Fairground Attraction

There's no other band like Fairground Attraction – their use of the guitarrón (a large, Mexican acoustic bass played by Simon Edwards) combines with drummer Roy Dodds, Mark Nevin and Eddi Reader to create a charming acoustic antidote to all that is modern and digital. When they arrived on the scene all those years ago, their unique sound was described by many as a 'breath of fresh air' and it is even truer today than it was then.

Now regarded as a genuine pop classic, the band’s debut Perfect went to Number One in countries all around the world and, in 1988, won Best Single at The Brit Awards. The band’s meteoric rise to was as surprising as it was welcome, not least for the members themselves, who struggled with having their lives turned upside down. Unfortunately, the whole thing was over too soon, leaving a legacy of just four singles and one double-platinum album, The First of a Million Kisses.

Since then, Eddi has enjoyed a long and successful solo career, while Mark has made seven solo albums and collaborated with various artists, including Morrissey and Kirsty MacColl. During the past three decades, a lot of water has passed under a lot of bridges.

'I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be back together, making music again,' reflects Mark, 'something happens between us when we play together; time evaporates and it could all have been yesterday.'

Presented by AEG