EDWYN COLLINS + THE HANGING STARS + BAYVIEW – ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, BRIGHTON 3.10.25
We previously noted that Edwyn Collins posted this on his social media “It’s for real folks. My last tour. By the time the next one comes, I’d be seventy something. No way! So let’s have fun, make the most of it. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 10 am. See you in the charts!”. The tour poster attached to the notification thankfully included a date here in Brighton, but not in your usual bog-standard venue, oh no, he’s performing live at the rather wonderful St George’s Church which is located in St George’s Road in Kemp Town, Brighton.
With a career spanning over 40 years, here’s some of Edwyn’s highs and lows: In 1980, in Glasgow, formed Postcard Records of Scotland with Alan Horne. Home of Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, Josef K and the Go-Betweens. On 21st June 1984 Orange Juice played live at Hammersmith Palais for the third time. I went to see them, but as the event was running so late, I had to leave after Jonathan Richman’s set in order to safely get the train back to Brighton.
In 1985, after four albums, he disbanded Orange Juice and began a solo career. In 1995, Edwyn’s third solo album, ‘Gorgeous George’, spawned his biggest hit record, ‘A Girl Like You’. A global smash, indeed. After 12 years of making and producing records for himself and many other artists in his West Heath Studios in London, in 2005 Edwyn suffered a serious brain haemorrhage which hospitalised him for six months and necessitated a rehabilitation period lasting several years. Alongside language and mobility restrictions, as a result of the loss of use of his right arm, Edwyn could no longer play the guitar as he had.
In January 2025 Edwyn Collins announced both the details of the release of his 10th solo album, ‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’ and the release of the first track to be taken from the record, ‘Knowledge’. Released on his own AED Records on Friday 14th March 2025, the 11-track album was recorded at his Clashnarrow Studio in Helmsdale, North East Scotland and was co-produced by Edwyn with Sean Read & Jake Hutton. This being his first since 2019’s ‘Badbea’ and his fifth album since his life-altering illness in 2005, when two strokes and a bout of MRSA did their level best to kill him.
Chris Martin invited Edwyn to join Coldplay on stage at Glasgow’s Hampden Park in summer 2022 to sing ‘A Girl Like You’ and Keir Starmer, the PM, listed Orange Juice’s ‘Falling And Laughing’ as one of his Desert Island Discs – Edwyn Collins remains as vital today as he did when he sprang from his Bearsden bedroom in the late 1970s to start his first band The Nu Sonics and ‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’ stands as testament to that fact. Copies of this new album can be purchased HERE.
And so finally this evening I actually got to witness Edwyn Collins live in the flesh! Tonight we are going to get no less than 22 career spanning compositions from 1980 to 2025 and half of these are Orange Juice tunes…happy days!
Thankfully Edwyn introduces every single song and I’m able to cross-check these with the setlist that I can see immediately beneath me, as I’m positioned literally above the band in the balcony and so I’m looking down onto the guys from my birds-eye view. It honestly feels very special indeed, as if I’m backstage and thus absorbed in all of the action. Even before the musicians arrived, there was an indication that tonight was going to be a great event as their selected intro tape was ‘Where Were You?’ by The Mekons, which is an epic tune that I honestly still play to this day! We are in Edwyn and his handful of chums company for an impressive 101 minutes from 8:43pm until 10:24pm.
The band arrive, followed by Edwyn who sits out front with the lyrics on sheets by his side and several bottles of water to hand. The musicians performing are Edwyn Collins (lead vocals, harmonica), Sean Reed (Nord Stage 2 synth, Roland VK-8 synth, saxophone, backing vocals, tambourine, shakers), Jake Hutton (drums), Carwyn Ellis (Fender Mustang bass, acoustic guitar, M-Audio KeyRig 25 Musical MIDI Keyboard Controller With USB, backing vocals), Andy Hacket (electric guitar, backing vocals) and Patrick Ralla (Gretsch electric guitar).
