March- April:
More working holidays for Rich in early April as he headed to Magaluf to sample the live music. As luck would have it, a tribute act pulled out last minute in the Pickwick bar. With a kind invitation from Pablo, Rich filled in with a short set using ipod and Pablos guitar to a fantastic response. Rich returned home tanned and ready to perform some well recieved returns at the Green Man, Crown, Joxers and a brilliant weekend in Llandudno. Check out the images section for some cool photos from the recent Tamworth charity show.
Jan- Feb Newsreel:
Supposed to be a quiet month, there was no rest for Rich as he hit the road for 2007 once again. New gigs this year include regular returns to the stylish Blueroom restaurant, an exciting new monthly jam night at the Crown & Anchor, Stone and new faces at the Crown, Vine and the Plume.
Rich is looking forward to some excellent weddings and parties up ahead, with a Prozak reunion scheduled for August, and has made some excellent friends in Benidorm recently. While Rich was singing in one bar, a Dutch chap asked his much younger girlfriend to marry him. Rich congratulated them but warned: "...and you thought THIS was going to be just a cheap holiday package mate!" Muchas gracias Pablo, Joey, Brian, Juan, Rikki, Ian and Steve for all their advice, support and hospitality.
The one-off Prozak reunion has been thrown open to all family and friends to come along for a great night out, a few beers and some vintage live music...if we can remember the words! The new tribute site is www.myspace.com/prozakuk while dont forget, Rich's own personal news and grumblings blog at www.myspace.com/rparsongs
December
***SECOND HAND PLANS released***
"Fresh Parsley" are pleased to announce that Rich's new demo is now available as of 19-12-06. Featuring 11 classic tracks, it showcases Rich's versatility and range commonly seen at his live shows. Rich's personal favourites are "Dakota" and "Fall at Your Feet" although with more tracks from the Chili Peppers, Beatles, Dean Martin and Robbie, there is sure to be something fo everyones taste. The CD is priced at just £6 and was produced at Peru Studio with Pete Holyman at the desk.
TRACK LISTING
1.Back in the USSR
2. Dakota
3. When Your Gone
4. Beautiful Day
5. Ill be There For You
6. Thats Amore
7. Sunny Afternoon
8. Easy
9. Feel
10. Under the Bridge
11. Fall at Your Feet
In other news, Rich has enjoyed triumphant returns to Blackpool and Llandudno over Xmas and has some fantastic gigs lined up for 2007. Rich said: "I have worked so hard, backed myself once again and sustained myself throughout this year without looking back. The TV show was a major positive and ill be pulling all the strings to promote my work and talent again next year. Im learning as i go and it never ends!"
November
Rich has beenworking hard for several leading agencies in the run up to Xmas, and has secured top nights at a great resort in Blackpool. In addition to this, he was found turning on the Xmas lights in Daventry and Stafford, with some new photos on the site soon.
On the band scene, Rich spent November working with rock act, First Day, but has since departed the band as his solo work comes first. In the new year, he has lined up a new band for studio work, including drummer Mick Taylor, Stu and Fazza when hes free. During the day, Rich has been a support teacher for a school in Birmingham for children with learning difficulties and is enjoying every minute making a difference.
October
Rich has been performing at jam nights over in Dublin recnelty which recieved good reviews and has had some brilliant nights locally back in Stone and Rugeley. He has also recorded anohter six songs for his forthcoming demo of covers, with tracks from Sterephonics, U2, Rembrandts, Commodores and the Kinks.
A full performance of Rich on the BBC Brain Conley talent show. For details, click the MEDIA section and follow the link!
On the bands front, he has negotiated a potential reunion with Adam Egginton as part of a new Stafford based band featuring an ex-member of the Haze. This band will meet for a rehearsal shortly to confirm their plans with Rich on vocals/guitar.
After long months away with the Summer season in Wales, Rich was also reunited with Dave, Jim and Ian for the Lichfield blues band on 9th October. Great to see Ian back on form following his recent illness and of course, Charlie who is now seeking to promote his saxaphone show in the area.
January marks the 2nd consecutive year of Richs successful jam night, still going strong as ever with some excellent reviews and feedback.
August
Rich has been picked from over 9,000 applicants to appear within the new BBC Brain Conley show "Let Me Entertain You" for Lion TV. On travelling to London, he met Brian and had three minutes to impress a large TV audience live, with cash prizes at every stage unless booted off sooner! Rich performed a Beatles song with acoustic guitar and seemed to make it well past two and a half minutes. Alarmingly, he didnt spot any audience "buzzers" there to vote him off, as everyone was clapping! Strange!? He is due to appear on Sept 4th from 4:30pm on BBC 2.
April- July 2006
The gigs have all being going well and Rich has even secured work acting for several top agencies after successful auditions, which means he is already working around the UK at many leading hotels and resorts. One agent is looking at some dates abroad in Spain and Kos, while Rich has also been working away in Llandudno and Penrith regularly. The Bonds jam night is still going strong, with a supportive crowd and another jam night in Tamworth for Thursdays is also in line. Rich has added the Kooks, Paul Weller and Roy Orbison to the setlists and now has around 300 songs in the repertoire. Rich has been jamming and sharing ideas with acoustic legend, Paul Walker at his jam night every Monday in Stone. "Paul has really helped me out in the Staffs area and has shown strong support for my career. I can strongly reccommend his new album "Someday" and that first track is one of the best original songs ive heard for a very long time. Awesome!"
Its all quiet on the band front however as Rich points out: "I do get asked to join alot of projects but im far too busy and this way i can only argue and blame myself if anything goes wrong!" Rich has been jamming with Paul and Fazza recently and feels this method is perfect for his workload right now.
Rich's former songwriting colleague Matt Turner and his wife Rachel, have had their first nipper, Sam who arrived Mid June. Matt wishes to get the band together for a one off gig sometime in 2007 to mark the 10th year since vocalist Keith passed away.
Dont forget to check the gig reviews for an amazing gig at Llandudno recently. Big thanks go to Tara, Ken, Amy, Tony, Paul Walker, Fazza, George at the Blueroom, the two Phils!, all at the Miners and of course, Brin for all his last minute callouts!
March 2006
Another busy month for Rich with some excellent gigs and feedback. He has now secured regular monthly slots at the Lounge bar, Stone and at the Albion. Gig of the month by far was for Pete & Barbs wedding at the lavish Crown Hotel, Stone where even the bride got up for a singalong finale! Rehearsals have been going well with U2, Manics, Take That, Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac and Kaiser Chiefs added to the set. In other projects, Rich is on the brink of forming a new band with old friend andctop touring drummer, Dave Williams with Stu Gee the first to audition for bassist.
Many thanks go to Amy for "doing too much when I keep telling her she shouldnt!" says Rich. March is always a sad month. Its been nine years since Rich's Prozak bandmate Keith passed away. An immense talent the world never got to see.
December 05
Although Rich didnt bother with Xmas this year, he did have a full diary and used the time off to plan a new show, fit in a residency at Chesford Grange hotel before returning closer to home to play at the Wicket and Moderation's New Year bash. The new year has triggered an overwhelming response from satisfied punters and Rich has already been rebooked for next year!
He has also been invited along to play with the Lichfield Blues group at the Kings Head. Bonds have also requested Rich back for every Sunday for the jam night, following a good 2005, some messages for which are in the guestbook.
2005 was intended as Rich's year of progress and with almost 180 shows under his belt, it was definately a case of mission accomplished.
Rich is selling a five piece drumkit for £300ono if your interested?! - Email: rich@richparsonsmusic.co.uk or call: 07891 323346 for more info.
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October 2005
*Rich is now listed on the "Singers UK" Directory online. Already bringing in several strong enquires, Rich has his own page of information and a useful link to his website. Why not take a look at http://www.singers-uk.org/rich_parsons.htm
*Rich recently won through to the semi final of the Land Rover social Talent 2005 competition. He had 15 mins to impress a judging panel within a fantastic venue and secured the 2nd place spot ensuring safe passage through to the semi.
*The new demo is almost ready, containing 6 tracks recorded at Peru Studios. Due for release mid December, Second Hand Plans will be used for demo and promotional purposes. It also shares its title with Rich's forthcoming solo album due for release next Spring. On the solo album, Rich said "I have the songs pretty much ready but i am looking for a steady drummer and bassist to help in the studio. For some songs, i am hoping to hire a string section and rope in a few female vocalists. Its a challenge and its got to be done right!"
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September
*Rich is currently in negotiations to launch a new tribute act. Meetings are going well and the market is shaping up nicely. Tributes are big business at present and Rich hopes this new solo show can bring versatility and more avenues for RPM to explore. Photoshoots are planned for the coming weeks along with mailouts so stay tuned to RPM.co.uk for more details! Many thanks to Dave, Elly, Kev and Shell with the support and persuasion!
*If you dont yet know, Rich Parsons is now operating as a self-employed musician, backed by the Princes Trust. The new company, RPM / RichParsonsMusic was launched throughout last month and the workload is growing. Rich said: "I decided to get organised and do this properly. You have to stay positive and try anything. There is no right or wrong answer in music, just views and opinions, so you have to believe in yours." Alongside the solo show, Rich is working in various touring bands as a guitarist/vocalist, holds tuition and lessons, advises on live show concepts and performance and can be found working away in studios, theatres and even abroad! Its all busy busy busy so why not see how RPM can help you shine? Many thanks to Katie and the gang at Princes Trust.
*Rich has been rehearsing solo tracks and auditioning for members to help with his new album. Due for November, the album will be produced at Peru with Rich's vocals, guitars and some special guests due to travel in for vocal duties! Call Rich if you wish to try out for the band! No time wasters, and you must listen to Neil Finn
*Rich has landed a fantastic New Years Eve date at the Moderation. Rich always enjoys playing his trusty local and Julie is putting on a top night out. Rich said:"The locals shout out all sorts of songs for me to play and we have a great time. The bonus is i can drink for once, walk home 200 metres, and worry about packing down the following day!" Contact RPM or the Moderation for ticket details.
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7th August
Rich returned to the studio for the first time this year to record a new covers demo. Entitled "Second hand Plans", the 7 track album will be used for promitional purposes in the local region. While a few freebies have been given out complimentary, prices for the CD will be £5.
The project also saw Rich reunited with his former Prozak producer, Pete Holyman at Peru Studios. Rich said "Me and Pete work well together and hes everything you need to get it right first time. If your not firing on all cylinders during a long day, he is honest enough to raise a point and even gets angry with himself if its not to his standards!"
Tracks include hits from Queen, U2, Robbie, Beatles, Chili Peppers and the dark horse of the bunch, Dean Martins "Thats Amore!"
Rich said "Dean Martin is a surprise choice but when you hear it, you will see it was a wise move and i loved singing it. Besides, he was a cool singer and is as just as relevant today as he was in the swing era."
A sneak unreleased preview of "Where the Streets Have no Name" is available in the audio section now. Rich also played the Edge-style delay guitar on this track.
April-May 2005 - A time of mixed fortunes for Rich. X-Factor at the NEC seemed designed only for pill pushers and complete nutcases for him to even seem credible and the rock idol final at Tamworth was frustrating despite winning over the entire crowd with his Queen song. Gigs however have been going very well with Rich out at least four times a week and venturing to York, Portsmouth, Bognor, Warrington, Edinburgh and Great Yarmouth.
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Solo Gigs - The solo show is going down well across the region. Rich is now investing in lighting and has converted the setlist to MP3. Rich had a fantastic night at Austin Social near Longbridge and went down very well amid the recent bad news from the car factory. Baggeridge Social refused to let Rich leave until he had exhausted his entire Queen catalogue! Showcases also went well throughout April and Rich's phone is buzzing with more clubnights, birthdays and weddings with most dates now unfortunately unavailable!
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BBC Radio WM - Rich appeared on the Tony Wadsworth show on WM in March. The pair got on very well, having a fascinating 30 minute chat about music and influences. At one stage, Tony was firing requests at Rich randomly which he gladly obliged by playing live! Rich ensured his favourite Neil Finn song was played and even fitted in two original songs. For the full interview, check out the mp3 section.
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NEWSFLASH> 23.2.05 - It has been confirmed that Rich parted company with rock band Blueroom on Feb 17. Due to a misunderstanding over bookings, this has meant relations within the band have fatally broken down, although the band will continue as a trio for now. Rich confirmed: "Ive had a great time in the band and its a shame we have stalled a bit in recent months." Rich joined in May 2003.
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18.2.05 - Rich has been busier than ever and is currently trying out with a few covers bands to busy his diary and expand his skills and repertoire. Auditions on a regular basis have gone well and his New Year resolution seems to be paying off. Rich said: "2004 in many ways was one to forget and i didnt do half as many shows as id like. I saw in the new year with added determination and already in 2005, Ive had 21 gigs in two months and its exactly what i need.You cant sit around waiting and hoping, so im actively making it happen for me."
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18.2.05 - Rich will be taking part in the Tamworth 10k funrun on Feb 20th. Can Rich revive his corss country glory days and make it to the finish? The coroners cause of death report will follow shortly!
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**Every Sunday**
14.2.05 - Rich Parsons has secured a weekly live acoustic residency at the Bonds bar in Church Street, Tamworth town centre. Join Rich from 830pm every sunday for more unique live music and requests. Bonds is a popular live music venue and so far the feedback and attendance has been positive. Many thanks to Jim, the bar staff and Richs work colleagues for their loyal support.