Andy J. Gallagher - Countdown to June 22nd at The Railway Southend-on-Sea with TV Smith

If you're a regular face at some of the Capital's livelier, more intimate, (ok, smaller and more down 'n'  dirty), music venues, chances are you've already come across Andy J. Gallagher and enjoyed his unique talent. If not, it really is time you did. Since first hitting the scene with punky avant Britpopsters 'The Shopkeeper Appeared', Andy has carved his own niche in the London circuit, while broadening his musical horizons with sorties into Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia – plus a spell on New York's alternative rock scene. With a new world of riffs, experiences and ideas in his head, he returned to England armed with his most inspired, creative and personal writing to date. Writing that spurred Roman Jugg, legendary guitarist with punk big noises The Damned, to call Andy a 'lyrical genius' and insist on producing his first solo album, 'Helicopter, Dolphin, Submarine'. 

The album's already creating waves in the music press, with 'Vive Le Rock' describing it as 'sophisticated and rewarding, drawing on the finest in pop punk and mod rock from across the decades'. In fact, they loved Andy so much, they put stand out track 'Something Else' on one of their showcase CDs. 'Vive Le Rock' were pretty accurate in their assessment as it goes, with influences as diverse as The Velvet Underground, The Ramones, The Kinks, David Bowie, Elvis (both Presley and Costello) and Buzzcocks all playing a part in Andy's musical mix but never overwhelming his own personal sound. 

You may have heard Andy on Radio One, you may have even seen him gigging with global megastar bands like Radiohead - but if you haven't been to one of his own gigs or given 'Helicopter, Dolphin, Submarine' a listen, you really are missing out. So go on, treat yourself, meet Andy J. Gallagher soon.

I'm extremely pleased to announce that Andy will be appearing as support to TV Smith at The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea on June 22nd. This is Retro Man Blog promotions' return to The Railway, promoted in conjunction with Radio Podrophenia and Southend Punk Web-site. As an added bonus, Roman Jugg (The Damned, Phantom Chords & Naz Nomad) who produced Andy's debut album, will be joining him on stage to run through a few numbers. You can listen to Mondo & Piley's interview with Roman on Radio Podrophenia, check the Planet Mondo Blog for more details.

Here's a superb video from Andy entitled "Something Else", it's one of the best videos I've seen for ages so I hope you enjoy it! Be sure to come along early on June 22nd so you don't miss anything!