Southbank Centre, in partnership with Eat Your Own Ears, have announced a night paying tribute to the pioneering and hugely influential 1980s British pop and rock band, Talk Talk, and their late frontman Mark Hollis, at Royal Festival Hall, 26 November 2019.
Following the death of the band’s lead singer and chief songwriter in February 2019, A Celebration of Talk Talk and Mark Hollis brings together founding and former members of the band, Simon Brenner, Martin Ditcham, Rupert Black and Jeep Hook, as well as bassist John Mckenzie, to perform as the Spirit of Talk Talk. They will be joined by a line-up of very special guests to be announced, all of whom have been touched by Talk Talk’s music and inspired by Hollis.
With Grammy- and Ivor Novello-award winning songwriter Phil Ramacon as musical director, this collection of extraordinary musicians will perform songs from across the band’s eclectic catalogue, including their groundbreaking final records Spirit of Eden (1988) and Laughing Stock (1991) neither of which have ever before been performed live.
Bengi Ünsal, Senior Contemporary Music Programmer, Southbank Centre, said:
“We are honoured to be holding this beautiful event. Tom and I were talking about staging a celebration of Talk Talk even before Mark passed away. When he sadly died, it became inevitable for us, the fans, and for all the artists who adore the band to pay tribute to them and appreciate the indelible mark they left on music. This is a product of love and admiration – our way of saying thank you to Mark Hollis and Talk Talk.”
Tom Baker, Eat Your Own Ears, said:
“Ever since hearing the subtle delicate musical build of Talk Talk’s magnificently produced track ‘Happiness Is Easy’ from the 1986 released album The Colour of Spring, I fell in love with the band. I have been playing their music again and again for the last 20 years or so. Their effortless unique, emotive sound is uplifting yet beautifully melancholic, and just draws you in. I’ve always wanted to put together a special event to celebrate the brilliance of Talk Talk and Mark Hollis, so finally here it is…”
Special guests to be announced in due course. Tickets go on sale to Southbank Centre Members on Thursday 1 August and to the general public on Friday 2 August at southbankcentre.co.uk
