their sold-out Christmas show in 2022. ‘Jeeze Louise’ has proven to be a grower on radio across Europe and it’s a great marker of what’s coming with the rest of ‘Wardour Street.’ The second single ‘Raining Whiskey’ has also been well received and, given Spike’s close connection with Frankie Miller, it was a smart idea to give this relationship a moment on the album. From these singles, a special mention is due to Nigel Mogg who, beyond the music, has been so heavily involved in the video and graphic representation of the band for the singles and also the album. Nigel has been Spike’s wingman from the start of this project and his creative contribution to the album has been comprehensive on so many levels.

There are plenty of country, folk, and gypsy infusions on this new record, and the new track ‘You And I’ will be a certain favorite.

‘I Think I Got It Wrong Again’ is a song that could have been straight from the multi-million-selling debut album: Sing-along rock n roll at its best, the vocals sound clear and renewed, and, as with so many tracks, Luke Morley captures the distinctive Guy Bailey guitar vibe very well.

‘Myrtle Beach’ ushers in the country feel that Spike has always done so well, that blend of nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling. This is also the kind of song that fits Spike’s voice really well. This is one of those Quireboys drinking songs that gives a nod to Faces and the Stones. An uplifting and feel-good song, with a catchy chorus that would make it a perfect song for radio.

‘Happy’ is warmly sleazy and raw-riff driven: Creative links can be made to a few Quireboys songs from the 2010s, but this is one of the songs that benefit from there being just one guitar. Spike was clear this album would see a return to one guitarist in the band and it works better for the overall balance of the instrumentation. There’s space in the music, room for everything else to breathe and it means Spike can sing rather than have to shout over the music.

‘No Honour Amongst Thieves’ is, for me, a vocal-led song and there’s a great visual narrative to the lyrics. A modern folk-inspired Quireboys classic. Along with ‘Roses and Rings’ and other such Quireboys staples, I think this one is set to become a timeless fave among the longstanding Quireboys fans. I also have a sense there could be elements of an inner story to this song.

‘Howling Wolf’ rocks well. The slow 70s build-up to this one reminded me a little of the ‘Time Warp’ (but maybe I’d had one too many coffees by this stage). This song is great fun, start to finish – and there’s room for solos from the keys and harmonica to shine. Eight tracks in and its more than three decades since the Quireboys have sounded so completely Quireboys.

‘It Ain’t Over Now’ feels like a modern-day cousin of ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore.’ It’s such a powerful ballad – and the strength comes from the fact the song is so natural and heartfelt. It’s the sentiment Spike puts into his vocals that makes his ballad performances so distinct – a trait many picked up from his solo ‘Late Night Songbook’ releases. The power of this song is in the restraint of the music and the sincerity of the vocal delivery. Luke’s solo fits the mood perfectly. In my book ‘It Ain’t Over Now’ stands with ‘King of New York’ and ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore’ as completing a set of benchmark Quireboys ballads – songs that all come from the heart.

And a moment at this point for a word on Luke Morley’s significant contribution to this fine album. After the passing of Spike’s lifelong friend Guy Bailey, I wondered if this album would be completed, because the relationship between the two original Quireboys songwriters was such a double-act – the singer and storyteller alongside guitarist and arranger. Whilst no one will fill Mr Bailey’s shoes – and direct comparisons should be avoided – Luke Morley was, in my mind, probably the only guitarist who could have stepped in. Beyond being a great guitarist, songwriter, producer – and a nice bloke – the crucial point here Luke is another dear friend of Spike’s. It’s the bond of friendship that makes the musical magic possible on this album, because so much Quireboys music is about intuition and the band members bouncing off each other in the moment. On this album, Luke refrained from what most new guitarists might have done – to over-play: Instead, he has respectfully captured the style and essence of Bailey, whilst also making is own mark in the right places. Involved in the writing process and stepping up as the great producer he is, Luke has become one of the gang for this album. I’ve seen how he, Nigel, and Spike laugh together, there’s a huge bond of friendship and a real sense everyone’s having so much fun. In some ways, there’s a beautiful subtext to this album which is the story of two wonderful guitarists. If Guy Bailey was the album’s inspiration, then Luke Morley was the other friend who helped see it to completion. Two great guitarists standing tall with their buddies to deliver a great album.

