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The GCE Diary - What's New And What's Happening With The GCE Boys

2009

August 2009 and Splinter group The Cowley Cowboys are ready to climb aboard their tour bus and hit the road. In their individual sweaty palms they will be carefully toting their long awaited and eagerly anticipated debut album. Also the Cowboys have signed up with Myspace and their page can be found on www.myspace.com/cowleycowboys. There is also a link to their Myspace page and their larger website on our 'Links' page, the latter is also linked in the Navigator at the top of our main page.

2008

2008 saw the 'birth' of GCE splinter group The Cowley Cowboys; yes, it's a touch of country music from the irrepressible Cowley boys (and girls)! It's still early days but The Cowley Cowboys are taking studio time to put together an album of country oriented songs for your delectation. Just a few photo's available so far but if you want to take a small trip into Cowley Cowboy Country please click this link The Cowley Cowboys

Also, don't forget to visit The Royal Alberts on www.myspace.com/theroyalalberts

The Real George Cowley - A Health Update Inspires 5th GCE Album!

George survives his cancer op. and a letter to the local press declaring that he is “not dead yet” provides the title for the Cowley’s fifth CD. This CD again recorded in the opulence of Peter May’s tardis at Pershore features Tommy Pope (rapidly taking over leadership of the band as Pete fades) on three lead vocals , including his self penned “Stand for Something”. Dalek noises commensurate with the tardistillian nature of Mayb Studio mingle with David Gibbon’s first recorded personal sound effects sound effects. Peter May himself provides classical guitar and organ interlude on “Fairground Lost its Attraction” .Helen Davies, now the proud mother of Edward, came along to the studio to record the violin on “Bride on the Tide”, while Pete rocked the two week old Edward upstairs (Don’t worry readers, the welfare were there in minutes!). Classically trained Kate Cowell provided the cello on “Riot at Ikea” and Kate has actually played TWICE at an Ikea store. How very spooky. The Black Bond was sampled on “The Legend of the Black Bond” and all in all , the CD has got some fine reviews;

http://www.worcesterstandard.co.uk/news46723.html

The following from Toxic Pete

http://www.toxicpete.co.uk/

Well I got up this mornin', it was cold and wet.....blah, blah! No, not a new blues song, just the start of my overture to the review of this latest piece of cheeky rockin' folk-blues from The George Cowley Experience.

The title refers to the recent hospitalisation, for cancer treatment, of social commentator George Cowley - he's not dead yet! Oh no, lawdy lawdy, he's back home and back in true literary form and features in the sleeve artwork for good measure! The songs are typically observational with hints of plagiarism, a touch of sarcasm and an amazing amount of wit from the somewhat altered mind of Prince of parody, Pete Unwin. Yes, I got up this morning and it was cold and wet but fifteen minutes later I was well into 'Not Dead Yet' and what was happening outside no longer mattered; I'd got a smile on my face and later a tear in my eye. Yes, 'Not Dead Yet' is yet another fine piece of musical magic from Worcester's crazy gang of art-music!!
Featuring tracks as varied and madcap as, 'Catherine Brewer's Legs', 'Attack Of The Mobility Scooters', 'Riot In Ikea', 'Bad Men Don't Carry Flasks' and 'The Night We Cornered Our Dog' and as gripping and tear-jerkingly real as the title track, 'Not Dead Yet' is another in the long line of outrageous but comfortably cosseting fun albums from the band that everyone loves to hate. The George Cowley Experience take the whole concept of music making and turns it on its head. The GCE don't do finesse, they don't really care if things could be just that little bit smoother; the small budget must get the job done and that's exactly what happens! The end result is a naively but lovingly assembled catalogue of very clever songs that aim to entertain and just make the listener feel better about life - to make the listener feel part of the whole George Cowley Experience - to make the listener act and react as the GCE unfold their story-tellin' wares through musical poetry. The George Cowley Experience is Pete Unwin's outlet for all the pent-up observational humour he stores in his uniquely deranged mind; Unwin manages to find humour in most everyday situations and his observations, when put to music, tell it like it is - the way most of us would like to if only we had the guts and/or the talent.
'Not Dead Yet' by The George Cowley Experience is a down-home and honest album that I just know will sell well within the ever expanding George Cowley Experience appreciation society that continues to follow and support this unusual but rewarding outfit. Clever stuff - quite gripping and good fun but with the ocassional dark story to tell - hey, it's the Cowely way - sit back and enjoy!!
Some songs were previewed at The Mars Bar on April 4th when we were supported by the very fine “Will Dance for Chocolate”, see review by Dr. Emily Payne at;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/articles/2008/05/06/george_cowley_experience_review_feature.shtml

## The official album launch of “Not Dead Yet” was launched from a coffin at Keystones, Worcester on May 30th. Lord Richard Beard depped for David Gibbon on drums, in between writing letters a la “George Cowley in Waiting” of Worcester. David was at a Health Farm that weekend, raiding bins. Tommy (aspiring Band Leader) and Pete (fading Band Leader) were interviewed on BBC Hereford and Worcester Friday Session that same evening (go to listen again below;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/articles/2008/05/29/friday_session_300508_feature.shtml
and Pete was for once lost for words when none other than Shefali Oza spoke to him by phone as cunningly pre arranged by Andrew Marsden, the cheeky presenter.”Shefali” from the band’s first album remains a firm favourite with the crowds despite being performed rarely on stage due to Pete finding the song a little too emotional.
The Northwick Arms gig on June 7th was a Cowley affair with fans travelling from as far as Battenhall to support. Andy Green apparently got spanked on the dance floor during our last number but this may be one of those Rock n’ Roll moments of myth that turn out to be greatly exaggerated. Time alone will tell…..
Next up Worcester Beer Festival Thurs Aug 14th , supported by those travellers of time and space, Gandhi’s Walrus, and then it’s the first ever Worcester Festival on Sunday Aug 24th at The Horn and Trumpet when we will be supported by those up and coming dandies, “Fine and Shandy” , sporting a bass player who has vowed never to be seen on a fairground ride.

Stories Behind the Songs on “Not Dead Yet”;

Catherine Brewer’s Legs – Catherine is a charming young woman, now believed to be wed and living a quiet life in Devon, not wishing to exploit the fame brought about by this wistful song. The photograph of Catherine’s legs was accidentally taken on a mobile phone by an innocent and inexperienced operator, who has to remain nameless for legal reasons.
Fat Boy Fat – A strong autobiographical element in this one, Tommy Pope once having weighed over 22 stone before he turned his life around, taking up the electric guitar and Buddhism while forsaking alcohol and pies. Tommy still enjoys the company of young ladies but has no ambition to DJ in Ibiza. Tommy also plans to take over leadership of the band in the near future but doesn’t openly admit to this non – Buddhist ambition.
Attack of the Mobility Scooters – Strange but true this song , which develops the Silver Mobility Scooter theme off “Ride Again”, came about as the result of a rather scary experience Pete had on Sidmouth Prom last September when a squadron of mobility scooters suddenly surrounded him , just appearing from nowhere out of a low setting sun. Death by Mobility Scooter is now the third most common cause of death in Malvern. The dalek piece at the end of the song is courtesy of a toy dalek loaned from Honest Peter May’s toy stall on Pershore Market. Copyright complications of this inclusion are still being contested.
Reg Box ,Tireless Fund Raiser – We do not actually know Reg but then we did not know George when we first took his name. The headline of an article in The Malvern Gazette “Reg Box – Tireless Fund Raiser” prompted the lyrics, many towns having individuals like Reg who donate endless time and effort to charitable causes. Reg apparently runs Bingo sessions to raise money for Air Ambulances, the latter of which are totally unfunded by the government. Pete was once rescued by helicopter off the French coast and two people close to the Cowleys have been beneficiaries of the excellent Air Ambulance Service. Good on yer’ Reg!
Bride on the Tide – July 2007 was a very wet time in Worcestershire and this song tells the wedding day tale of Adele and Jamie Fuller whose Reception went ahead on the Saturday evening despite flooding having prevented their actually having got married that same morning. Folks got to Powick Church the next morning via tractors, wellies and 100 mile detours along the M50.Adele got herself a little help from Max Factor on the Sunday morning and even managed to get in a second Reception. Her mother, Pat Taylor, subsequently went on to win “Mother of the Bride of the Year” award.
Riot at Ikea – Based on the riot at the late night opening of an Ikea store in Edmonton, North London in Feb 2005 which showed human behaviour at its most unappealing and uncivilised, 6 people being hospitalised including one person stabbed. Slowly but surely, madness descended…….There is an Ikea outlet in Hong Kong now and the cellist on this track, Kate Cowell, has actually played two gigs at an IKEA store.How Rock n’ Roll is that?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2005/feb/17/1

