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Newsletter March 2012
In his lifetime Kevin was very productive. He used to draw and paint almost every day. After a wonderful exhibiton at the gallery Lutz in Nuernberg a year ago we're happy to show more of Kevin's work in Weiden , a beautiful town on the outskirts of Nuernberg. Every year there's a literary festival which draws a large number of people. The opening of the festival starts with the exhibition on 20th of April 2012 and includes music by Robert and Eugene Coyne. Karl Bruckmaier, long time friend, journalist and radio DJ introduces.
It would be nice to see you in Weiden.de
love
Helmi Coyne
Newsletter June 2010
Dear friends,
It's been a while since I've been in touch, but a few things have been
happening recently that I felt I wanted to let you all know about. Chief
among these was the recent opening of an exhibition of Kevin's artwork
in Erlangen. This wonderful celebration was very well-attended and proved
a great success, but it was especially moving for me. When Kevin first
settled down in Germany back in the Eighties, he held his first exhibition
in Erlangen, organized by the late great Max Beck, a very well-respected
figure in the art world. So this was a special place for Kevin and I was
so happy and proud to see his work on display there once again. It brought
back so many memories for me.
This time, the exhibition was organized by the curator Dr Sandweg, and
his team, who did a really splendid job. I am so grateful to him for the
dedication and flair that he brought to the project. An extra special
dimension to the opening of the exhibition was a live performance by my
stepson, Robert Coyne, who sang some of the songs from his new acoustic
album Woodland Conspiracy, which was released on CD and LP in May by Meyer
Records. It was a wonderful performance and I'm sure Kevin would have
felt very proud looking on. If you're interested in listening to Robert's
album, please go to his My Space site (www.myspace.com/robcoyne)
or visit Meyer Records website at www.meyerrecords.com.
Also there to honour his father was Eugene Coyne, as well as Robert's
wife Wendy (who contributed an illustration to Robert's album sleeve)
- so it was quite a family gathering!
I would also like to take this chance to thank Eugene for his tireless
efforts in putting Kevin's anthology together. I know that he and Robert
worked very hard on the tracklist, on sourcing the material for the booklet
and Eugene in particular brought a great deal of skill, diplomacy and
patience to the job of liaising with EMI on what turned out to be a very
difficult project. I am so grateful for all this hard work and dedication
and am pleased to say that it was well worth it in the end! Already I've
been getting lots of emails from people who are so happy with it. But
our work goes on. There's still a lot of unreleased stuff in the archive
which we'll gradually sort through - there are some interesting bits and
pieces from the many summers Kevin spent touring in the US, where old
friend and collaborator Michael Lipton often recorded his shows, there
is the last live show which was recorded in Hamburg, plus the final solo
recordings…so don't worry, there's plenty more in the pipeline!
And while we're on the subject of keeping Kevin's music and memory alive,
I'd like to say a word of thanks to Karl Bruckmaier who has recently been
playing some of Kevin and Robert's songs on his radio show. If you're
interested in listening to a lively, thoughtful mix of music, I strongly
urge you to check out his show Nachtmix (www.le-musterkoffer.de)
on Monday nights on Bayern 2.
At this point I would really like to say a very special thank you to Werner
Steinhauser, who you all know was Kevin's drummer and friend. Werner has
become a great friend to me too over the years and I am so grateful to
him for his continued support and encouragement and for his work as joint
partner in Turpentine Records. In the last few days Werner and myself
have begun to make plans for some more tribute concerts to Kevin, which
we hope will take place here in Germany in 2011. These plans are of course
at an early stage, so if any of you have ideas to contribute, please feel
free!
Finally, I say a heartfelt word of thanks to all of you in the Kevin Coyne
group all around the world who continue, even five years after Kevin's
death, to keep his music and art alive, archiving and collating and just
appreciating and listening. I hope you'll keep the spirit and spread the
word in the years to come.
Have a great summer. All the best,
Helmi Coyne
Newsletter January 2010 (from Eugene Coyne)
Dear Friends,
I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved with the Belgian
tribute gigs. After hearing such nice things about them from Rob it was
wonderful to finally meet Jon Langford, Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby,
and they, alongside Werner Steinhauser – my fathers’ drummer
and friend for 13 years, and a lovely man – and my brother Robert
created a band that could really do justice to my fathers songs, from
a delicate ‘Are You Deceiving Me’ (sung by Amy at the keyboards,
with Eric accompanying her) to flat-out rockers such as Eastbourne Ladies
(sung by Eric) and Saviour (sung by Jon, Eric and on the final night,
guest Patrick Riguelle). With Brendan Croker adding guitar and acting
as an anarchic ‘Master Of Ceremonies’ there were many wonderful
moments. Family commitments meant I could only join the band for the final
three of the six shows but alongside the songs I’ve already mentioned,
highlights included Rob’s version of ‘Children’s Crusade’,
Jon’s ‘God Watches Over You’ and Brendan’s ‘Open
Up The Gates’. Nightly contributions from singer-songwriter Erik
Van Den Broeck and actor-turned-singer Frans Joseph Goof were deeply felt
and affecting. For myself, it was a very moving experience. I had been
very nervous about appearing, not having sung on stage for six or seven
years since the band I played in with Rob ended. I wasn’t sure I
could do it any more, and I found the idea of singing four of my father’s
songs very daunting, especially emotionally – ‘I Confess’
is probably my favourite song of my Dads, and one that evokes strong memories
and feelings. In the end it was all fine, due in no small part to the
love and support I received from Rob and the rest of the band. The arrangements
and musicianship were wonderful, and I really enjoyed performing ‘Day
To Day’ (from ‘Bursting Bubbles’), ‘A Loving Hand’
(from ‘Sanity Stomp’) and a hypnotic, keyboard-led version of
‘Let Love Reside’ (from ‘Pointing The Finger’). The
final night at the Stadsschouwburg in Brugge was very special. The theatre
was old and very grand and sitting watching the band as they soundchecked
I couldn’t help but think how much my Dad would have enjoyed playing
there. So when Patrick told me that he’d seen my father there in
the late 70s with Bob Ward it really made me happy… waiting in the
wings to join the band, standing where perhaps my father had stood, I
felt very close to him. We closed the evening with ‘A Loving Hand’.
