A new chapter starts for The Lindisfarne Story
Ray Laidlaw and Billy Mitchell are back on the road with the latest instalment from the rich history of the North East's folk rocking legends
A new chapter of The Lindisfarne Story opened this week with a raft of North East shows still to come.
Alnwick Playhouse saw the first date of a new tour from founding Lindisfarne drummer, Ray Laidlaw and the folk-rock band’s last lead singer (1995-2003) and long time friend, Billy Mitchell.
Once again offering audiences an intimate, insightful, and entertaining journey through the legendary North East band’s history, this latest incarnation of the story focuses on their debut album, Nicely Out of Tune.
Featuring what would become classic Lindisfarne tracks such as Lady Eleanor, Winter Song, Clear White Light and We Can Swing Together, it seems ridiculous that the 1970 album didn’t chart until more than a year after its initial release, following the success of follow up LP, Fog On The Tyne.
“That album was the foundation of everything that came after - it captured the essence of Lindisfarne,” said Ray who remembers recording the album over four or five days in Trident Studios in London - while George Harrison was recording All Things Must Pass in the studio upstairs.
“And David Bowie had just been in before us, recording Hunky Dory. It was a well used studio because it was one of the few independent ones.
“It was a bit like a sampler I suppose,” he continues. “There were songs from all over the place - and we didn’t think it mattered, to have a consolidated style. We were all big fans of The Beatles, and that’s what you’d get with one of their albums.
“We obviously found out that it did matter when Bob Johnson came on board to produce [the next album] Fog On The Tyne and was very focused on choosing songs which fitted a particular mood and feel. Through its success, people went on to find the first release, which then gave us two top 10 albums for a while.”
Billy remembers hearing the album for the first time - before it was released.
“Because we were always pals, I would call in a see Ray when he was back from touring or recording or whatever. He played me the album - probably the acetate or test pressing or whatever.
“I was knocked out. I thought it was absolutely amazing, something totally new and different to what was around at the time.”
Now into chapter six, The Lindisfarne Story is much more than a concert. It offers a multimedia experience, blending live acoustic music, rare footage, and personal anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of the band’s rise to fame and its enduring legacy.
I had the pleasure of hosting a special version of it at Live Theatre a couple of years back - on the stage where both Ray and Billy played their part in the musical play, Clear White Light, which was based on the songs of Lindisfarne’s founding lead singer and chief songwriter, Alan Hull.
“At the end of every Lindisfarne Story tour, we’ve never known whether we’ll do another one,” says Ray.
“We always want to keep challenging ourselves with the shows,” Billy adds. “We don’t want to just roll out the same songs and the same stories. Like with this tour, I’m singing three songs I’ve never done before - Down, Alan In The River With Flowers and Scarecrow Song.
“Working out the best way to do them with just the two of us on stage was a challenge, which is great. How the audience hear the songs is probably the closest they’ll get to hearing them in the manner which they were written in the first place.
“So even though they’re often the songs people know really well, they’re actually an in-the-room version they won’t hear anywhere else.”
Both Ray and Billy say revisiting Nicely Out of Tune has given them a renewed appreciation for the songs - one which they hope will be shared by the crowds who come out for the tour.
“Playing those songs again in this setting makes you appreciate them in a whole new way, It’s not just nostalgia - it’s a chance to really connect with the music and the stories behind it,” says Billy.
“It’s wonderful how Nicely Out of Tune still resonates with people after all these years. There’s a warmth and honesty to it that never fades.”
Ray adds: “We were lucky to be part of something special, and it’s a privilege to share that story with people who still care so deeply.”
The Lindisfarne Story will visit Billingham Forum on Sunday (March 30) and be back in the region next weekend to kick off another string of North East dates including The Customs House, South Shields (April 5); Hexham Queen’s Hall (April 6); Durham Gala (April 8); The Witham, Barnard Castle (April 11); and Whitley Bay Playhouse (April 12).
For all details and bookings, visit www.lindisfarnestory.co.uk