3a.m in the Nightclub – A lament for the older man who haunts the night clubs at the tail end of the night only to realise one day that not only this life ain’t a good life but that there comes a time when even the ladies he once “loved in the moment” are no longer interested. Poor, poor, pitiful him!
The Legend of the Black Bond – One of Worcester’s characters, The Black Bond has his own web site and here we sampled “We Came Back Again” which refers to The Black Bond’s service days when he was close to his friend, Wayne, and had a lot to do with Equal Opportunity Courses. The Black Bond is also a very religious person who spreads the word on the streets of Worcester as well as having global ambitions. http://www.theblackbond.com/ The Cowleys appreciate reggae music and David Gibbon, drummer of some deftness, lays down a particularly danceable beat on this track, counterpointed by the plaintive call of Tommy Pope’s guitar.
Fairground Lost its Attraction – Jamie “Death Trap” Shaw has long harboured a fear of fairgrounds and these days won’t even have a go on those spinning tea cups let alone the waltzer. This song was inspired by a visit to Worcester’s 2007 fireworks celebration when the fairground was perceived from adult rather than a child’s eyes. “The hot dog saleman’s filthy breath” is an image designed to encourage vegetarianism. They always play good soul music at fairgrounds though…. Organ interlude and classical guitar courtesy of Honest Peter May.
Minor Celebrity – Celebrity is seemingly sought by all these days, the experience of certain band members being that , minor celebrity, at least is not all it is cracked up to be. Rather a poignant song that harks back to the early days of the band when we could go out, even in Worcester, virtually unrecognised. Peter May says that he actually craves celebrity.
Pies – A staple of our live set for some years now, we had never felt the time was right to record this culinary ditty, largely (very largely in fact) because Tommy was still battling with his weight problem. However now that he is the Guitar Slim of Music City, we have laid it down. Essentially, the song can be used as a relationship guide as it covers issues of trust, greed, reflection and readjustment (of belts as well as feelings). Commercially, several well – known pie manufacturers have shown interest in the song for promotional purposes, which has presented the band with a not entirely unwelcome dilemma – watch this space.
Bad Men Don’t Carry Flasks – Inspired by a comment on Chris Evan’s radio show, this song of hope and wisdom has proved a popular live number. The Cowleys portray themselves as good role models in this song as opposed to some other modern pop stars who we will not stoop to name.- “Modern Pop Stars got Dead Eyes, Look at our Eyes, They Sparkle and Shine….”
The Night we Cornered our Dog – The band enjoy the work of musicians around Worcester and took inspiration for this song from a Jamie Knight song “The Night we Cornered our Love”. Originally envisaged as a ska number, the resulting “doo – wop” song has also proved to be a real crowd pleaser, especially around the Neath area in South Wales. Humorous lyrics but with a serious message behind them about pets and relationships. Love me, love my dog? I love my dog as much as I love you. You may fade, my dog will always come through?!?
Stand for Something - The only Tommy Pope penned track on the album, this is a low down song in the Dylan mould which exhorts us all to stand for something – you needn’t start your own political party or set yourself on fire, but do something about something. Fifth choice Cowley Drummer, Rich Beard , was so inspired both by this song and indeed by George’s back catalogue of letters to the press that he wrote one himself last month. Now it may have only been about the length of grass on the Perdiswell golf course and the canine gifts left on the greens but he was Standing for Something.
Not Dead Yet – Inspired by the title of one of George’s letters to the press after his successful cancer operation, this song is too close for comfort for some but it is meant to be a celebration of George and all of us who pull through such times as well as making us think of those friends and family who didn’t. The playout on this track is hopefully both uplifting and inspiring.

