Thanks to Paul for sharing details of this Charity CD which will be on sale tonight and through the band’s website. Ed
In the mid 1980s local band, Bobby I Can Fly, once filled venues across the Island on a nightly basis with a raw, brass-driven mix of faux jazz, new wave and classic pop.
Focused around the superb songs and voice of local legend Duncan Jones, their enthusiasm infected a whole generation of Island youth for the three brief years they were together.
Anniversary gig
To celebrate their 30th anniversary, for one night only (tonight) they will play once more. Featuring Paul Armfield on bass, Mark Wozencroft on drums, Dave Baker on backing vocals and percussion, Carl Grant on Trumpet and special guest Dave Pontin on Saxophone standing in for Jamie Shirlaw.
30 years later and it seems that their popularity has not diminished as tickets for their concert at Quay Arts on Saturday 12th April sold out within three days of going on sale. It promises to be a memorable night with fellow 80s Island band, Falling and Laughing. also reuniting to provide support. All proceeds from the event will be split between two charities: Quay Arts and Island Youth Trust.
Charity CD on sale now
Rehearsals for the concert have gone so well that the band have been back in the studio to record a selection of their old favourites such as Fall To Pieces and So Much For Hollywood.
A compilation of the best of these recordings together with a selection of original studio versions and demos from the 80s will be available in the form of a CD at the concert, with proceeds also going to charity.
Bonus items
Bobby I Can Fly’s first ever commercial release will also be available to purchase through the band’s website.
The first few purchasers will also receive a free car sticker, which should raise a smile with the band’s original fans, as one of the secrets of their success was to issue everyone who attended their early concerts distinctive pale blue car stickers with the band’s name on.
Chemistry still there
Founder member Paul Armfield said,
“It has been a real joy for us all to get back together as we were all such good friends. I think we’ve all been surprised that the original chemistry is still there both in the relationships and the music. The songs have come back easily, what the head has forgotten the hands seem to still remember.
“We’ve had a lot of fun recalling the good times and we think that the concert will provide an opportunity for our original audiences to do the same.”
Many of these recollections have been recorded in a journal which percussionist Dave Baker has put together along with various artefacts and photos from the band’s heyday all of which can be seen on the Facebook Page.
