Teesside Fettlers
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The Teesside Fettlers are one of the north east of England's longest running and most successful
Frontman for the band is Stewart McFarlane
Heritage
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In 2000, the band received National Lottery funding to produce a CD compilation of their music, to be used in schools and colleges as part of an education programme.[4]
BBC Television have shown considerable interest in the band over the years, making a 30-minute documentary in 1976,Travelling the Tees, featuring the band making a musical journey down the River Tees from Cauldron Snout to Teesmouth.
The band were invited twice by
The band were regular performers at folk music festivals, making several unprecedented repeat appearances at
The band's music
The band play a mix of traditional and locally written songs, together with their comprehensive ceilidh set. Many of their contemporary songs have been written by members of the band, or specifically for the band by local songwriters. They favour songs which describe the history of the area; not just the beautiful rolling countryside, but also about the pollution and industrial impact.
Well known, and often requested songs include "The Hartlepool Monkey"[5] written by Alan Wilkinson,[6][7] an early member of the band.
Their album Travelling the Tees contains their song "The Procession", an imaginary account of a Royal visit to open a Hospital Ward in Middlesbrough. Written by Graeme Miles, it paints a humorous picture of life in the rough end of town. "Ring of Iron" (Miles), "Chemical Workers Song" (Angel) and "Blue Sunset" (Miles), describe the pollution and hard working conditions of local industries. "Beauty and the Beast" and "I Will Stay" (both Skingle) describe the contrast between the hard industrial development of Teesside and the open moorland less than 20 minutes by car. "The Blackleg Miner" (traditional) foretells the likely fate of those who would break strikes at the coal mines in Northumberland. "The Boars Head Carol" (traditional) is a powerful unaccompanied song.
References
- ^ "Singing praises of local hero". Evening Gazette. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ "I Dream of Following My Pal Chris on Road to Stardom". Evening Gazette. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ "Communigate North East Dialect". 13 October 2008. Archived from the original on 13 October 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ [1] [dead link]
- ^ "Stan Laundon Website". Archived from the original on 12 September 2012.
- ^ "Alan Wilkinson's Website". Sites.google.com. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ "Alan's first love takes him back to the drawing board". Archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
External links
- Teesside Fettlers on Facebook
- Teesside Fettlers discography at Discogs