BEHIND THE MUSIC
Heroes Welcome Band, now featuring lead vocalist Suzanne Cook, first came into being as the remnants of a semi-pro1980s blues and rock outfit known as Room 64. The original members were Tim Devereaux and Clive Mills, who were soon joined by Steve McDaniel on keyboards and Dave Watkins on drums. From around 1985 to 1996 many musicians came and went culminating in their most notable works: top of the bill at the Mol Festival in Belgium; the Grass Roots Rhythm Festival in Shropshire; and sold-out gigs at the Arts Centre in Barnet, North London. By this time, inspired by the likes of Richard Thompson and REM, the band had been transformed into an original progressive folk rock group.
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Vocal artist Suzanne Cook and main songwriter, guitarist Tim Devereaux are long standing members along with drummer, Howard Tibble (also of Shakin Stevens plus many more credits of note). Regular bass players include Winston Blissett (Massive Attack) and James Eller (The The). Also on drums, performing with them for the first time on their latest EP, is Geoff Dugmore (an outstanding session player with more than 50 number one hits to his name). Completing the latest line up is Pascal Glanville on guitar and Luca Uggias on keyboards.
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The band have been away from the live scene for some time now, concentrating on developing new, and reworking old material in the studio. So much so, these are becoming known as "our studio years". No less than twenty-two musicians contributed to Suzanne’s recent album: Waking Dream, which was produced by Mark Plati (Bowie & Prince), recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and Alices Restaurant in New York. In May 2024, the follow up EP was also recorded at Abbey Road, being produced by Ken Stringfellow (The Posies & REM). These four new tracks feature the type of ‘simple’ musical arrangements that Tim and Suzanne want to get back to, that is: two guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards, all backing Suzanne Cook’s distinctive vocal – something which can easily be replicated on stage.
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Released on all the streaming platforms in August 2024 we have the song ‘Are We Still Friends’ (which will also feature on the EP). This is a duet sung by Suzanne and her long-time friend, now colleague, Ron Sexsmith. The earlier solo version, from the Waking Dream album, was picked out by Ron as a song he’d like to perform with Suzanne. A little less heavy than our more recent offerings, producer Ken Stringfellow describes it as "a stone cold classic", and the band as one of the most talented he’s ever worked with. And so, the story goes…
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