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Newsletter 02/2004

New CD in March: Donut City

It's been some time since I last wrote.
My apologies. Last year was tough, with the lung fibrosis dampening my spirits and making touring more difficult. This year feels better already. Your splendid Christmas cards and Birthday greetings (and what a lot of them!) cheered me up no end. Being sixty, white haired and more than a bit doddery can be fun. My special thanks to Michael Ackermann for the cheeky little bear, to Candy and Bones, for their warm greetings, to Clive Product, Paul and Rita Warren, Pascal Regis and all the Coyne loyalists for their support and concern.
Your enthusiasm spurs me on.
This round of thanks wouldn't be complete without mention of noted journalist and D.J. Karl Bruckmaier (www.le-musterkoffer.de). His birthday special on Jan.31st on Bavarian National Radio 2 was a thrill for me. I hope you people out there enjoyed it too. And Karl, that January interview in the "Sueddeutsche Zeitung" about my passion for football was something I always wanted to do. Many thanks.
And the guest book! I mustn't forget the guest book! To all of you who write such wonderful things about me, I'm deeply touched. It's great to know my creativity reaches so many people. My gratitude goes out to every one of you. And now to gigs and the new record:
My show with Jeffrey Lewis, an American artist whose work I like, takes place in Paris on February 9th. Details can be found on the website. My thanks to Pascal Regis for putting it all together. Harry Hirschmann (bass) and Andreas Blüml (guitar) will accompany me for this gig.
A tour of Belgium and Holland has been organised for March. Harry and Andreas plus Werner Steinhauser (drums) will make up a powerful backing trio.
"Donut City", a new record put together over the past twelve months that frequently mirrors recent ups and downs, is due to be released on our own Turpentine Records label around March 20th. Further details of the players and content can be found on the press release we're placing on the site. Purchase of the record will be through the site and at gigs.
Tony Donaghey, long time friend and supporter, is currently putting together a new book of Kevin Coyne stories for publication under his own imprint for sale, hopefully, some time in the next six months.
We'll keep you informed. A new book from me, as far as I'm concerned, is long overdue.
I can't wait to get the finished product in my hands.
Finally: I just want to assure all of you out there that this miserable illness of mine will slow me down (you might well see me taking in oxygen at gigs) but will never crush my determination to give of my best.
The help from my band, family and doctors, like my friend the wondrous Dr Velia Wortman - specialist in acupuncture and other alternative treatments, keeps me optimistic.
Life is almost always wonderful.
Best wishes to you all and thanks for everything.

Kevin Coyne

P.S. Oh, I mustn't forget! Where would I be without my marvellous wife Helmi? Her love, patience and believe in what I do verges on the miraculous. Thanks sweetheart.

Newsletter 08/2003

Many thanks for your good wishes. I'm pleased to report the cortisone therapy I'm currently involved in appears to work and the condition has stabilised. Lung fibrosis is a debilitating illness but modern medicine appears to have an answer. I'm much relieved.
The last few months have been quieter than normal, with me spending much of my time drawing, painting and writing at home. My recent exhibition at the Kunsthaus in Nürnberg was splendidly put together and well received.
Art helps to explain myself to myself, uncovers the hidden horrors and delights of life. I'm glad I have the time to get involved properly.
Helmi, my everloving wife and manager, has decided to put an "all star" show and recording session together in Nürnberg to celebrate my sixtieth birthday in January 2004. Paul Wickens, a seventies member of my band and long term McCartney pianist, has already agreed to come, as has my former manager and guitarist Bob Ward. It should be quite a party (especially if ex Police superstar and former Coyne man Andy Summers answers the call). I'm looking forward to it.
Recent gigs have been most enjoyable. My last show, with veterans Slade in a market square near Brussels, was a lot of fun. I don't think I've worked with such a loud band since Link Wray twenty years ago. I'm surprised the town's ancient buildings didn't collapse. It was that noisy.
Other shows in recent months (Nuernberg, London's Borderline and Cheltenham Town Hall) were all happy, successful occasions. I think Robert Coyne's performance in London was one of the best I've seen from him. His development into a genuinely creative talent has been a delight to behold. It feels good to keep it in the family.
I'm due to go up the North Sea area of Germany for a short holiday at the end of this month. I'm told the sea air will do my lungs a power of good. I hope it's true.
Finally: I've just started work on recording a new album in Nürnberg. It looks like it's going to be experimental in parts, a challenge for those who like my music straightforward and familiar sounding.
I like to try and move forward. My new material should prove this point. That's it then. I'll keep in touch.
Thanks, as ever, for your enthusiasm and support. Take care.

Kevin Coyne

P.S. (1) Coming show dates are at the end of this piece. See you there.
13.9.2003 Kulturgiesserei Schöneiche, an der Reihe 6, 15566 Schöneiche, Germany
20.9.2003 Schweinfurt, Germany
5.10.2003 Shrewsbury, England (Dandelion reunion)
9.10. 2003 Kaiserslautern, Germany

P.S.(2) Rob Hoogendorp, long time friend and fan from Holland, is currently compiling a book of Coyne memorabilia that includes pictures of albums, single sleeves and posters, some I've never seen before. Coupled together with a short biography it should make a fascinating read. (I've already seen much of the stuff). I'm told it should come out in the new year. We're including Rob's email address if there's anything you have that you think should be added to the collection. I think it's a thoroughly worthwhile project. Support it if you can.
E-mail: Rob Hoggendorp at "srh@euronet.nl"