It’s a wonderful song, with beautiful lyrics, and Amy’s 12-string
guitar gave it a chiming, Christmassy feel. It felt like the perfect song
to send the audience out into the snow. I’d tried not to say too
much at the gigs, mainly because I did find them so moving, and I was
afraid I might get upset if I talked too much. But I wish I’d said…
Dad believed in God and Heaven. If you believe in them too he was with
us, cheering us on and enjoying the celebration. But regardless of your
faith and what you believe, for me, if you are a great artist you never
really die. My father’s spirit is in the songs, and as long as they
remain, he is alive. If you want to know what he was like, play
his music. Read his books. Look at his pictures. He’s in all of them.
Finally, a big thank you to Karin for getting the ball rolling, and to
Rob, for all his tireless work behind the scenes, from organising chord
charts and liasing with the band, to leading the group on stage.
I know it wasn’t easy, but you did a great job. It couldn’t
have happened without you. And a final thank you to all the fans, who
love his music and came out to celebrate his life with us. With a little
luck 2010 will be a good year for all of us.
‘I Want My Crown’ Anthology And Remastered ‘Marjory
Razor Blade’ Finally Available
Monday the 11th of January finally sees the release of the four-CD anthology
‘I Want My Crown’ and the remastered double disc ‘Marjory
Razor Blade’. It’s been a long haul. Over two years ago, when
we first heard that EMI were planning to reissue my father’s Virgin
catalogue, we contacted them and asked to be involved. We offered them
unreleased songs, unseen photos and advice because we didn’t want
the re-releases to be as shoddy or as ill thought-out as the Virgin 1991
CDs. We wanted the CDs to be the best they possibly could be, and they
welcomed our involvement. At times it was difficult but I’m satisfied
that for the most part we achieved what we set out to do. New listeners
will hear the best of my father’s music. Hopefully they’ll want
to learn more. And existing fans will see, hear and learn things that
they never knew before. We did our best, and I am so pleased and proud
of what we achieved, especially when at one point it looked like they
could have gone the way of ‘Blame It On The Night’, ‘Matching
Head And Feet’ and ‘Dynamite Daze’, and become download-only
releases. For us it was important that Dad’s wonderful music was
backed up with the best possible presentation. This would not have been
possible if the anthology and the remastered ‘Marjory Razor Blade’
were only available as digital downloads.
A Few Words On The New Digital Downloads
Originally EMI intended all my father’s Virgin catalogue to be remastered
and made available as expanded editions, beginning with ‘Marjory
Razor Blade’, ‘Blame It On The Night’, ‘Matching Head
And Feet’, ‘In Living Black And White’ and ‘Dynamite
Daze’. Last year however, they made the decision to just make the
anthology and ‘Marjory Razor Blade’ available on CD. The others
would be available on download only. This was disappointing but not devastating,
as Mark Powell – who was already involved with the reissues (‘Project
realisation, mastertape research, artistic liason and additional compilation’) –
seemed to be keen to release them on CD through his label Esoteric. Based
on emails from EMI, and on Mark telling us that he would specifically
raise the issue with EMI when he visited them (we never heard back from
him to the contrary) we expected just the albums themselves, without outtakes
or bonuses, to be available from January 11th. Instead, ‘Blame It
On The Night’, ‘Matching Head And Feet’ and ‘Dynamite
Daze’ are now available online, each with a second disc of outtakes,
sessions and unreleased material (as is ‘In Living Black And White’,
with no extras but still missing ‘Saviour’, a song that was
cut when Virgin released it in 1991 so the double album could fit on a
single CD). Which is fine… sort of. Obviously we’re pleased
that the albums are now legally available. But we’re not happy that
the albums haven’t been remastered (EMI have confirmed this), and
that we didn’t have any involvement in choosing the bonus tracks
(what do they sound like? We don’t know. I’ve asked EMI to send
me copies of the songs but they haven’t arrived yet. When were they
recorded? Who can say? There’s little or no information about any
of the unreleased songs online). After lavishing so much love and care
on the anthology and ‘Marjory Razor Blade’ it seems a shoddy
way to make them available. To be honest, while we would encourage any
fan of my fathers to download them, the way that they have been made available
makes it impossible to stand 100% behind them. And as for seeing them
released on CD, through Esoteric or some other label... Who knows? Even
assuming someone still wants to release recordings that are now readily
available over the internet, EMI (or Esoteric, come to that) are under
no obligation to let us know of any impending releases, or to involve
us in them. EMI own my father’s Virgin catalogue and they can exploit
it in any way they see fit. In our opinion our involvement has only strengthened
the anthology and the remastered ‘Marjory Razor Blade’. Time
will tell if EMI agree.
Illegal Downloads
Finally, if you are hosting downloads of albums that are commercially
available, please stop. You’re not a freedom fighter liberating my
father’s music. You’re part of the industry that meant he had
to gig and tour constantly because he was never paid fairly for his recorded
work. Provided no money changes hands we have no objection to out-of-print
recordings or live shows being traded or made available for download.
But as far as commercially available recordings go, if we want EMI or
anyone else to release more of my father’s music we have to demonstrate
there is a demand. And we can’t do that if no one is prepared
to pay for his work. Albums that are legally available for download include
‘Marjory Razor Blade’, ‘Blame It On The Night’, ‘Matching
Head And Feet’, ‘In Living Black And White’, ‘Dynamite
Daze’, ‘Millionaires And Teddy Bears’ and ‘Babble’.
A more complete list can be found on Amazon’s UK website: just look
under ‘MP3 Downloads’ and type in ‘Kevin Coyne’.
Eugene Coyne
Newsletter October 23, 2009
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to announce that the final dates and artist line-up for
the long-awaited Kevin Coyne tribute concerts in Belgium can now be confirmed.
All the dates are scheduled for this December at the following venues:
Fri. Dec. 11th - Muze en Meisse, Brussels
Sat. Dec. 12th - N9, Eeklo
Mon. Dec. 14th - Fagot, Ingelmunster
Thu. Dec. 17th - GC de Steenhoven, Herzele
Fri. Dec. 18th - Centrale, Ghent
Sat. Dec. 19th - Stadsschouwburg, Brugge
The performers who are coming together to pay tribute to Kevin share a long history with him, as musical collaborators, friends and family -- and all of them as fans.
Forming the nucleus of the band for the six dates will be: Jon Langford (guitar), Wreckless Eric (bass), Amy Rigby (guitar and keyboards), Werner Steinhauser (drums) and Robert Coyne (guitar).
Frans Joseph Goof will also be appearing at all the shows and Brendan Croker at all except the gig in Eeklo on the 12th.
