Class act by a star pupil

Eighties pop star Lloyd Cole is to visit his former school.

Lloyd, who became a household name with his band The Commotions, was a pupil at New Mills secondary in the mid 1970s and is coming back to school to have a look around and meet up with some old friends as well as current pupils and staff.

He was born in Buxton and his parents ran the golf club at Chapel-en-le-Frith for many years.

After primary education at Chapel, Lloyd went to New Mills Grammar school between 1972 and 1977 where he took his O levels.

Lloyd said: “Punk rock was just getting going. Three of us formed a band and we played at the end of year ball. That was Michael Towers , Duncan MacKenzie and I.

“The first song I ever wrote was for that show. I can’t remember much other than that it was a soppy love song.”

He moved to Lancashire for A levels and studied philosophy at Glasgow university before his musical career took off with singles like “Perfect Skin”, “ Forest Fire” and “Lost Weekend “.

While at New Mills school this month, he will meet music students and fans, including one parent who decided to send her daughters to the school in part because of the Lloyd Cole connection.

Helen Avouris said: “ I was looking around the school… I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, and my daughter seemed keen, but the clincher for me was when I spotted a display featuring Lloyd Cole on one of the classroom walls.

“Our tour guide explained that Lloyd was an ex-student and that she was a bit of a fan! Well, so was I, so that was good enough for me!”

She has been a long time follower and has been to see Lloyd perform at Warrington , Leeds and Manchester .

New Mills school headteacher Jesse Elms said: “We are always delighted when former students come back to look over their old school.

“Many of our current students had no idea that Lloyd Cole went to their school and are really excited about meeting a real rock star!Lloyd Cole, who now lives in Massachusetts, is in the UK on tour.

He appeared at Buxton Opera House this week..

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Publication: Buxton Advertiser

Publication date: 20/11/11