SUCH IS THE COWLEY WAY

Next gigs, rumoured to be featuring the talents of the now fully wed (sorry girls) Lee “The Face” Badham –
August 14th Thursday Worcester Beer Festival
August 24th Sunday The Horn and Trumpet , Worcester (Worcester Festival)

2007

The George Cowley Experience – 2007 was a very wet year in Worcestershire

The Experience struggled through 2007, blooding new bass man, Jamie “Death Trap “ Shaw (Sir Harvey Wyatt now on Hammond Organ) at The Evesham Ballooon Festival where we plated on a bill with the Hamsters in early June, only managing one more outdoor gig at Grimley on June 24th before having the rest of the summer washed out incl. the Worceste Beer Festival. We did, however enjoy the surreality of The Bridges Beer Festival on July 6th..

The society wedding of Steve and Demelza Gibbs at the Left Bank , Hereford took place in August and it was so real to be playing in the land of a 1000 Charity Shops after having sung about it for so long. “Harry Tuffin’s “ was the hit of the night however, many Tuffinites being in the audience, some even boasting that their outfits came from the famous pound aisle of that Shopping Emporium Miriam’s party in the depths of Tenbury Wells was the highlight of the autumn, Jamie swearing to this day that this was the best wedding he had ever been to. This gig was the last recorded public appearance of Lee “The Face” Badham prior to his self - imposed (or was it Rosey – imposed?) exile into the world of wedding fairs – it’s no life for a Rock n’Roller and he didn’t even book us for his May 2008 wedding !! (possibly a wise move though, Lee).

The real bad news of the year though was our muse, George Cowley, being diagnosed with cancer, about which George has been very candid in his letters to the local press. Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World ,George.

*** 06/12/06 ***

Fin Steel, Musician (1947 – 2006)

A great friend of many of us in the Worcester Music Scene, we are very, very sad to learn of the sudden death of Fin Steel. Fin lived for his music and was a
walking encyclopaedia on the 1960’s and 1970’s British and American Rock Scene. Fin always had his own band on the go in one form or another and
the last L.P on his turntable was by a band from the 70’s that not even Google have heard of - “The Revolutionary Blues Band”.

Fin loved the Blues and was a musician who could turn his hand to vocals, organ, guitar ,bass and drums, recently having become an established member of
The Marrs Bar House Band. Bob Seger, Bill Nelson and Dylan were three of his core influences and he played in two of our Dylan Night Bands over recent years, getting
ready for our forthcoming January Dylan Night when he passed away.

Not one to dwell on the increasingly poor health that dogged his recent years, Fin (Born Robert Finnigan) trod lightly on this earth and epitomised what it means
to be humble and live a simple life, expecting nothing from anyone and giving his friendship unconditionally. Very well known across the area in his earlier years,
Fin performed as a solo artist and band leader for some 40 years (he fondly used to mention “Cherry Blossom Clinic” as a favourite band from the past) and he was
always on hand to help out when your band was a member down.

Fin lived and breathed music, even going A.W.O.L recently from Worcester Royal Acute Hospital in order to fulfil a gig engagement at
The Marrs Bar in town – just one of his many Rock n’Roll lifestyle tales which include visits from a Druid Princess, losing a member of The Beatless from the back of his
Roadying Van and playing at the Liverpool Cavern in its eyday.