Eugene Coyne will join the band for the final three shows in Herzele, Ghent and Brugge, with Patrick Riguelle also appearing at the final Brugge date and Erik Van Den Broeck playing at selected dates throughout the tour.
The setlist of songs will be drawn from every period of Kevin Coyne's long career, with each participant singing their own particular favourites prompted by their personal memories of Kevin.
We hope that you'll be able to join us to remember and celebrate the life, work and lasting influence of this great artist.
best
Helmi Coyne
Newsletter March 2007
Dear Friends,
I'm really pleased to be able to tell you that 'Death Is Not My Destiny',
Robert Coyne's solo album, is now out and available to buy through the
website.
As most of you probably know, Robert is Kevin's younger son and played
with Kevin off and on over the years, touring with him throughout Europe
and in the US. Kevin was always very happy to be on stage with his son.
In the last few years, Robert has worked with a variety of artists, including
Venus Ray, The Barracudas, Sky Saxon, Amy Rigby and, most recently, Chris
Wilson and The Groovin' Flames. I know that the making of this record
has been a tremendous labour of love and a very emotional experience for
him. Kevin often talked about his son's solo album and was excited at
the prospect, so I'm sure he's very happy up there listening in his heavenly
bungalow...
I asked Robert to talk about his work and here's what he had to say:
'Dad first proposed that I make this album three or four years ago, and
although I was pleased and excited about the idea, I was also quite daunted
by it. Up to that point I'd done very little singing or lyric writing,
and I wasn't at all confident I could do either. I wanted to try, but
couldn't really find an approach until some time after Dad died. In a
strange way, his death seemed to make it possible and necessary for me
to do the work. I was able to make the leap of faith I needed to. My love
for Dad has only deepened since his death, and recording this album has
been a part of that process. Working on it, I felt his presence - and
absence - in many different ways, most of all while we were completing
it in Nuremberg. Working with Werner Steinhauser, Dad's drummer and close
friend for many years, in the same studio where Dad recorded his last
albums, was a very moving experience for us both. Werner's enthusiasm
and encouragement, as well as his playing, were wonderful. I hope some
of you will enjoy the album - while the music is quite different to Dad's,
we've tried to make it with something of his spirit.'
Another album that is also well worth your attention is the newly released
'Whispers From The Offing - A Tribute to Kevin Coyne', which features
versions of Kevin's songs by the late Nikki Sudden, Alternative TV, Jackie
Leven and many others. The album is being released by Life and Living,
a radio show 'composed largely of sounds made by people who have experienced
distress in their lives.' All proceeds from the sale of the album will
go to The Maudsley Psychiatric Hospital in London, a worthy cause of which
I'm sure Kevin would have approved. I'd like to thank everyone involved
for their obvious love and appreciation of Kevin's work, and for helping
to extend his legacy in such a creative, personal and practical way. For
more details, go to the Life and Living website: www.lifeandliving.net.
Last but not least, I'd like to invite you to listen to John Callahan's
CD 'Purple Winos In the Rain'. The Portland, Oregon-based artist is widely
known for his dark and vicious cartoons, comments on everyday life. While
Kevin was alive there were plans for some kind of musical collaboration.
Sadly, as we know, Kevin died, so it never happened. You can purchase
John's record at CDbaby, but do have a look at his website: www.callahanonline.com
or visit my space.
I do hope you enjoy listening to these albums and, as ever, I'll keep
you informed of any news or further projects that might be of interest
to you all in the near future.
Until then, my very best wishes,
Helmi Coyne
Kevin Coyne Newsletter (from Helmi Coyne ) 07/2006
Dear Friends,
It's been quite a while since you've heard from me, so what's new?
Well, firstly, I'm very proud and happy that Kevin's latest CD Underground,
which was released in January 2006, won the prestigious prize of the German
Record Critics' Award as a Recording of Exceptional Artistry. Although
Kevin never thought in terms of commercial success or critical acclaim,
I think he too would have been quite proud. Thanks again to everybody
who helped put the album together and for all your positive feedback -
keep spreading the word.
I'm writing this letter in beautiful Scotland where I've come for a holiday
with friends and family: Paul and Rita Warren, with whom Kevin and I spent
many happy holidays in years past; Kevin's son Robert and his partner,
Wendy; drummer and close friend Werner Steinhauser and his wife Manuela;
and guitarist Michael Lipton, with another American friend Terri Moreland.
We've been having a good time and feel Kevin is with us - though we all
miss his warmth and humour, sharp comments and observations. As you may
know, Kevin was a keen football fan and would particularly have enjoyed
watching the World Cup here among friends. He'd been looking forward to
seeing a few games live, but sadly it was not to be.
With regards to future plans, I was talking recently to Uwe , the owner
of the renowned Downtown music club in Hamburg - a venue Kevin particularly
enjoyed playing - and we're hoping to organise a Kevin Coyne tribute tour
for spring 2007. The idea is to combine a band, featuring Robert Coyne,
Jon Langford (from the Mekons), Werner Steinhauser and Harry Hirschmann,
with an exhibition of Kevin's - and possibly Jon's - art. I'll let you
know as and when this starts to take shape.
Something else you may be interested in is a project that Robert worked
on recently - providing the music for an American documentary about the
Japanese host club scene. The film, entitled The Great Happiness Space:
Tale Of An Osaka Love Thief is currently doing the rounds of international
film festivals, with showings at Edinburgh festival scheduled for this
August. You can find further details at
www.thegreathappinessspace.com.
I'm also pleased to announce that our second Turpentine release, towards
the end of this year, will be a Robert Coyne solo album. I know this was
something Kevin was always very keen to do, so it's great that this will
finally happen - Robert is working to complete it right now.
I'm also in touch with Boris Tomschiczek, who made the terrific documentary
about Kevin One Room Man. At the moment, Boris is busy working on some
major TV projects, but there will definitely be a DVD release of One Room
Man, including additional footage, at some point in the near future. Let's
see how it all works out.
On a different note, if you're not already aware of her, I'd recommend
you check out US singer/songwriter Amy Rigby, who Robert played with on
a short UK tour last December. She's a sharp and entertaining performer,
whose fine lyrics and sense of humour may well appeal to Kevin Coyne fans.
Her most recent album is Little Fugitive (on Signature Sounds) and her
website is http://www.amyrigby.com.
Another couple of sites worth a visit are those belonging to Chris McGorey
and Tony Donaghey. As well as music by his own band, Dog Latin, Chris
McGorey's at http://www.myspace.com/doglatin,
includes some of Kevin's work and a nice biography. Tony Donaghey, who
published Kevin's most recent book, That Old Suburban Angst, is a long-time
fan and supporter of Kevin's music and writing. His site is at:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=79495954.
Many thanks Chris and Tony.
I'd also like to say thanks and offer my appreciation to the active members
of the Kevin Coyne Yahoo Discussion Group, and to all of you who are helping
Kevin's work reach new people. One recent convert is Jim James, singer
with My Morning Jacket, who I've been in email contact with after being
bowled over by the band's music when I heard it for the first time in
a record store in the States a few months ago. I'm so glad, Jim, that
you were similarly impressed by Kevin's music.
Finally, on a practical note, I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that
we've decided to set up a Paypal facility on the Kevin Coyne website,
which will make the purchasing of merchandise much easier - please bear
with us a little longer while we get that organised.
That's all for now, but I promise I'll keep you updated with any further
developments on any of these exciting projects. Meanwhile, I hope you're
enjoying the World Cup - I'm sure Kevin is…
Lots of love,
Helmi
Kevin Coyne Newsletter (from Kevin’s wife, Helmi Coyne) 12/2005
Dear Friends,
It’s been a year since Kevin died. I miss him every day. Kevin was
a deeply spiritual person and believed in a life after death. Despite
the awful illness which at times made his life almost unbearable he never
asked “Why has this happened to me”, he just carried on working
and believing.
We often talked about death, especially in his last year. My greatest
fear was how I'd carry on without him. He told me I would be strong enough
to deal with it. He promised me I would feel his presence. And I do.
I thank you all for your love and support. I know Kevin’s work will
live on and this gives me the strength to live and to continue to look
after his music, writing and art.
On the 20th December Kevin’s new album “Underground” will
be released. It's the result of recordings Kevin made on and off in that
last year, between April and October 2004, and it's thanks to the joint
effort of Kevin's band, friends and family that we've managed to get it
out.
I'm proud to say that renowned artist Ralph Steadman did the cover (http://www.ralphsteadman.com)
and, to coincide with the album's release, journalist Robert Chalmers
wrote a fine article for the Independent (to
be published on the 11th December).
You'll find further information about the CD and how to order it on the website. (http://www.kevincoyne.de/News.htm) I hope you like it and I look forward to hearing your comments.
In the course of my recent travels I visited Vienna, a special place for both of us. The day Kevin died he was supposed to play in Vienna. While I was there I met a number of friends and journalists and was overwhelmed by the love and respect they expressed for Kevin’s work. It was very touching and I thank you all.
In particular, I'd like to mention the Austrian journalist and DJ, Samir Koeck, who's released a compilation album on Universal records entitled “Gloomy afternoon”, which includes one of my all-time favourite Kevin songs, “No Romance”. If you’re interested please contact him at samirkoeck@chello.at
We're still trying to organise a tribute show in London. It's proving quite difficult to find the right location, but we’ll definitely do it and I'll keep you informed of our progress.
Finally, I'd like to wish you all a happy Christmas and finish my letter with an ancient prayer Kevin liked very much:
DEEP PEACE OF THE RUNNING WAVE TO YOU.
DEEP PEACE OF THE FLOWING AIR TO YOU.
DEEP PEACE OF THE QUIET EARTH TO YOU.
DEEP PEACE OF THE SHINING STARS TO YOU.
DEEP PEACE OF THE SON OF PEACE TO YOU.
Love
Helmi Coyne
Thursday 8th December
Nurmberg
Newsletter (from Kevin’s wife, Helmi Coyne) 07/2005
Dear Friends,
It’s been quite a while since the last newsletter but I guess you’ll understand when I say how much I miss Kevin, every moment of my life.
Anyway, I do have some news for you.
In December 2002 Kevin and his son Robert were in Chicago to do some recording with Jon Langford, the Mekons and others. The recordings have resulted in a terrific new CD titled “One day in Chicago”. Kevin loved playing in Chicago and I’m sure he would have been proud of this record. Jon Langford and his colleagues have done a great job with the production and the record is now released and available. I hope you like it.
On my recent trip to the USA I visited Kevin’s former guitar player Hans Pukke, now living in Los Angeles. It was wonderful to see Hans and his lovely wife Sieglinde after so many years. Hans had many stories to tell - some funny and some sad - of the dark days when Kevin was battling against alcoholism. Although he no longer plays professionally, Hans is still never far away from a guitar - he makes them. Really fine instruments. If anybody is interested to know more, please go to www.hanspukkeguitars.com
While I was in the States I paid a visit to the cartoonist John Callahan who’s renowned for his sharp wit and dark humour. John is quadriplegic and although he and Kevin had never actually met they had talked over the telephone several times and they were planning to do some recording together. Kevin’s friend, the journalist Robert Chalmers had done an extensive interview with John Callahan and introduced them. There are similarities in their lives and their art. I think John’s work is brilliant. If you get the chance, check him out at www.callahanonline.com
Another artist and musician you might appreciate is Dan Reeder, an American living in Nuremberg. He and Kevin often exhibited their art together and very much liked one another’s work. His highly individual music can be heard on his terrific self-titled CD on Oh Boy Records, available from www.ohboy.com, www.amazon.com or, if you prefer, through me.
Turpentine Records is planning to release a new Kevin Coyne CD towards the end of this year. It’s all new material recorded during the last year of Kevin’s life when he would go to the studio and just play - that was the way he liked to record. The CD is to be titled “Underground”, which is taken from one of the tracks. It’s a work in progress at the moment.
Kevin’s website will be updated but this too is work in progress and will take some time. Please be patient, I’m not finding it easy, but with a little help from friends and the Kevin Coyne Group the update will happen.
Kevin’s eldest son, Eugene, is currently trying to organise a tribute show. He’s searching for a suitable venue where Kevin’s artwork and films could be exhibited and of course his music could be played. If anyone has an idea or knows of such a venue please feel free to contact Eugene at Dr.miaow@virgin.net
The city of Nuremberg is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the “Bardentreffen” festival. This is a festival for singer-songwriters that Kevin attended. There is a commemorative “Kevin Coyne Pin” based on the “Elvis lives” motif (which has become the Turpentine Records logo) and it’s available from www.bardentreffen.de at a cost of 3 Euros. I think it’s a marvellous gesture and I’m hoping many people will buy it as it helps the City to finance the festival.