Edwyn says “Good evening, are you ready to rock n roll?. Let’s start at the beginning shall we…” and the foot stomping beat kicks in for ‘Falling And Laughing’ from 1982’s ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album, after which there’s a deafening roar from the crowd! It’s clearly going to be one of those nights as the punters are primed and ready to go! Selection two is also from ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’, this time it’s ‘Dying Day’ which has that distinctive Edwyn Collins vocal sound. Next up are two cuts from his 1994 solo ‘Gorgeous George’ album in the form of ‘Make Me Feel Again’ with its pleasant keys, and the slower more considered ‘The Campaign For Real Rock’. We are then brought right up to date with the title track from the new ‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’ LP, which shows the audience that Edwyn’s singing voice is as good as ever, and that despite his situation, he is still a truly endearing fellow. There’s a very brief false start on ‘Knowledge’ from the same record, but it’s immediately rectified as they take it from the top again. This is another slowie, but it also benefits from a short saxophone break, after which Edwyn says “Thank you, I like that song!”.
The musicians then take it back to 1989 and perform ‘The Wheels Of Love’ from the ‘Hope And Despair’ album, which is a pleasurable finger-tapping, head bobbing, shoe shuffling tune, which benefits from a trio of harmonies and notable guitar riffs. They then go further back and delve into the Orange Juice days, and reward us with ‘What Presence?!’ from 1984’s ‘The Orange Juice’ album. Amazingly a real live Peacock butterfly lands on the drimkit, but thankfully quickly flies off again, just before the drum is hit. It’s well past the butterflies bedtime and yet he continues to speedily fly around the stage and audience throughout the rest of the performance. Once landing on a guitarist’s arm and surprising him, and later on actually landing on Edwyn’s lyrics sheets, where he notices it and informs us that he likes butterflies, and references Red Admirals and Peacock butterflies.
‘In Your Eyes’ from 2010’s ‘Losing Sleep’ album is up next and for this Edwyn’s son William joins the band and shares the vocals with his dad, who he grabs by the shoulder on its conclusion, as a way of saying “Thank you” – nice caring touch! I also particularly enjoyed the drumming on this song as well. ‘In Your Eyes’ from 2010’s ‘Losing Sleep’ record was their next selection. This is a slow tune which has a beautiful guitar intro and one which might be mistaken as being a Richard Hawley track, who incidentally I’m seeing tomorrow in Worthing (Review HERE).
After the band introductions, we get the very brief ‘Intuition Told Me (Part 1)’ from 1982’s ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album, which segues straight into the 1980 Orange Juice single ‘Simply Thrilled Honey’. We receive a further trio of Orange Juice tunes, these being ‘Consolation Prize’ from 1982’s ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ album which has the same feeling as Edinburgh’s post-punk band The Fire Engines; then it’s the bouncy and very likeable ‘I Can’t Help Myself’ from 1982’s ‘Rip It Up’ album, which tonight features a brief Roland synth riff of Los Bravos ‘Black Is Black’ which was covered by La Belle Epoque; and the third being the timeless earworm that is ‘Rip It Up’ from the 1982 album of the same name, which finally sees the use of the mini-keys by the bassist, as well as a decent saxophone break. God knows how many times down the years I’ve found myself suddenly singing this tune out loud or in my head, and now I finally get to hear it live!
The rockin’ ‘Don’t Shilly Shally’ from 2014’s ‘The Possibilities Are Endless’ album by Edwyn Collins, Carwyn Ellis And Sebastian Lewsley is the next selection and this sees Edwyn standing up and singing his heart out, whilst the fans engagingly clap along. He remains standing for ‘A Girl Like You’ from 1994’s ‘Gorgeous George’ record, which is another earworm tune I’ve had stuck in my head for decades, such is the genius of the man! Edwyn then carefully leaves the stage as the quintet carry on finishing off the track, and once finished, the musicians were rewarded with literally deafening roars! God knows what the neighbours thought, but I think it’s wonderful that this building is still being used in order to spread joy amongst its parishioners!
