For the first time in almost a decade, Isle of Wight music legends, The Bees, will be reforming for a handful of gigs across the country. Social media has been abuzz at the news this week, which is being trailed prior to tickets going on sale this coming Friday morning.
News OnTheWight spoke with one of the founders of the band, Aaron ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, about the reunion,
“We’ve been working on reissuing our records and there’s proven to be a lot of interest and love for The Bees to play live, potentially more interest in playing live than buying records, so that’s cool.
“In the last few weeks we’ve all made contact again and it looks like a really positive thing, it’s the right thing to do.
Going out with the original line-up
The question on everyone’s lips has been who is on the line-up. Fletch was able to confirm to News OnTheWight,
“We’ve got some excellent shows booked, we’re going to going out with the original line-up.
“Tom Gardner’s involved as well which is super cool, and Paul’s flying over from the States, and we’re going to be doing The Bees in 2024!”
Influencing a generation of musicians
Founded by Paul Butler and Aaron Fletcher, The Bees produced several albums and attracted a huge following around the world, not to mention influencing a generation of musicians.
The band also included Michael ‘Clev’ Clevett, Tim Parkin, Warren ‘Woz’ Hampshire and Kris Birkin, with Tom Gardner and Jon McMullen taking contributing in the later days of the band.
Original lineup
Fletch confirmed to News OnTheWight that the band next year will include the original lineup of himself, Paul (who is travelling over from LA where he’s lived for several years working as a music producer), Tim, Kris, Woz and the great Tom Gardner. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the line-up will include Clev too.
The last time they all played together live was when they headlined at the 2014 Rhythmtree Festival. Also playing Rhythmtree that year were CHAMPS and Plastic Mermaids.
Sadly, as things stand at the moment, a hometown gig does not look likely for 2024, but there’s always hope!
Where and when
The Bees will be playing Manchester, London, Leeds and Brighton at the end of February/early March 2024.
Grab your tickets on Friday morning (from 10am) via a range of vendors.