I’m going to close now with a poem. It’s one of many written by Kevin during the final months of his life. I find this one particularly moving, sad and optimistic at the same time. The poem is dedicated to “Little Marie”, the daughter of Kevin’s bass player, Harry. For Kevin little Marie was the synonym for vitality and pure life. It’s called “New Lungs”.
New Lungs
Get in touch with little Marie
Tell her uncle Kevin needs new lungs and she has to pray for him
“As big as shopping bags?” she asks when the request comes through, “Good and strong?”
and the birds flutter from trees as she closes her eyes
celebrating the spirit that lives
making themselves into a choir
to announce a miracle.
Thank you all for your love and support. I’m sure Kevin is up there
watching us, sometimes grumpy but mainly happy, walking his dog, sitting
in his heavenly bungalow, waiting for the results of his Derby County
Football Team…
Love,
Helmi Coyne
Newsletter ( Update from Helmi Coyne ) 01/2005
Dear Friends,
Some good news to report.
Kevin's latest book "That Old Suburban Angst" has just been
published and is available from www.kevincoynebooks.com
The book is a collection of short stories, glimpses of humanity and life's
goings on. Kevin never saw the finished product but I know he would have
been as pleased with it as I am. I hope you enjoy it.
I must also mention the proposed tribute concert for Kevin. It's likely
to be later this year but no date or venue is fixed at the moment. An
announcement will be made soon. I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks for your support.
Helmi
Newsletter (from Kevin’s wife, Helmi Coyne) 01/2005
Dear friends,
I want to say thank you.
Thank you all for the love and warmth shown at this tragic time.
Your letters, emails, cards and messages have been truly heart-warming and I am comforted in the knowledge that we all shared in Kevin’s life.
But this is not the end. Kevin was too much of a living force, such a liver of life for everything to stop with his death.
Kevin’s creative output continued as strong as ever despite the
problems inflicted by lung fibrosis. During the final months he recorded
much material for Turpentine Records and CD’s are being planned for
future release. Kevin’s book, “Suburban Angst” is to be
rescheduled for publication in the new year.
Exhibitions of new paintings and art work are also in the pipeline and
the website will remain active.
Kevin was heartened by knowing that his work was reaching out to a widening audience and this gave him strength. He needed to find strength to continue concert tours and mention must be made of the unfailing contribution from the current band members, Werner, Harry and Andreas. Their loyalty, support and friendship both on and off stage helped Kevin to carry on when the going became hard.
Further thanks to Pascal and the Kevin Coyne newsgroup members. I know how much Kevin means to you.
It is not easy for me, but I know that Kevin and I shared many wonderful years. I can only be forever grateful and thank Kevin for the love and laughter, the excitement, the tears, the marvellous memories that will be with me always.
It is not easy for any of us, but I know that Kevin’s star will continue to shine bright for everyone.
Thank you, everybody, the show goes on.
I wish you all a brave and happy new year.
Helmi
Newsletter 12/2004
Dear Friends,
Kevin died on Thursday morning,
2nd December 2004.
The divine service - last party - takes place on Monday, 13th December
2004, at 12.30 h,
Friedenskirche, Am Palmplatz, Nürnberg, Germany
The funeral takes place on Monday,
13th December 2004, at 14.00 h,
St. Johannis Friedhof, Nürnberg, Germany
Newsletter 10/2004
Dear Friends,
My short tour of England commences at the „Boardwalk“ in Sheffield
on October 25th. I’ll be accompanied by me excellent band from Nuremberg:
Andreas Blueml – guitar, Werner Steinhauser – drums and Harry
Hirschmann – bass, all musicians featured on my last Turpentine CD
“Donut City”. After the last English date (the 100 Club in London
on the 28th) I’ll return to Germany for another brief tour beginning
in Zwickau on the 19th of November. Those of you attending the shows will
probably note my reliance on a small oxygen tank and plastic pipe throughout.
Recent advice from doctors has led to this. Bravely puffing and panting
through songs without extra air is now forbidden. I must preserve my health.
This rotten lung fibrosis of mine demands I do what they say.
Recent weeks have seen the start of two exhibitions featuring my paintings.
My solo show in Fuerth, Germany at the City Theatre opened on October
the 17th to general approval. I get great delight from the pleasure some
of my sometimes very silly pictures give people. The Fuerth opening was
a happy one with lots of smiling faces around.
“Three Britischer Cowboys” is an exhibition of my work alongside
that of Mekon, Jon Langford and Rico Bell at the Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery
in Austin, Texas. The show will start on October the 30th.
I would love to be over there to see it but my lung sickness doesn’t
allow me to fly at the moment. Never mind. I’m sure my good friend
Mr Langford will take care of everything in my absence.
The new release on Turpentine records is to be a re-issue of my 1985 live
album “Live rough and more” and should be available to purchase
on my tour and through the website. This record is one I’m particularly
proud of, featuring my powerful band of that period (Peter Kirtley –
guitar, Steve Lamb – bass and Dave Sheen – drums) in stunning
form. The concert was recorded by Radio Bremen.
Another “product” (oh how I hate the word) that should be available
for sale on my coming tour will be my new book of short stories “That
Old Suburban Angst”. The book is published by Tony Donaghey publications
and will also be available through his “kevincoynebooks.com”
website and from here. This will be my first book in English for some
time (the last three were in German). So, as they say, watch out for it.
Andy Kershaw has asked me to record a session for B.B.C. Radio 3 on the
28th of this month. It should be an acoustic set, so I’ll probably
try out some new material. I hope you’ll listen in.
Robert Chalmers, long-time friend, famous journalist and inspired novelist
(his latest book “East Of Nowhere” is an outstanding piece of
work), recently put me in touch with American wheelchair bound cartoonist
and songwriter John Callahan. It was an inspired move, which has led to
some positive communication and the possibility of making an album together
in the future. I hope it works out.
And to finish… I’m honoured. The city of Nuremberg football
academy has asked me to join them this year. What this entails isn’t
very clear but I love the idea. A Derby County fanatic asked to air his
views amidst a group of equally fanatical German football fans? It could
prove interesting. I can’t wait for my first meeting.
So, there it is. I trust this letter finds you all in good health. Thanks,
as ever, for your interest and support. It could be I’ll see you
on the road somewhere. Who knows?
