99 Long Street
Atherstone CV9 1BB
The BBC once described Rob Halligan as “Bruce Springsteen having English tea with Billy Bragg”. It’s been a good comparison although you could maybe invite more people along to the party, as Rob has been compared to Neil Diamond, Martyn Joseph and John Mayer and many others. A professional musician for over 15 years, Rob is an award-winning singer/songwriter and has toured across the world, gaining a reputation as a passionate and engaging performer.
In 2002 Rob left his ‘real job’ to pursue music as a profession. With a desire to use music to make a difference, his down to earth faith, honesty and storytelling connects with audiences everywhere and having lived a colourful life, “his songs and stories pack a powerful punch” (Rock’n’Reel). The BBC’s Paul Gambaccini commented “These are some of the strongest songs I have heard”.
With live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and numerous television and radio slots, Rob has also performed at some of the UK’s most iconic venues and festivals. He is as at home on stage at the Manchester Apollo or main stage at the Godiva Festival as he is at a local church cafe or folk club. He has toured extensively across the UK as well as shows in Canada, USA, Brazil, Hong Kong and Europe.
After a busy 2019 which included a UK tour, album release and various TV and Radio appearances, 2020 saw the release of Rob’s 13th studio album, “Always Heading Home”, largely written and recorded during lockdown. It includes guest appearances from Wet Wet Wet’s Graeme Duffin, Ewan Cameron on Whistle and Chris Haigh on fiddle and has received 5 star reviews from the music press. The Always Heading Home tour began in autumn 2021 to sell out shows.
The Support Artists on the night will be …
Thrup’nny Bits
Thrup’nny Bits is a three voice unaccompanied harmony group singing traditional and contemporary folk songs with some Early Music and humourous songs for good measure. They like to feel their performances have light and shade.
The group evolved from the four part Ninepenny Marl after one of its members became unwell.
Gareth and Barbara Wyatt and Des Patalong come from Warwickshire and Coventry and are well known on the local folk scene having been in various line ups in the past, and Des is currently a member of “Sharp as Razors” – a shanty crew.
The group have had appearances at Bedworth Folk Festival and Folk Club, Warwick FC, Rowington FC, Harbury FC, Bromsgrove FC, Brackley FC, Chipping Norton FC, Black Diamond FC, Banbury FC, Shirley FC, Alcester FC and Warwick Folk Festival . They’ve also appeared at The Nursery Tavern in Coventry and at Kristy Gallagher’s session at The Royal Oak in Kenilworth.
As a result of an invitation by Folk 21, they appeared at the South East Regionsl event at Cecil Sharp House.
The group have completed their first CD available now and called “Here’s a Bumper”.
thrupnnybits.com
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk