The Blimp
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The Blimp | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Origin | Glasgow, Scotland |
Genres | Rock |
Years active | 1998–2007 |
Labels | Stuntman Recordings Green Pepper Junction ARC Fast Static |
Members | William Rogue Ray Alexander George Berry Gary Craig JD Allan |
Past members | Mark Brown Carol McBay |
Website | theblimp.band |
The Blimp were a rock band formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 1998. The group comprised William Rogue (vocals, lead guitar, harmonica), Ray Alexander (Hammond organ), George Berry (vocals, drums, percussion), Gary Craig (bass guitar) and JD Allan (vocals, rhythm guitar). The Blimp released two studio albums, one live album and three singles before disbanding in July 2007.
History
Formation
The original line up of the band that would become The Blimp came together for the first time in late 1998. Brothers
Taking their name from a Captain Beefheart song, The Blimp performed their first gig at Strawberry Fields in Glasgow on 18 January 1999.
In the spring of 2000, Mark Brown left the band to join the Cosmic Rough Riders.[1] Shortly after, George Berry, a former bandmate of Craig, was brought in to replace Brown on drums.
At the beginning of 2001, Carol McBay relocated to London and left the band.
Controversy
In the spring of 2001, now with a settled line up, The Blimp began working with engineer and producer Duncan Cameron. Pleased with the result of the initial recording sessions, the band released their first single, Bad Bitch Dog Don’t Bite on
In early 2002, The Blimp released their debut album, Square Go,[5] after further sessions with Cameron.
Further controversy
Disillusioned with the perceived commercialism of Scotland's biggest summer music festival, T in the Park, The Blimp hosted a counter event in Glasgow, J in the Dark, on 13 July 2002. The band were criticised,[6] for the apparent reference to drug use that the event's title implied.
In the summer of 2007, the band released what would be their last album, Easy Listening with the High Commissioner. The album's closing track, "Plastic Fuck Machine", was denied airplay by most of Scotland's local and national radio stations. The song's duration (over eight minutes) and content (an extended drum solo), rather than its title, were cited as the reason for lack of airplay.
Break-up
On 14 July 2007, The Blimp made their final live appearance at Nice N Sleazy in Glasgow.[7] The decision to break-up had been made several months previous after Rogue had decided to relocate to San Francisco.
Style
The Blimp have much been likened to compatriots
Timeline
Discography
Albums
- Square Go – (2002)
- The Core Session – (2004)
- Easy Listening with the High Commissioner – (2007)
- Play It Louder – (Anthology) (2017)
Singles
- "Bad Bitch Dog Don’t Bite" – (2001)
- "A Thousand Bares Between Us" – (2001)
- "Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place" – (2006)
References
- ^ The Independent (2006-08-09). Retrieved on 2008-08-01.
- Metro (Associated Metro Limited).
- ^ Discogs. Retrieved on 2015-07-09.
- ^ Lawrence, Eddie (2001-08-13). The Big Issue.
- ^ Regan, Johnny (2003-08-07). The List (magazine).
- Trinity Mirror plc.
- ^ BBC Music. Retrieved on 2013-04-22.
- Metro (Associated Metro Limited).