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In between the time it took for new romantics to become old news and for house music to take over homes, it’s hard to believe that a duo brought skiffle back, reaching the top ends of the indie charts and receiving backing from John Peel and Morrissey amongst others. Armed with a double bass, a guitar and ribbon ties, Terry & Gerry’s blend of washboard beats and political poems proved to be a successful formula.
Almost three decades on from appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and The Tube, Terry & Gerry reunited for a John Peel memorial tour, and have since decided that the world is ready for skiffle once more. Lead vocalist Gerry Colvin is a hugely energetic character, clearly thrilled to be back on stage with his original partner in crime and reliving ’50s influenced ‘80s tracks to a crowd in the next century.
Covering the miner’s strike (‘Butter’s On The Bread’) and American politics (‘Kennedy Says’), these are serious songs delivered with a whimsical take on the issues, while ‘Joey’ documents the overdose of a troubled friend and is a genuinely touching track (“Gone like water through your hands, all of Joey’s hopes and plans”). ‘Clothes Shop’ closes their set (“This was our big hit,” declares Gerry) and will no doubt provide a highlight of their Glastonbury appearance in the Acoustic Tent this year. For something a little different but strangely familiar, make your way there if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket.