‘Godfather of indie’ makes Island debut

Singer songwriter, Pete Astor, who fronted indie rock legends the Loft and the Weather Prophets in the 1980s, makes his Island debut with an intimate solo acoustic gig in Cowes on Friday 1 March.

Astor plays at Medina Books in Cowes High Street as part of a UK tour to promote his new album ‘Tall Stories & New Religions’. Produced by Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ keyboard player, Sean Read, the album features guest musicians who’ve played with Paul Weller, Iggy Pop, Everything But The Girl and Chrissie Hynde.

Described by the Guardian newspaper as “the master of less is more”, in recent years Astor has released a series of critically acclaimed solo records, touring and featuring heavily on BBC 6 Music radio. He’s recently been playing dates across Germany.

“I’ve visited the Isle of Wight a few times, but never had the opportunity to play here, so I’m really looking forward to it and I plan to stay over for a few days,” says Astor. “My new single, ‘Model Village’ might resonate with the locals but, sadly, I hear Godshill Model Village isn’t open until the end of March so I can’t go and see it. I should probably play that song at the bookshop show in any case.”

Supporting Astor in Cowes is Loft bandmate and Islander, Andy Strickland, so fans will be hoping that the pair join forces for a song or two.

Tickets are just £10 in advance and available from the Medina Books website. https://medinabookshop.com/events