Paul Heaton releases his eagerly anticipated second solo album, Acid Country, on September 13 and he will take to the stage of the Royal Theatre on Sunday October 3.
The follow up to 2008’s widely acclaimed The Cross Eyed Rambler, Acid Country is Paul’s 15th studio album and his second as a solo artist. Recorded with his band in Colne, Lancashire earlier this year, the album was co-produced by Heaton and Christian Madden (of The Earlies ) and features guest vocals from Sally Ellyson of New York’s Hem and Ruth Skipper from Moulettes. The new long player sees the former Beautiful South and Housemartins front man continue to write classic melodies with a country edge, whilst also maintaining his sparkling pop sensibilities. As ever, his intricate and sometimes acerbic lyrics stand out with songs about old and new experiences, stories of travels and home, optimism and pessimism.
Paul previewed some of the songs from Acid Country as well as tracks from his previous solo outing and a couple of classic offerings from his Housemartin days in May 2010 when he embarked on the Pedals and Beer Pumps Tour. He travelled to 16 pubs by bicycle, cycling over 1,000 miles in the process and playing some of the best shows of his career. Starting off at the Rovers Return on Coronation Street and fitting in a quick date at the Woolpack in Emmerdale, the dates saw him highlighting the plight of local boozers and celebrating cycling as an environmentally friendly (and very healthy ) method of touring. Tickets are available from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000. Tickets from €25, for further information please contact the box office directly by phone or email [email protected]