Up next, it’s ‘Like It Or Not.’ I remember when an unfortunate social media video went up a few years ago, one that upset a lot of people. Maybe the moment was registered, maybe it’s a coincidence; people can read what they will into this song.

After Spike’s opening rally cry, the music comes in with a lovely energy, swagger, and groove. For the fans that stood with Spike in recent years, this is destined to become a live favorite, and I have a feeling the chorus will be owned by the audience. There’s lovely jazz elements to the song’s arrangement that evoke Soho’s Wardour Street; the clubs, the vibrant nightlife and the cosmopolitan aura of the place – the setting from which Spike’s band was born years before the album debut was even released.

And mention of ‘Wardour Street’, the best is saved until the end of the new album.

The album closes with the title track ‘Wardour Street.’ In terms of feel, it reminded me a little of a personal fave ‘Midnight Collective,’ although ‘Wardour Street’ is a Quireboys album closer without equal. A song that is all about the mood: the sax evokes sleepy late-night London after the last train leaves town – and some of the lyrics are almost whispered. This feels like Spike singing a song for – or in his mind speaking to – Guy Bailey; images in his mind remembering their early days together. There’s a pervading sense of nostalgia and melancholy but, as with processing the stages of grief, it’s also beautiful and uplifting.

So there you have it, ‘Wardour Street.’ I said earlier that this album is a match for ‘A Bit Of What You Fancy’ – and it is. I also teased a suggestion it might even be better than the debut. Given the huge emotional resonance and legacy that the band’s benchmark debut album has to this day, I know this is a brave statement to make. The debut is near perfect, but this new album has something extra. This album is also about the context, and the reason why it was made. And it was done without a label. It was all about the grit and determination to see this project through, as a loving dedication to Guy Bailey, and it was also a pledge from Spike to Quireboys fans. He would have walked through a wall to make this album, and he pretty much did. The outcome is an album that has a spirit that is bigger than the words or the notes you hear – and the result is an unequivocal triumph.

The simple truth is whatever the reasons for the split between the previous incarnation of the band, many people just want to see Spike on stage singing the Quireboys songs he wrote – and who would deny any fans of that? He’s a one-off entertainer, and has become a unique facet of the brand of British rock n roll – John Corabi lovingly describing him to me during an interview as “Britain’s last great rock n roll pirate.” I think with hindsight it’s thoroughly fair and respectful to suggest that the only person who can really decide when time should be called on Spike to perform his Quireboys songs is Spike himself.

Put all this together and this album is more than a collection of songs, it’s an inspiring story that’s all about the life-affirming bonds of friendship. How a band of brothers reformed to overcome a situation; how Spike wrote an album to honor the passing of a life-long friend; how another guitar-playing life-long friend stepped it to produce and help see the project to fruition; and how yet another (third) guitar-playing friend stood tall, like a rock, to help keep Spike’s solo gigs going through the darkest of times. Add to this the fans who stayed the distance, the volunteer champions who helped with the socials, those who promoted the shows – and the new manager who was also there at the start and returned to help an old friend. In the dark world we live in, a world with so many challenges and so many depressing headlines, ‘Wardour Street’ stands tall as a triumph of the human condition to overcome – and of the enduring power of friendship to move mountains. Like it or not, rock n roll’s Quireboys are back, and with ‘Wardour Street’ they have never sounded better.

‘Wardour Street’ will be released on October 11th via Cadiz Music. Pre-order HERE:

‘Wardour Street’ track-listing:

1. Jeeze Louise
2. Raining Whiskey
3. You And I
4. I Think I Got It Wrong Again
5. Myrtle Beach
6. Happy
7. No Honour Amongst Thieves
8. Howlin’ Wolf
9. Ain’t Over Now
10. Like It Or Not
11. Wardour Street

Catch Quireboys live at the following dates on the Wardour Street Autumn Tour 2024:

November:

14^th         Grimsby, Yardbirds

15^th        Wakefield, Venue 23

16^th         Bridgwater, The Palace

17^th         Newport, Corn Exchange

20^th         Belfast, Limelight

22^nd        Nuneaton, Queens Hall

23^rd         Nottingham, Old Cold Store

24^th         London, Islington Assembly

28^th         Troon, Winterstorm

29^th         Birmingham, Asylum

30^th         Manchester, Gorillas

December:

1^st           Southampton, 1865                         

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