Gene Loves Jezebel at The Fleece, Bristol

Thu 17th Jan | 7.30pm | All Ages*

Gene Loves Jezebel
genelovesjezebel.co.uk

This
January will see the first UK tour by Gene Loves Jezebel in 10 years.
Last year, the band released Dance Underwater, their first studio album
of new material in 14 years via Plastichead.

For a band to stay
relevant across decades is unusual — but to do so with much of the same
line-up for most of that time is exceptional. Such is the case with
Gene Loves Jezebel, which indicates that these musicians come together
not only out of an appreciation for the memorable music they create, but
also because they truly like and respect each other. Jay Aston
(vocals), James Stevenson (guitars), Pete Rizzo (bass) and Chris Bell
(drums) — with Peter Walsh producing — have created extraordinary GLJ
songs for 30 years now. With their new album, they honour that legacy
by expanding it.

When the group announced a crowdfunding drive
for their first album of new material in 14 years, fan response was
swift and overwhelming, with donations far exceeding the initial goal.
It is impressive, given the length of time since the last GLJ release
from these gentlemen, that this outfit still generates this much
interest. The band rewarded fans’ loyalty and trust with an intimate
look inside the writing and recording process, with members posting
frequent social media updates from the studio. Fans loved hearing about
the joy and intensity that generate GLJ songs, and in turn, their
outpouring of enthusiasm seemed to spur the group to greater levels of
creativity. This give-and-take revealed the depth of mutual respect and
gratitude between the band and its fans.

It is unsurprising
that this edition of GLJ has proven as relevant and creatively vibrant
as ever. These are the same members that helped the band achieve many
of its biggest successes. This is not to say that any previous
incarnations were unsuccessful but with this particular line-up, the GLJ
sound crystallized into its most recognizable and enduring form.

GLJ
members have always been far more interested in moving forward
artistically, rather than dwelling on past achievements, but this
reunion seems an appropriate occasion to acknowledge how each has made
an integral imprint on the signature GLJ sound. Without any of them,
GLJ might not have evolved into a such special entity with passionate
fans worldwide.

Jay Aston founded GLJ in London in 1981 and
quickly gained a fervent following. Promise, the band’s trailblazing
debut, appeared in 1983. Though he shared vocals with his brother
Michael, Jay was the primary songwriter. Jay’s songs, spotlighting his
uninhibited and highly distinctive singing style, made GLJ instantly
memorable and identifiable. Immigrant followed in 1985, marking Pete
Rizzo’s first recordings with the band; his inventive and complex bass
lines instantly became an essential part of the GLJ sound. The band
matured even further on Discover (1986), when James Stevenson joined and
demonstrated his talent for delivering guitar work that is both melodic
and powerful. (Discover was also the first GLJ album that Peter Walsh
was involved in, starting a symbiotic relationship that continues with
their new album.) Then, on The House of Dolls (1987), Chris Bell joined
the band full-time, his drumming providing a flawless foundation.
Michael was largely absent from recording that album, resulting in the
four-piece incarnation of Jay, Pete, James and Chris that is still going
strong to this day.

It is noteworthy that while GLJ grew
increasingly successful with each release, The House of Dolls led to a
big jump in their U.K. and U.S. popular chart success, as well as
substantial MTV exposure, a trend that continued when this same lineup
released Kiss of Life (1990) and the single “Jealous” reached the top
spot on the U.S. alternative rock chart. The band had clearly hit its
stride, and the artistic achievements continued unabated with the
following studio albums: Heavenly Bodies in 1992 (which the band itself
considers its finest studio recording — until this new album, that
is!), VII in 1999, and The Thornfield Sessions in 2003.

There is
a particular ineffable magic in these musicians reuniting as GLJ.
Their experience and knowledge add a layer of depth to the music they
create together. They refuse to relegate their band to some
nostalgia/novelty circuit; you will never find them merely creating a
House of Dolls 2.0. Instead, their new release is intense and
energetic, reflecting the euphoria found in rekindling a fulfilling
long-time dynamic partnership.

Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel
had embarked on its next decade of musical excellence. The new album is
truly a gift to all their fans who in turn gave a great gift to the
band by making its production possible!

Gene Loves Jezebel 2019 UK Tour Dates

Fri, Jan 11 – Manchester @ Fac251 The Factory

Sat, Jan 12 – Glasgow @ Ivory Blacks

Sun, Jan 13 – Newcastle @ Trillians

Thu, Jan 17 – Bristol @ Fleece

Fri, Jan 18 – Bedford @ Esquires

Sat, Jan 19 – London @ O2 Academy Islington

The Fleece
www.thefleece.co.uk

*Under 16s must be with an adult