Friday 20 May 2011

30 years later: The return of Blue Zoo


29 years ago a song called Cry Boy Cry by a band called Blue Zoo reached number 13 in the Top 40. It was their second single, and was to be their first and last hit record. An album followed, which apparently lacked cohesion and any of the edge the band had before they had got their record deal. As a result it wasn't well received by the music press or the music-buying public, and by the mid-80s the band had split up.


After playing in various bands and eventually getting a publishing deal, Blue Zoo's singer Andy O, took a break from the music business to travel; Drummer Micky Sparrow continued playing the drums for various music projects including a collaboration with the Stranglers' new singer Paul Roberts; Bassist Mike Ansell left the music business to pursue a career in property; And keyboard player Graham Noone opened Eversfield Recording Studios in Sussex, and along with guitarist and saxophonist Neil Pyzer played live with Geno Washington.

Last year, Blue Zoo reunited to rekindle some of the old magic, and no doubt, just to have some fun. They continue their renaissance with a gig at The Castle in Finchley Road on Friday 27th May, and the release of some new material very soon.

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