Most of the musicians return for the quiet ‘Low Expectations’ from the ‘Gorgeous George’ album, which sees the bassist switch to acoustic guitar and Edwyn briefly plays the harmonica on the conclusion of the song. Tune twenty is the title track from 2007’s ‘Home Again’ album, which sees the remainder of the musicians take to the stage. This track is another quiet composition which has an Elvis Presley meets Richard Hawley croon about it. The penultimate track was something a tad special! This was the Orange Juice tune ‘Felicity’ from 1982’s ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’, a song I can still remember hearing The Wedding Present covering in their first John Peel Session, back on 26th February 1986, and it clearly gave listeners the same positive impression as the recording made to to No.36 in that year’s John Peel’s Festive Fifty. Orange Juice, however, didn’t record it for either of their own John Peel Sessions. For me ‘Felicity’ was the track of the evening! The performance came to a conclusion with the retro sounding Orange Juice single ‘Blue Boy’ 1980. Edwyn then says “You are a lovely audience…you are!” and everybody got to their feet for a standing ovation as they clapped away as Edwyn left the stage as his band finished off the track. It has been an absolute honour to have finally been able to see the great man at work! Thank you!.
Edwyn Collins:
Edwyn Collins – lead vocals, harmonica
Sean Reed – keys, saxophone, backing vocals, tambourine, shakers
Jake Hutton – drums
Carwyn Ellis – bass, acoustic guitar, mini-keys, backing vocals
Andy Hacket – electric guitar, backing vocals
Patrick Ralla – electric guitar
Edwyn Collins setlist:
(Intro tape) ‘Where Were You?’ by The Mekons
‘Falling And Laughing’ (from 1982 ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album)
‘Dying Day’ (from 1982 ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album)
‘Make Me Feel Again’ (from 1994 ‘Gorgeous George’ album)
‘The Campaign For Real Rock’ (from 1994 ‘Gorgeous George’ album)
‘Hope And Despair’ (from 1989 ‘Hope And Despair’ album)
‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’ (from 2025 ‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’ album)
‘Knowledge’ (from 2025 ‘Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation’ album)
‘The Wheels Of Love’ (from 1989 ‘Hope And Despair’ album)
‘What Presence?!’ (from 1984 ‘The Orange Juice’ Orange Juice album)
‘In Your Eyes’ (from 2010 ‘Losing Sleep’ album)
‘In A Nutshell’ (from 1982 ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album)
‘Intuition Told Me (Part 1)’ (from 1982 ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album)
‘Simply Thrilled Honey’ (a 1980 Orange Juice single)
‘Consolation Prize’ (from 1982 ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album)
‘I Can’t Help Myself’ (from 1982 ‘Rip It Up’ Orange Juice album)
‘Rip It Up’ (from 1982 ‘Rip It Up’ Orange Juice album)
‘Don’t Shilly Shally’ (from 2014 ‘The Possibilities Are Endless’ Edwyn Collins, Carwyn Ellis And Sebastian Lewsley album)
‘A Girl Like You’ (from 1994 ‘Gorgeous George’ album)
(encore)
‘Low Expectations’ (from 1994 ‘Gorgeous George’ album)
‘Home Again’ (from 2007 ‘Home Again’ album)
‘Felicity’ (from 1982 ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’ Orange Juice album)
‘Blue Boy’ (from 1980 ‘Blue Boy’ / ‘Love Sick’ Orange Juice single)
The middle act of the evening were London based outfit The Hanging Stars who entertained us for 29 minutes from 7:49pm until 8:18pm. They comprise Richard Olson on guitar and vocals, Paulie Cobra on drums and vocals, Paul Milne on bass and vocals and Patrick Ralla on guitar and vocals, although we only have one guitarist with us this evening. The lads perform a 7-tune teaser set, which commenced with ‘Let Me Dream Of You’ from their 2024 ‘On A Golden Shore’ album, which although initially began as a country number, the guys certainly rocked on out at the end, and this immediately got the punters on board. There were some great harmonies on ‘Radio On’ from their 2022 ‘Hollow Heart’ album, and I believe they stated that they actually got played on the radio yesterday. Another cut from the same album followed with the arrival of ‘Black Light Night’ and the twangy guitar action went down rather well with the packed audience.