A very private man, Fin spoke little about his background and preferred to express himself through his songs and poetry, lyrics always holding a particular
fascination for him. Fin set his own musical standards high and always wanted to get it right – his versions of “Route 66”, “Ship of Fools” and “Freebird” were
particularly compelling and his passion for the music seemed to increase rather than fade over the years.

Wherever you are now Fin, keeps that spirit rockin’ – it has been a true pleasure to know you and play alongside you as a musician.

*** 28/08/06 ***
The GCE will be headlining at Heenan & Froude Social Club in Worcester on the 13/09/06 in aid of Mental Health Network.
Tickets are £4 on the door and the show starts at 8pm. Also performing are:

Guy Martyr (Surreal Man, Surreal music)
Poor Bob (Local Blues Merchant)

Hope to see you there.

*** 05/08/06 ***
Breaking News! The world premiere of Evesham Knievel live is to be held at:

Raphaels, Hampton Ferry, Evesham.
Sunday 27th August 8pm.

Tickets are priced £5 and are available from:
Vine music, Evesham
The Almonry, Evesham
Vale Magazine

Alternatively you could call our ticket hotline on : 07769 826238 (ask for Pete)

*** 31/07/06 ***
Following on from the successful mini-tour of last year, the Cowleys and friends hosted an afternoon of fun
and live music at The Camp Inn, Grimley. Check out www.toxicpete.co.uk for details and pictures.

*** 03/05/06 ***
And here is the Cowley one....
http://www.myspace.com/thegeorgecowleyexperience
Now you can officially be a friend of the GCE!

*** 29/03/06 ***
Some of you reading this will be aware of the internet phenomenon of Myspace. Myspace is basically a free
social network built around the sharing of private webpages. Many bands already have a presence on Myspace and so
the GCE have decided to jump on the bandwagon (slightly late) and add our own. At the moment it's a bit self-indulgent (based around me)
but more band things will be added when time allows.
Check it out at:
http://www.myspace.com/19115419
You are more than welcome to send me comments or request to be my friend.

*** 27/02/06 ***
Sound clips of all of the songs included on "Evesham Knievel" are now available to listen to on the audio page.
Click here to go to the page.

*** 27/02/06 ***
Following on from the successful launch of “Evesham Knievel” last year, two independent magazines have decided to feature the band in their latest publications.
Inspired by the song based on the dogged GCE European tour of 2001 (Newport Passport Office) the in-house Civil Service magazine
is running a feature in issue 65 of their national publication. In addition to this, already lofty praise, the Cotswold and Vale Journal
are running a spread on the “Rock Opera” in their April edition. The news that the band are to be featured in such prestigious, upper-echelon
pamphlets is a telling counterpoint to the fact that the pages of the Worcester Evening News are ablaze with scandal centered
around the absence of our muse, Mr George Cowley. A change in policy has rendered the writings of our sage apparently obsolete.
We have therefore made it our mission to amass support for the reinstatement of George’s musings.
Should anyone reading this wish to add voice to our cause, please write to the editor of the letters page of the aforementioned publication.
Many letters have already been published regarding George and the band, and the current thread of debate seems to be focused on the song ‘Pig in a Blanket’.
There has been an interesting spate of letters extolling the therapeutic virtues of the song and it has been noted by the readers that people of
limited mobility can benefit from the carefully crafted dance steps included on this site. Indeed, the Department of Health is citing the song and its related dance
steps as a fun and effective way of combating the tide of obesity threatening to engulf the nation; it’s a dance sensation!

*** 6/12/05 ***
Television beckons the GCE with a tentative, yet warm, hand. The band are being filmed tonight for the new
BBC Hereford and Worcester channel to be broadcast soon on the digital service. Rock!

