"We're not in the music business; we are in the business of making music" Andrew Brides
I've waited a while for a Stolen Haven gig and was made up to see a live show announced at the Night and Day Cafe on the 25th March. I contact Stolen Haven's Broughton based songwriter Andrew Brides to discuss the gig and he's pleased to hear from the Salford Star... "I'm an avid reader...Save the Mocha Parade!" he enthuses.
I was hoping that the Night and Day event would be the catalyst for a host of dates and even some new material, ask Andrew about the possibility and receive an unexpected response...
"We're all reluctant to say it but this could be a farewell gig for the band, it just feels like it should be" Andrew says "We don't want to make a massive fuss about it; we just want our testimonial match. Whilst the world gets swept up in the hype of the grime scene, we'll be quite happy seeing all our old friends down at the Night and Day..."
It seems a shame that the band are ready to bow out after successful appearances with many acts, including The Steve Cradock Band, Twisted Wheel as well as some storming festival sets.
Andrew reflects on their time together... "We got together as a band around 2010 I think. Before that we all knew each other in some capacity, going back to our school days. I remember seeing Jimmy swaggering around town. It was a swagger he would grow to earn in my eyes, now fully authenticated."
The video for their excellent single Unhappy Restless Soul features This Is England star Thomas Turgoose and is definitely worth a look (see here) and I would also strongly recommend their song Decent Shoes (Ont' Sofa Sessions) (see here).
I ask Andrew about his Stolen Haven highlights... "On our web page bio you'll see our list of bragging rights, but in terms of the times we've had it hasn't always been about the big gigs or who we've played alongside" he decides "It's all about the people that get involved, that is what can make the magic happen...A music video that we made out in the woods in Glossop turning into an all night rave...A trip out to the smallest of festivals; Ravenstonedale in Cumbria, which we would highly recommend you go to..."
Stolen Haven are a top live act with a host of beautiful and anthemic tunes. I saw a stripped back line-up perform brilliantly at a homeless fundraiser at the Kings Arms 18 months ago and it felt like they were destined for the big time.
On their reputation as a live band Andrew states, "We've done very few live performances in the past couple of years. We're not in the music business; we are in the business of making music. Unfortunately life gets in the way and the truth is music will never pay our bills.
"You do what you can when you can, because it rewards you in other ways, and anyone else who wants to hear it" he adds "We always say one of our best gigs was at Night and Day Cafe, that's why we are going back there to do this gig. It's a proper music venue. Save The Night and Day! Save Rock n Roll!"
It looks like it's going to be an emotional farewell for one of the region's great bands. Be sure to catch them live while you still can.
Stolen Haven Live
Saturday 25th March 7:30pm £6
The Night and Day Cafe
26 Oldham Street, M1 1JN
Further details see the Facebook event page – click here
Main photo by Freya Marie
Words by Ian Leslie
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