Their new ‘Sister Of The Sun’ single came next followed by ‘For You (My Blue Eyed Son)’ from 2018’s ‘Songs For Somewhere Else’ album. At this stage in proceedings the dual county-style harmonies and melodies seemed to please those present, and the band took it up a few beats and I’m certain that many Americans discovering The Hanging Stars would be most pleased. The penultimate choice was, (as far as I can tell) the unreleased ‘Let It Slide’, which had hints of 1970’s psych and their final tune, ‘Ava’ from 2022’s ‘Hollow Heart’ album, reminded me of bands like Cast and those of a similar ilk. It was certainly obvious to see that The Hanging Stars are accomplished musicians.
The Hanging Stars:
Richard Olson – guitar and vocals
Paulie Cobra – drums and vocals
Paul Milne – bass and vocals
Patrick Ralla – guitar and vocals
The Hanging Stars setlist:
‘Let Me Dream Of You’ (from 2024 ‘On A Golden Shore’ album)
‘Radio On’ (from 2022 ‘Hollow Heart’ album)
‘Black Light Night’ (from 2022 ‘Hollow Heart’ album)
‘Sister Of The Sun’ (a 2025 single)
‘For You (My Blue Eyed Son)’ (from 2018 ‘Songs For Somewhere Else’ album)
‘Let It Slide’ (unreleased)
‘Ava’ (from 2022 ‘Hollow Heart’ album)
Opening up proceedings this evening are Bayview who I must admit that I’ve never heard of before, although when the 4 chaps take to the stage, I immediately note that one of them is a dead-ringer for Edwyn Collins back in the day. Seems I was correct as the main guy turns up later on in the evening for a duet with dad. The young man in question is Maxwell aka Will Collins who is on lead vocals and bass guitar. Joining him are Jack Benfield on lead guitar, Lyle Turnbull on guitar, and Liam Hutton on drums. They are a London based outfit and we are in their company for a mere 23 minutes, and in that time the quartet give us a half dozen tunes which run from 7:16pm to 7:39pm.
From the very start, it’s clear that Bayview are a sensible fit for support for Edwyn as there’s some twangy guitar action going on, with the opening two tunes, 2025 single ‘Daniel San’ and ‘Runner’ from 2020’s ‘Tight But Loose’ EP, sounding not unlike Tom Petty. Tune three, 2020 single ‘Ringing In My Ear’ is a melodic offering and the already packed church are lapping up what’s being offered. Song four, their 2025 ‘Free Speech’ single, had more swing to it and for yours truly, it was all the better for it. The penultimate selection is their latest ‘Crimes’ single, which fans of Dire Straits ‘Sultans Of Swing’ and Tom Petty & The Heartbreaker’s ‘Into The Great Wide Open’, would be fond of. They concluded with the foot-tapping ‘Go Getter’ from their ‘Ringing In My Ear’ single and this song was the best received by the punters.
Bayview:
Will Collins aka Maxwell – bass and vocals
Lyle Turnbull – guitar
Jack Benfield – lead guitar
Liam Hutton – drums
Bayview setlist:
‘Daniel San’ (a 2025 single)
‘Runner’ (from 2020 ‘Tight But Loose’ EP)
‘Ringing In My Ear’ (a 2020 single)
‘Free Speech’ (a 2025 single)
‘Crimes’ (a 2025 single)
‘Go Getter’ (from 2020 ‘Ringing In My Ear’ single)