*** 6/12/05 ***
After a standard nine month gestation period, the much debated CD- in -a –Rock- Opera -Stylee , “Evesham Knievel”
has arrived without the need for medical intervention. Both Band and CD are doing well.
Reviewed on www.toxicpete.co.uk, this work traces the career of Evesham Knievel from his humble beginnings
in his eponymous home town, through a lonely childhood, his first job at the fair, a break on The Wall of Death,
fame, fortune and ultimately disaster in the U.S.A, a return to the N.H.S, an attempt to recreate former glories by jumping the River Avon
while all the time reassuring his mother that she had not been a bad mother. Musically, there are a range of rock and country rock tunes here and three vocalists
take the respective parts of Evesham (Lee “Madeiros” Badham ), his mother (Julie “The Great” Baldacchino) and the narrator (Pete Unwin).
Captain Paul Bagley fleetingly touches down on earth to play with his fabulous organ,
Helen “Bling Bling” Davies contributes her skilful fiddle, Dancin’ Dave Gibbon (“David” to the press!!!) lays down the best beat
while Harvey X. Wildebeeste - Wyatt and Rosie Jennings fight over who is going to play the best bass lines.
Pete and Lee also play guitars on the CD and Tommy “The” Pope handles the same instrument quite well also on the album.
Tommy also contributes backing vocals for the first time ever in his recording career. Our fine engineer and production Guru, Pete May
of Mayb Studios Pershore, also gets in on the act as the voice of the vicar (“More tea. Joan?”).

In accordance with The Cowley Way, song writing credits are shared by Pete Unwin, Lee Badham, Tommy Pope, Rosie Jennings and Captain Bagley.
There is also a mysterious young man by the name of Peter Brown who reckons to know a bit about music who has contributed two songs.
Incidentally, the dance steps to “Pig in a Blanket” are being recommended by the Government as a fun way to combat heart disease
and fight the tide of obesity threatening to engulf the West Midlands.

CD available here on this site and at “Face The Music” Cathedral Plaza, Worcester; Vine Music, Evesham, “Beautiful Beads” , Pershore
and Music City in Worcester. Price £7.99.

*** 1/12/05 ***
The much anticipated "Pig In a Blanket" dance steps have been added to the site to accompany the song of the same name
included on the Eveshaevem Kinl album to be released next week . The superbly illustrated instructional diagrams were
contributed by chief GCE groupie Leah "Pig-Features" Clarke. The steps can be found here.

*** 03/11/05 ***
The GCE are pleased to offer loyal fans a sneak preview of the artwork for their new CD "Evesham Kinevel" due to
be released later this month.We hope readers' appetites will be sufficiently whetted.

	Front cover booklet
	Inside cover
	CD
	Back

*** 19/10/05 ***
Media interest in the band prior to the release of Evesham Knievel has been steadily increasing. GCE band leader, Peter Unwin, was
interviewed live on BBC Hereford and Worcester for the Dave Bradley show on Friday 30th of September where his views on George Cowley
and the band were warmly received.Regular listeners of the show were treated to the first play of "This Hospital" a song from the forthcoming
album. Afterwards Peter was asked to give another interview for "The Friday Session", a show thoroughly engrained in the
music and band culture across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. This interview will be broadcast on the 04/11/05.

*** 06/08/05 ***
A new section has been added to the website showcasing the artistic talents of one of the GCE's most loyal of fans.
Little is known about her but she answers to the name "Mad" and regularly attends GCE gigs. She can always be heard above the crowd howling
encouraging words while generally drawing attention to herself.
Mad's Warholesque pop-art pictures of GCE band members can be found here.

*** 05/08/05 ***
The finishing touches to the new GCE album are being carefully performed and mixed. Recording is almost complete and the
artwork is currently being designed by band member Lee "Maderios" Badham. Hopes are high amongst band members
that this album will bring will bring them to the attention of Simon Cowell.
Forget The X Factor and prepare for The Letch Factor, many of the band have this quality in abundance.

*** 05/08/05 ***
The GCE spent the weekend of 19/20/21 of August on the "It's always August under my armpits" tour.
The three prestigious venues party to three nights of mayhem were:
Fri - The Holt Fleet Inn (Worcestershire)
Sat - The Wheatsheaf (Whitbourne, Worcestershire)
Sun - Secret Afternoon Gig (Worcestershire)
The band performed songs from all three current albums alongside songs from the forthcoming album and
classic Blues/Soul covers. Highlights of the tour included a highly appreciated version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"
by Guns 'n' Roses and a unusually soulful version of "Hereford Land of 1000 Charity Shops".
Audience response, especially on Friday, was excellent and one person was
moved to tears by the GCE's performance. Well either that or alcohol.
To see pictures from the tour click here.

