Triumphant return for the pop star from High Peak
Lloyd Cole
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Published Date:
29 May 2008
By Alan Charnley
A BUXTON-born musician makes a triumphant return to his home town theatre next Monday though not, his father has revealed, without feeling “a little nervous” about the prospect.
It will not only be the first time Lloyd Cole has performed at the Opera House, but also his first opportunity to star in his home town before an audience of his peers, though he now tours the world and is lauded on the worldwide stage for his singing and songwriting talents.
Lloyd Cole is at Buxton Opera House as part of his latest acoustic tour.
Lloyd exploded onto the 1980’s music scene with The Commotions and went
on to produce some of the finest songs of the decade, including Perfect Skin, Forest Fire, Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken, Brand New Friend, Lost Weekend, Jennifer She Said and My Bag.
Since beginning his solo career in 1989, Lloyd has continued to carve out a niche as one of the most distinctive singer-songwriters of his generation.
He now lives in Massachusetts, USA, in New England, and is married with two children.
However, he was born at Corbar Hall, Buxton, and grew up in Chapel-en-le-Frith, attending New Mills Grammar School.
He says of his days in the High Peak: “In 1972 during the birth of glam rock I was 11 and then in 1977, when punk arrived it was an incredible time to be a young music fan.
“My mother gave me the leather biker jacket she wore in my dad’s sidecar so I felt like the best dressed punk in Chapel.”
Later, Lloyd studied philosophy and English at Glasgow University and formed his band which competed with The Smiths, producing literate pop songs.
His dad Brian, who is now retired and lives in Surrey, said: “It may sound strange but while we were living in Buxton I was unaware that Lloyd was writing music in his room – I thought he was in there studying all the time.
“Lloyd was a bright lad and got 14 ‘O’ levels and four A levels.
“While living in the area he and his brother Adam who now sells property in Bulgaria joined Chapel Boys Brass Band, but they didn’t stay long. I don’t think it was their kind of music.
“Lloyd is feeling a little nervous about playing the Buxton show
because it will be the first time he has played in front of his peers.
He has also set aside a day to explore his old haunts.”
Lloyd’s parents used to run the Chapel-en-le-Frith golf club.
The show begins at 7.30 pm. Tickets for Lloyd Cole are priced at £16.
For further details or to make a booking please call the Box Office on 0845 127 2190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.
<We’ll see whether or not it’s a triumph. A bit previous, eh? LC.>
Link to original article online
Publication: Buxton Advertiser
Publication date: 29/05/08