All the very best for now then.
Kevin Coyne
P.S. I almost forgot. A new series of postcards featuring some of my artwork have been printed and will be available on the tour and through the website. Maybe you’ll take a look? Thanks again.
Newsletter 07/2004
New CD planned
It’s been some while since I last wrote.
My lung fibrosis, slightly worse of late, has made me slower and more
prone to depression. Writing upbeat, positive messages can be difficult
in these circumstances. I’m fighting back hard though (as my last
two live shows in Belgium proved) and I’m not about to give in. I’ll
keep performing, painting, writing and making records, I hope, for many
years in the future.
“Donut City”, the latest CD, has had a favourable response from
almost all who’ve heard it. For me it’s a genuine record of
how I feel now, my honest reaction to the world around me. The anger and
the warmth have been allowed to rise to the surface. How else should one
of my records sound?
Turpentine records is hoping to expand its catalogue in the near future.
A new Coyne CD is planned, as is an album of rare tracks from the seventies.
Future projects include a release from “The Carpenter Ants”,
guitarist and songwriter Michael Lipton’s band from West Virginia
(and my backing band in the U.S.) and a Robert Coyne solo record. The
creative opportunities are endless. I’m very excited by it all. Possibilities
of gigs in London (October 2004), Germany, Spain, Holland and Belgium
have risen up during recent months. I’ll be keeping you informed
of the details when they arrive.
No newsletter would be complete without thanking friends who continue
to support what I do. Pascal Regis, who recently supplied me with a marvellous
collection of obscure live recordings form the past three decades, deserves
particular mention, as does the ever helpful Ivan Beavis, Chris from Dresden,
Uwe from Bamberg and several others.
Finally: Exhibitions of my art continue to be mounted and appreciated.
The recent show in Gent, thanks to my good friend Dany, was a joy to be
involved in. That’s it for now then. Once again, a million thanks
for your appreciation and support.
Kevin Coyne
P.S. Another release on Turpentine could be an album from
“The Gardners”, an eccentric, brilliant duo from London. Watch
out for more information. And by the way, The Carpenter Ants album is
called, naturally, “Ants in your pants”. It’s a splendid
piece of work and I’m sure this gospel tinged, bluesy, rocky group
will bring both a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. Turpentine
is on the move!
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"
Newsletter 05/2003
English tour in late june
I'm sorry for the delay in writing. recent events (like
the discovery of fibrosis in my lungs, an illness that causes shortage
of breath, problems climbing stairs and requires me to take in oxygen
at least 16 hours a day) have taken the edge off things of late. Fortunately,
however, I can still sing with the same power, still think and create
like normal. All the shows this year have been well received (particularly
Vienna) and the addition of German ace guitarist Andreas Blüml to
the live line-up has been a wonderful bonus. My future recording plans
include both Andreas and my son Robert. I'm expecting terrific results
when we start work in May. Future gigs include shows in London (the Borderline)
and Cheltenham Town Hall, all part of a very brief tour of England I'm
making in late June. Other shows include Ingolstadt in Germany and Graz
in Austria, both in May, and possible appearances in Belgium in early
August. The exact details of all these gigs are featured at the end of
this piece. My artistic career is still flourishing. I've been painting
and drawing like a man possessed this past few months. Some of the results
should be on display at a mixed exhibition in Nürnberg later in the
year. My Teddy Bear show ended at the Nürnberg Toy museum in March.
The response from the public was a delight, the sight of the old and young
enjoying the exhibits (my bear collection exhibited in glass cases acting
out scenes from their daily lives with backdrops painted by me) was most
uplifting. I don't think I've enjoyed myself so much in ages. Finally:
plans are in the works to release a lot of my live material from the past
twenty odd years on C.D. Keep in touch with the website for further information.
Thanks, as ever, for your support. I hope I get to meet some of you before
the year is out.
Take care
Kevin Coyne
P.S. The lung fibrosis is not according to the specialist doctor, caused
by smoking ( I was a heavy addict until seven years ago). It seems I'm
just an unfortunate victim of an illness that has no known causes.
I'm hopeful of a cure at some point. Cortisone can prove effective. Keep
your fingers crossed for me. I'm also told that a house by the sea would
help. Keep your fingers crossed for that too, as I know the sea air could
do wonders for my breathing.
Finally yet again: A million thanks to Ivan Beavis in London for helping
us out on a recent private visit. Ivan, you're a true friend - even though
you're a Man United supporter. May the gods smile on you and your family
forever.
Newsletter 01/2003
German tour starts on the 14th of february
My December gig and exhibition in Chicago with Mekon Jon
Langford was a great success. The gig, at the Old Town Music School, was
well attended (probably the best ever crowd for me in the U.S.) and drew
a wonderfully warm response. I can't wait to get back there and do some
more. Chicago appears (judging by the excellent review in the Chicago
Herald Tribune) to have taken me to its heart.
The Teddy bear project in the Nürnberg Toy Museum has turned out
to be a real hit with teddy lovers young and old. A twenty minute documentary
featuring myself and my wife, Helmi, talking with and about our bear collection
is to be shown on Bavarian T.V. some time in the near future. I hope some
of you can get to see it, as we think the director, Ernst Gortner, has
made a splendidly witty and lighthearted film. We love it.
Our nine date tour of Germany (including shows in Vienna and Switzerland)
starts on the 14th of February. My band will be Werner Steinhauser (drums),
Harry Hirschmann (bass) and new man Andreas Blüml on guitar. The
set will include songs from my latest album "Carnival"(released
on February 3 by Ruf ) When I was in Chicago I recorded a number of new
songs with Jon Langford and The Pine Valley Cosmonauts. It's my wish that
some of them are released later in the year. A new version of "Saviour"
is already due to appear on "The Executioner's Last Song" Volume
2 on Bloodshot Records, a collection of anti death penalty tunes. My fingers
are firmely crossed, as I've already (unusually for me) developed a real
fondness for the new stuff.
New projects keep me interested.
To close, I'd like to thank everybody for their christmas and birthday
greetings. We always like to hear from you.
What would we do without your support?
I'll be in touch again soon.
Take care and thanks,
Kevin Coyne
P.S. The November 2002 Kevin Coyne - Brendan Croker tour of Belgium and
Holland was incredibly well attended. The response to our largely improvised
set of songs from the "Life is almost wonderful" C.D was, in
the main, astounding. We must do it again.
The dates for the February German tour are attached to this piece.
