PHILIP RAMBOW is returning to London's Hope & Anchor, fifty-two years after he last played there.
The Canadian singer-songwriter first played the iconic venue on Islington's Upper Street in the early 70s with legendary pub rockers The Winkies. Soon recruited as backing band for Brian Eno, they signed to Chrysalis for their controversially Hipgnosis-sleeved sole album in 1975.
"The Hope in 1973 was always a special London gig," says Rambow. "Hot and sweaty, yes the walls sweated. It’s a great feeling to play and attend for all the happening acts of the day. And 52 years later? - well that’s a gas."
Later forming a band with Mick Ronson, Rambow would frequently return to the Hope & Anchor, appearing on '78's classic Front Row Festival double-live album alongside the likes of The Stranglers, X-Ray Spex, The Only Ones, Wilko Johnson and The Saints, before touring the UK with Dr Feelgood.
After several years in a string of record company jobs, as well as co-writing Kirsty MacColl's hit single 'There's A Guy Work's Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis', in the past few years, Rambow has returned to live and recording activity, delivering the acclaimed album I'm An Artist earlier this year.
Rambow and his new band play The Hope & Anchor on Thursday 17 July - tickets
I'm An Artist is available here.
Pic by Adrian Boot