About this Event

The Nightingales



Birmingham's original punk group The Prefects had been part of The Clash's 'White Riot Tour', recorded a couple of Peel sessions, released a 45 on Rough Trade and, years after splitting up, had a retrospective CD released by NY label Acute Records to all round glowing reviews - from Rolling Stone to webzines.



The Nightingales was formed by former members of The Prefects following that band's demise in 1979.

Described in John Robb's definitive book on 'post punk' (Death To Trad Rock) as "The misfits' misfits" and comprising an ever fluctuating line up, based around lyricist/singer Robert Lloyd, the Nightingales enjoyed cult status in the early '80's as darlings of the credible music scene and were championed by John Peel, who said of them - "Their performances will serve to confirm their excellence when we are far enough distanced from the 1980's to look at the period rationally and other, infinitely better known, bands stand revealed as charlatans".



The group recorded a bunch of critically acclaimed singles (Almost always 'Single Of The Week' in the music press) and three albums, plus many radio sessions for their great supporter Peel. They also regularly toured the UK and Northern Europe, as headliners and supporting acts as diverse as Bo Diddley and Nico.





In the late Eighties the Nightingales stopped working but, following the occasional gig between times, they re-grouped in 2004, with Lloyd being joined by original Prefects guitarist Alan Apperley. After fucking about with various wastrels, precious sorts and mercenaries the group arrived at it's current line up, which features Lloyd, Apperley, Andreas Schmid from Faust on bass and ex Violet Violet drummer Fliss Kitson.

Since restarting the group have been more productive than ever - releasing five 7" vinyl singles, a 10" EP and five studio albums (Plus two live albums), touring England, mainland Europe and USA numerous times, recording many radio sessions along the way. They have been invited to play various festivals in Europe and the States, including Glastonbury and SXSW. Their "Let's Think About Living" 45 was 'Single Of The Week' on BBC 6 Music and they have continued to receive regular rave reviews for their records and live shows.



The group's "No Love Lost" album was released by Cooking Vinyl in 2012. Described by Mojo as "Brilliant. One of the fiercest and most exhilarating rock records in ages" the record features guests, U.S avant-garde composer, Katherine Young on bassoon and Hans-Joachim Irmler, founder of krautrock legends Faust, on keyboards.



The Nightingales recorded another album at Faust Studio in September 2013. “For Fuck’s Sake” is a self released, limited edition vinyl LP available only at the bands gigs and is generally considered to be the band’s best work to date.

The group’s headline tour of UK and Ireland in April/May 2014 was their most successful so far and they will be playing live shows in Europe and USA over the coming year with a new ‘gig only’ 7” vinyl 45 exclusively available on those dates.

The ‘Gales have recorded another new album for release in April 2015 prior to their first shows in Japan. Further dates in UK and beyond will follow.



An astonishing, invigorating album of raging righteous attack – MOJO



Droll, surly, ace, a proper rock & roll group – MAIL ON SUNDAY



Prophets without honour – STEWART LEE



Lloyd is the most underestimated songwriter of his generation - THE INDEPENDENT



Among the best song writers we’ve got – ARTROCKER



Tickets on sale Wednesday 27th Jan @ 10am here:



http://bit.ly/NightingalesOxford