Boris Tomschiczek's half hour "One Room Man" documentary, a
black and white film of me singing and talking about my work, is proving
to be a great success (a January 27th showing at the Rotterdam film festival
was a well attended hit).
The film will also be shown at festivals in :
Nyon, Switzerland "Visions du Reel"
Helsinki, Finland "Illumination 2003" and other places. Sorry
I haven't got more details, but look out for it.
Newsletter 11/2002
New CD: Carnival
Our trip to America turned out to be a real delight, with
lots of laughter, lots of travel and some outstanding performances by
my rock solid band of Robert Coyne, Michael Lipton and James Little.
'Shubas' in Chicago was the best gig, although an afternoon's performance
in an old folk's home in Fredericksburg, Virginia (where I was mistakenly
taken for a resident) was probably the most memorable. The life of a rock
starlet has many twists and turns.
My new C.D 'Carnival' will be released by Ruf records around this time.
It's a record that features heavily the innovative and often startling
talents of my son Robert ably assisted by Werner Steinhauser (drums) and
the melodically gifted guitarist Michael Lipton. I'm pleased with the
result. Hope you like it too.
This December will see my return to the U.S with Robert to perform alongside
artist Mekon Jon Langford at the Old Town School,Chicago. An exhibition
of my work (together with Jon's) will also take place. The concert's on
the 14th of December. It should be quite an event. My November duo shows
in Belgium and Holland with Brendan Croker are proving to be a genuine
success, with excellent attendances and a wonderfully warm response from
everybody. It appears the mixtures of improvised lyrics and strong songs
(with a dash of humour) really works. Expext more of the same in the new
year. A band tour of Germany and Switzerland (featuring Werner Steinhause,
Harry Hirschmann and new guitarist Andreas Blüml) is planned for
February 2003. The gigs will feature material from the 'Carnival' C.D
and some old favourites. Check this website regularly for more details.
And finally....! The 'Teddy Coyne Cosmos', an exhibition of large paintings
of teddy bears plus cabinets full of bears from the Coyne private collection
'in action' is running at the Nürnberg Toy Museum from Nov 19th to
March 23rd 2003. The show's already received high praise from the press
and is being heralded as 'a delight for young and old'. Self designed
coffee mugs and postcards of the bears can be purchased ( a CD of bear
songs, four have already been written, is also planned). Once again, check
the website for additional details. So, that's about all for now.
Hope everyone has a wonderful christmas and new year. I'll be keeping
in touch. Thanks for your support.
Kevin Coyne
Newsletter 06/2002
Limited Edition: "Life is almost wonderful" - American Tour - August 2002
Dear Friends,
This year has been a little more relaxed than usual ... less touring,
fewer nights in dark hotels. My eight gig English tour in March 2002 with
Brendan Croker (an excellent guitarist and songwriter from Leeds) proved
to be a genuine success. We had lots of fun. Playing and singing with
Brendan was one of the more pleasurable things I've done in the past few
years. Our appearance together on BBC's Andy Kershaw show received lots
of positive feedback too. Andy's passion for what we do made everything
go with the swing. There was much laughter around.
More gigs with Brendan are being organised for October/November in Belgium,
Holland and possibly France. A limited edition CD of our show, called
"Life is almost wonderful" is available at gigs and on this
website.
My art career continues to prosper. A recent exhibition at the Max Beck
Gallery in Erlangen, Germany got excellent reviews and I've just heard
from Jon Langford (founder member of the Mekons and noted artist) of the
possibility of exhibitions and shows together in Chicago and Austin, Texas
in December 2002. I'm looking forward to taking part in the latter. It
should be a fine thing to do.
A tour of selected American cities takes place throughout the month of
August 2002. Details of venues should be appearing on the site soon.
My website is currently being thoroughly overhauled and you should be
seeing the results in the very near future. The site will include lots
of new paintings and hopefully more writings plus some music to download.
This month has seen the completion of the next Kevin Coyne CD, tentatively
called "Blue Carnival", recorded in Nürnberg and London.
The whole package should be available in September/October 2002 on Ruf
Records.
My multi instrumentalist son Robert and one of my favourite drummers,
Werner Steinhauser, are featured heavily on the new record. I'm really
pleased with it.
I'm sad to report the untimely death of Steve Smith from London, highly
talented drummer and stalwart of recent concerts and records. His natural
talent will be sorely missed. God bless his soul.
This is all for now. I just hope England win the World Cup and I get a
knighthood at some point in the future (hahahahahaha).
All the best, Kevin
P.S.: Thanks for your support. Keep listening and looking.
Newsletter 08/2001
American Tour - August 2001
My American tour starts on the 9th of August at Johnny D's
club, Someville Mass. Look out for gigs at the Knitting Factory N.Y (August
10) and the Knitting Factory L.A (August 18). The big, bad city normally
gives me extra inspiration. I hope I'm in good form, all the dates for
the tour are listed on this site.
Future work includes a tour of Germany (10 dates in all) in October, plus
5 shows around Germany and Holland in September. The musicians on the
U.S tour are Robert Coyne (guitar, bass, keyboard), Michael Lipton (guitar,
bass) and Jupiter Little (drums).
Thanks to all those who attended my concerts in England in April. I thoroughly
enjoyed myself (particularly London's Borderline). I hope to be doing
more in the U.K in the new year alongside my guitar playing-singing chum
Brendan Croker.
Look out for shows in February 2002.
That's it then. Must dash .... the U.S calls.
Thanks for your support,
Kevin Coyne, August 2001
Newsletter 04/2001
I'll never stop ...
2001 is proving to be another busy and interesting year for me. My German tour in February (like my five date Dutch tour in December 2000) was a resounding artistic success. I discovered, despite feeling old and grey and very fifty seven sometimes, that I still love entertaining people. What could be better than the smile of pleasure on a satisfied customer's face? I'll never stop doing what I do. Dropping dead on stage sometimes seems like the perfect way to go. My mini April tour of England, which includes dates at the Borderline in London, Derby Flowerpot and the wondrous Shed in Brawby near York, looks like being an exciting musical challenge. I'll be taking Robert Coyne (guitar) and Steve Smith (drums) with me on the trip, so listen out for stirring renditions of many of the numbers from my recent "Room full of fools" C.D. Robert and Steve were the musicians on the record, and should add an authentic touch to proceedings. I can't wait to get at it.