*** 05/08/05 ***
Due to hard-drive failure the GCE website hasn't been updated as regularly as hoped. After many days
of frustration and cigarettes all of the lost data has been recovered and life is good again.

*** 12/07/05 ***
New GCE fans were won on Sunday when the band successfully closed the Skills On Show
festival at the County Hall in Worcester. Pictures from the day have been added to the gallery
section of the website. The crowd, initially confused by the stage presence of the band, were
treated to some intriguing Bez-like dancing from GCE keyboard player, and super-hippy, Paul Bagley.
Paul's dance seemed to serve as a mystical barometer for the rest of the show and any fears the audience
may have had were quickly dispelled within the spin of tye-dye clothing and hair.
GCE front man Peter Unwin led the band from the front with a unique barrage of witticism,
punditry and musical prowess. Underpinning the flair and proficiency of the band,
Dancin' Dave Gibbon provided tight drum work. Indeed after the show an audience member was heard to say
"his drumming was more solid than a constipated whale". Harvy X. Wildebeeste Wyatt laid down
some excellent bass while Helen, Tom and Lee provided some inspired Guitar and Violin.

*** 17/06/05 ***
A gallery section has been added to the website featuring pictures of GCE glories past and present.
To celebrate, we have launched a caption competition giving you the chance to win a GCE goodie bag.
To enter simply choose a picture in the gallery and e-mail your caption to:
clarkeunwin@clarkeunwin.freeserve.co.uk
Please make it clear which picture your caption is intended for. Cross captionation is no laughing matter.
To enter the gallery follow the link from the main page or click here.

*** 10/06/05 ***
HOT HOT HOT The GCE have landed a big gig in Worcester. The band will be playing at the annual
"Skills On Show" arts event held at Worcester County Hall on Sunday 10th July.

The following extract is taken from the official website for the event which you can visit here.

Two days of fun, music, arts, crafts and workshops is what Skills on Show is all about, a showcase celebrating the quality and diversity
of Worcestershire talent on 9th and 10th July 2005, at County Hall Worcester.This year's main stage will be presented
by BBC Hereford and Worcester Mad About Music. The musical line up this year includes: jazz, folk, contemporary and classical.
There will be 4 other live performance stages – the Shindig stage featuring acts from this new exciting community
touring scheme, and the foyer stage which has an intimate feel, which reaches out and embraces the audience. For a formal feel,
the Council Chamber in County Hall provides an arena for drama and classical music – take time to stop and
savour this quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of the Show. Finally, the cookery theatre – where cookery demonstrations
will be held throughout the weekend, using some of the finest produce that Worcestershire has to offer.

At the moment the time of the GCE set hasn't been confirmed but keep watching this space for further details!

*** 09/06/05 ***
Recording sessions for the new album have begun in earnest at Mayb studios in Pershore. Keep watching this
space for regular updates.

*** 08/06/05 ***
George Cowley offshoot band "Big Jim and the Diamond Miners" are to, once again, headline the successful "Bob Dylan Night".
The free gig will be on Saturday June 18th at The Wheatsheaf pub in Whitbourne, Worcestershire. Other artists who have
confirmed are Vince Russel and Dave The Book Guy.

*** 11/05/05 ***
GCE member and folk authority, Paul McDonald, is pleased to announce his first solo venture. His new
album, titled "Trouble Over Bridgewater", was recorded live at Python Folk Center with the leading names
in British folk music. The concert set a new record when it was realised that the venue
unwittingly housed the largest face-to-moustache ratio in the world.
Below is a picture of the front cover of Paul's new album.

