Adrian brings punk to the folk stage (From Wirral Globe)

Adrian brings punk to the folk stage

10:12am Wednesday 3rd February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

ACTOR and comedian Adrian Edmondson comes to Wirral later this year for a night of punk music with a folk twist.

Adrian - who made his name on the alternative comedy circuit in the early 1980s and went on to appear in BBC comedy series The Young Ones and Bottom - comes to Pacific Road Arts Centre in Woodside on April 24 as one of The Bad Shepherds.

The group, which also features Troy Donockley and Andy Dinan, was formed three years ago and plays punk songs on folk instruments.

Their repertoire includes songs by punk greats The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, The Specials, Talking Heads and Squeeze among others.

For Bradford-born Adrian, 53, who was a teenager during the punk music era of the mid 1970s, the band is a chance to revisit the music that was the soundtrack of his youth.

He told the Globe: "I like to play music from the time when it was at its best. It's a glorious hobby, which is becoming a full-time job and we’re not doing badly.

"In fact, we're already planning the next two years, which could include a tour of Australia.

"I've messed about with comedy bands all my life, and acquired a mandolin a few years ago so decided to take it seriously. I had a teacher who taught me how to play, and then I went off and learned my own chords."

Adrian took his mandolin on tour with reformed 1960s comedy group the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band a few years ago.

His friend Neil Innes, who co-founded the Bonzos and wrote their biggest hit I'm The Urban Spaceman and was on tour with the band at the time, advised him to form a group.

Adrian recalled: "I had a go at a few songs with Neil and he said I should get myself some folk musicians. He's a really close friend of mine and his advice seems to have paid off.

"I would really like to do something with Neil and this could happen in 2012. So, watch this space..."

After graduating from the University of Manchester with a degree in drama, Adrian went on to become one of the biggest names at the London-based Comedy Store.

His many television roles include Vyvyan in '80s BBC comedy The Young Ones, Eddie Hitler in Bottom and Dr Abra Durant in the drama Holby City.

Adrian married the comedienne, actress and writer Jennifer Saunders in 1985. The couple have three children and live on a farm in Devon. His daughter Ella is also in a band. His sister, a teacher, lived in New Brighton for 15 years.

Asked about future television projects, Adrian said: "TV doesn't excite me any more. For me, there are too many people to deal with behind the scenes.

"I've done all that. The music business works for me."

It was while at university that Adrian met Rik Mayall and the two formed a comedy duo. They later wrote and co-starred in Bottom, with Rik playing the part of Richie.

Adrian said: "I haven't ruled out doing another comedy with Rik, but we're both in our 50s now and probably a little bit old to keep playing Eddie and Richie."

For updates on the band, log onto their website: www.thebadshepherds.com

The Globe has two pairs of tickets to give away for The Bad Shepherds' Wirral gig on April 24.

For a chance of winning one, answer the following question: Adrian played Eddie Hitler in which BBC comedy series?

Send the answer to: The Bad Shepherds, Wirral Globe, Haymarket Court, Hinson Street, Birkenhead CH41 5BX. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Tuesday, February 23.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)