Other projects in the works include a new book of stories, more exhibitons (Bremen, Germany in October) and more drawing for the record review page of the 'Süddeutsche Zeitung'. Painting, drawing, music and writing help keep me alive. I'm happiest when I'm working. Changing the subject slightly: My recent documentary for Dutch T.V.* turned out to be the best film about me ever made. I'd like to thank Walter and co for their professional and sensitive work. I really appreciate being appreciated. Finally, a big round of applause for the musicians I've worked with recently... Much love to Michael Lipton, James Little, Werner Steinhauser, Keili Keilhofer, Robert Coyne and Steve Smith. Their fire and passion is essential to my music. So, that's about it from me for now. Much more to come, I hope, later.
And remember, I never forget it's you out there that keep the wheels rolling. Thanks.
P.S. I almost forgot. Where would I be without the managerial team of my dear wife, Helmi and the soulful, always enthusiastic Martin Hamlet. A big thanks to them too. Turpentine Management rules! Exact details for future shows are elsewhere on this site. Please check them out. And finally: A great big Thankyou to Hans-Peter Schmidt and Michael Perlbach for constructing and maintaining the website. You've opened up the world for me. I'm very grateful.
Regards to everybody, Kevin Coyne, April 2001
*If you are interested in purchasing a video of the 'Loladamusica'
music documentary feature from VPRO (Dutch T.V.) please contact:
VPRO P.O. Box 10 1200 JB Hilversum · The Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0) 35 - 677 48 25 Fax: +31 (0) 35 - 677 49 02
Newsletter 10/2000
New CD: Room Full of Fools
This c.d is for all of those people who might think I'm fading away into feeble old age. It's a set of songs for the passionate, the heartbroken and sometimes cynical. I had a lot of fun making it. My recording sessions in the U.S. (the first ever for me) were a triumph of fast food, fueled energy and lust for improvisation. I tried to say what I had to say as honestly as possible. The musicians on the album (Robert Coyne, Steve Smith and Werner Steinhauser) all made telling contributions. Robert, particularly, astounded me constantly with his feel for my kind of writing and singing.
It's handy when ones son is a talented multi instrumentalist. Songs like "Sugar turning sour", "Room Full of Fools" and "I'm wild' bear" witness to his abilties (particularly his rough edged powerhouse guitar style). Working with him was a delight. This is something like (I've lost count) my fortieth album. When I started with Siren in 68 I never imagined I'd still be turning them out thirty two years later. Recent gigs in New York, L.A. and the wilds of Bavaria convince there's still an audience for my anarchic humour and determined commitment to reality. I'm a flawed romantic and it feels right. I hope you find a lot of pleasure in this record.
Kevin Coyne, October 2000
Newsletter 03/2000
New Book: "Elvis, me and everybody"
The year 2000 looks promising. My new C.d. on ruf Records
(untitled as yet) is due to be mixed in Weimar, Germany at the end of
March. I'm pleased with what I've done. My son Robert and his drummer
friend Steve Smith played their hearts out, with the result that there's
an energy and passion on the record that feels naturally soulful.
This new release has humour too. I hate it when critics write me off as
doomy and self-centered. I laugh at myself (and the world) a lot. I believe
this comes through on the material.
And now for the live performances: lots of shows are planned for the summer
months, with America (I enjoyed myself so much there in August and September
last year) at the top of my list. England looks like a strong possibilty
too. There's talk of touring in September. I hope it works out. Details
of all my shows will be advertised regularly on the site.
Keep looking in.
At this point I'd like to thank all my friends and fans out there for
making this website a success. Your kind words are appreciated. My brittle
self confidence gains strength from your encouragement. It's great to
still be around.
My artistic output continues to amuse and interest people (exhibitions
in Nice, France and Konstanz, Germany are being arranged for later in
the year): More details will appear on the site as they come in. I'm sorry
I can't offer you more at the moment.
And literature? Well, the new book of short stories (in German) is due
out in March. It's called "Elvis, me and everybody", and I'm
hoping (anybody reading this interested?) to find a publisher for it in
England. It's been nearly seven years since a book came out in my own
language. Maybe now is the time to change all that.
And finally .......
I'm full of optimism for the future. My last record ("Sugar Candy
Taxi") was my first c.d. in years to get international exposure.
The response to it felt good. I can't wait to get the new record out and
test the waters again. An artist and entertainer like me needs a public.
Thank goodness you people are about.
Kevin Coyne, March 2000
Newsletter 12/1999
A year of change - Release of "Sugar Candy Taxi"
1999 was a year of change.
My move from Rockport Records to Ruf Records proved quite traumatic. I
left Rockport because of the limited distribution and lack of publicity
for my material. It was hard but necessary. The frustration of making
heartfelt records that no one outside of Germany could buy almost led
to my retirement from the scene. Ruf Records with its universal distribution
changed all that. Applause for Mr Thomas Ruf! With the release of "Sugar
Candy Taxi" I am becoming truly international again.
My touring schedule for 1999 wasn't as busy as some years, although the
last five months saw a sudden burst of activity. A short tour of the U.S.,
a thirteen date jaunt through Germany, Austria and Switzerland and an
eight show visit to Holland and Belgium kept me on my toes. Standout performances
were Brussels, Berlin and New York, with my small but powerful band a
magnificent support throughout.
Many thanks go out to my son Robert (guitar and keyboards) and Steve Smith
(drums) for providing such stimulating musical companionship. Every gig
was a pleasure to do.
Future plans include a new album release in April/May. The record (some
of which was recorded in New Jersey U.S.) should be a more of a rock C.D.
than Sugar Candy Taxi. Steve Smith and Robert Coyne (as musician and songwriter)
are heavily featured throughout. My new German book of stories (Elvis,
ich und die anderen) should be out in February 2000. The publisher is
Ars Vivendi. For those awaiting a book in English I can only say I hope
to bring one out by the end of 2000. I'm looking for a publisher. Any
ideas?
New tours are planned for Scandinavia, the U.S., and England in the new year. I hope it all works out. Please contact us if you fancy promoting something in your area.
This is the first of, hopefully, many newsletter from me.
Seek out this site for
up to date information about myself. Your loyal support is always needed.
My gratitude for your interest is great. Thanks.
Kevin Coyne, December 1999
P.S. Some art shows are being planned for the new year (details later).
Are you interested in putting one on? If you are, give us a call ( e-mail
us). P.S.S. Eventually I have my own website. The site you are on right
now.