“We always had a running joke that men took over when you work with them, but I’m certainly not trying to prove any great feminist point” (VA, NME 10-9-83) “My first group, The Ravishing Beauties, was formed to promote Virginia … Read More
In 1982, Virginia Astley released her first record, the mysteriously entitled A Bao A Qu. Critics and fans alike were equally baffled by this strange title. Even radio presenter John Walters likened the title to that of an anagram. It … Read More
Virginia is continuing to enjoy working on poetry recitals. A recent performance attended by RobB provided a good example of Virginia’s work. The show featured poetry read by Catherine Simmonds with Virginia playing flute as well as recorded pieces of … Read More
Kate St John has recently collaborated with Damon Albarn of the band Gorillaz. The project was an adaptation of Monkey Journeys To The West, a musical opera based on the classic Chinese tale. More on Kate via www.katestjohn.co.uk
One of the projects Anne Stephenson has worked on is a special benefit CD for the Tourette Syndrome Association (one of Anne’s own children is a sufferer). The CD EP Dance With Me? Christmas Tree features Anne singing on the … Read More
Radio presenter John Peel has died. The BBC website reports that 65 year old Peel died of a heart attack while on holiday in Peru.John Peel was an early champion for Virginia Astley, especially for the legendary Ravishing Beauties Peel … Read More
Zoology – the Teardrop Explodes live/unreleased material album has finally been released on the Head Heritage label. The most interesting track for visitors to this site is ‘Log Cabin’ as it features both Kate St John on oboe and Nicky … Read More
Kate St John has launched her own website here:www.katestjohn.co.uk. The site features an extensive Discography along with reviews and information on both Kate’s solo work and her work with other artists and musicians. It also flags up the forthcoming Best … Read More
All Saints Records have scheduled a Kate St John compilation album due for late 2004/early 2005 release. Kate released two solo albums on the All Saints label: Indescribable Night (which featured a collaboration with Virginia) and Second Sight . Kate … Read More
Happy New Year to all visitors to the Virginia Astley website! If you want to read the news pages for 2001, then please click on the link on the left hand side. The reissue of From Gardens Where We Feel … Read More