*** 11/05/05 ***
Pre-studio band practice sessions for "Evesham Knievel" are now being held at the Wheatsheaf pub
in Whitbourne Worcestershire. Playing with regular GCE members are three new contributors in the form of
a space-rock aficionado, a powerhouse drummer and sultry, Joan Baez-esque violiness;
Paul Bagley, Dave Gibbon and Helen Davies respectively.
Rehearsals are going well and the constantly improving musical prowess of GCE is becoming evident on
new tracks such as "Newport Passport Office" and "Rave on the Avon".
The new members have integrated their artistic skills well into the GCE sound and have added more than a little
class into the new songs.
Alongside his work with GCE, Paul Bagley has found the time to win a prestigious national award. Click on the
link below to find out more.
http://www.thisisworcester.co.uk/worcestershire/worcester/news/WEN_NEWS_LATEST14.html

*** 08/03/05 ***
Breaking news! The GCE are currently writing and recording demo songs for their forthcoming album, titled "Evesham Knievel - a life",
in studio 1 at "The University of Rock 'n' Roll". The fourth studio album by the band is to be a concept album exploring
and documenting the life of it's main protagonist, a man named Evesham, who rises to fame only to.....Well wait and see!
Once again the cream of Worcesters' musicians will add their quality sounds to the album which will
feature many different genres of popular music. Local diva, Julie Baldacchino has been tentively approached with
a view to adding her "Lloyd-Webberesque" vocals to the opera. Julie was initally concerned that she might
"Go off at a tangent" but has since had it explained to her that such deviations are entirely within "The Cowley Way".

*** 22/01/05 ***
The Experience gigged amidst a bunch of very frightening looking Death-Metal bands and their fans in a Tsunami
fundraising night. Despite some difficult-to-explain blotching of Tommy Pope's underwear prior to going on stage, the band
were well received. Highlights included "Silver Mobility Scooter", "The Bungalow That Never Sleeps" and "Hallow Llama Drama".

*** 16/01/05 ***
George Cowley offshoot band "Big Jim and the Diamond Miners" successfully headline Marrs Bar Worcester Bob Dylan Night.
Auction and donation of CD/Tee-shirts takings to Tsunami Appeal. GCE members of the band were:
Peter Unwin aka "The Big C"
Lee "Madeiros" Badham
Tom "The" Pope
Helen "Bling-Bling" Davies

*** 10/11/04 ***
The GCE are pleased to announce the launch night for their third album "Ride Again". The soon-to-be legendary night of music,
sandwiches and cider will be held at The Camp Inn, Grimley near Worcester on the 17/11/04. Fans of GCE who will be attending
the event are to be warned of the dangers of rogue Llamas while passing through the village of Hallow.

*** 14/10/2004 ***
Recording, mixing and mastering for the third GCE studio album "Ride Again" is now complete. The album was produced
at Mayb studios in Pershore by owner Peter May and "The big C" Peter Unwin. Album artwork is currently being designed
by the misunderstood genius Lee Badham and will feature the iconic George Cowley in a image of
semi-religious-post-modern-populist commentary. A visual statement on the troubles of social justice, political ambiguity and
Llama stampedes.

*** 30/06/2004 ***
Amongst scenes of mass hysteria, the Cowleys attended a photo-shoot for the cover of their next album on location at
University College Worcester. Armed with his trusty camera and keen rock eye, local hippy and music pundit
Peter Brown (aka Toxic Pete) was on site to record the historic event. The cover will feature sweeping, poetic vistas
and the band on a milk float owned by a bloke called Duncan.

*** 1/06/2004***
The Cowleys are currently in the process of recording their third studio album, titled "Ride Again", in a Pershore
studio. The album is due for release in late September and will once again offer the surreal "Rock 'n' Stroll" message
to the masses. As with previous Cowley recordings "Ride Again" will feature songs of many genres, each retaining
the Cowley's unique sense of social commentary and off-beat humour. Indeed if you're a fan of Rock, Blues, Ska, Folk or
even Belgian Jazz, there will be something on this album for you and your kin.