GRAHAM Parker with backing band The Goldtops will be performing at the Cheese and Grain on Friday 29th September and organisers say you can expect a night of classic Parker songs alongside some newer material. Parker will be supported by the young British bandleader-guitarist-vocalist rising star Connor Selby.
Stereotyped early in his career as the quintessential angry young man, Graham Parker was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters to emerge from England’s pub rock scene in the early ’70s. Drawing heavily from Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, Parker developed a sinewy fusion of driving rock & roll and confessional folk-rock, highlighted by his indignant passion, biting sarcasm, and bristling anger.
At the outset of his career, his albums crackled with pub rock energy, snide witticisms, and perceptive insights, earning him a devoted following of fans and critics, who lavished praise on his debut, 1976’s Howlin’ Wind, recorded with the Rumour, his backing band of pub rock all-stars.
After delivering Squeezing Out Sparks in 1979, which was a smash with critics and won him a larger audience in the United States, Parker courted a crossover career with solo projects such as 1982’s Another Grey Area and 1985’s Steady Nerves before settling into a cult following in the late ’80s and continuing to garner critical acclaim as his music mellowed but his lyrical perspective stayed sharp.
At the behest of filmmaker Judd Apatow, Parker reunited with the Rumour for his movie This Is 40, which led to concert tours and a pair of albums, 2012’s Three Chords Good and 2015’s Mystery Glue. Fast forward to 2023 and Graham returns to the UK to play six exclusive dates with his most recent backing band The Goldtops. Expect a night of classic Parker songs alongside some newer material.
