Park&Ride's Comeback Tour By Paul Monkman (Friend and Foe) (1/2)

(1/2), (2/2).

There have been many tales of resurrections in the history of human kind. Some are more questionable than others, like that of Lazarus or Ellen Ripley, while others are arguably a matter of personal taste, Take That and the Spice Girls certainly come to mind, but at the start of April Hull is set witness one of its very own. That's right, folks, Park&Ride are back! Let me begin with a brief history lesson for those of you left in an opening-paragraph daze.

Pulled together from all corners of the city, they bounced onto the local music scene in 2004 and immediately developed a reputation for being among the most original and quirky bands around. Their infectious personalities and love of what they do helped endear them to a loyal following and earn them somewhat of a cult status, as well as acclaim from the various other cities they have played. Their songs vary from the sublimely ridiculous to the ridiculously sublime, with the likes of Butt Banger and Dressing Gown prime examples of their non-conformist attitudes to song-writing and fearless approach to what was is at times a very conventionalist scene.

They have been likened to lager-swilling football hooligans in the past and, though the closest they might come to a 'meet' is a Football Factory-induced reverie, there is no denying that they aren't your usual skinny jean-wearing, square meal-needing, young upstarts, but that to many people is part of their appeal. To sum up, if the term 'loveable rogues' were ever more apt than to describe this five-some, then I for one would love to hear it.

That should have at least got everyone up to speed, so onto the very point of this piece. Upon hearing about this resurrection, or perhaps comeback would be a more accurate description, I took to opportunity to catch up with the boys and ask them about their forthcoming return to the scene. The first thing to become apparent is the lack of one notable former member, Paul Leonard, which led me to my first question:

So, fellas, how long has the lay-off been and where on earth is that bloke with the god-awful beard? 'It's been six months since our last gig, during which time we've been writing new songs, practicing hard, and of course filling the void left by Lenno.' So, where is Paul? 'He's chasing fame and fortune in London, working for Gordon Ramsey, though the last we heard was that he had been demoted to Burger King, where he is still seeking his second star.'

Continued .... Next Page (2/2)

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