User:Martinsimpson/Appletwig Cutter

Appletwig Cutter

Appletwig Cutter had its origins in the two founders, John Simpson and Syd Barret. They met at Art School at Bath Lane College in Newcastle Upon Tyne. In the late 1970s they wrote material together over a number of months before asking both Martin and Robin who were brothers of John to form a band. The writing of material continued until they had enough to start looking for a vocalist. After many auditions they asked Richard Scott to join the band and complete the line up. The line up was a s follows

John Simpson - Lead Guitar and acoustic 12 string and assorted effects Syd Barret - Keyboards Martin Simpson - Bass guitar, 12 string guitar and flute Richard Scott - lead vocals and flute Robin Simpson - Drums

Early Career

The band spent the first 9 months writing material and developing as a 5 peice band in the Simpsons Dental Lab in Bedlington Northumberland. Their first gig was at the Queens Head Hotel in Morpeth in 1980. They are categorised as a Progressive Rock Group in similar vein to early Genesis, Pink Floyd and Yes. The early forays in local pubs and clubs hardened them to the sometimes difficult audiences who didnt quite get the music they were playing. However this acted as a good grounding for their later career.

Studio Recordings

Appletwig Cutter recorded a number of tracks in a studio in Pity Me in Durham including White Feather and The Last Cut. These were distributed widely and many were sent to record companies across the UK in search of a record contract. Not many of these survive.

Live

Appletwig Cutter became an ever present on the gig circuit in the North East playing pubs, clubsm Universities and Polytechnics. They had a fanatic following and were regulars at Mingles in Whitley Bay, The Bridge Hotel in Newcastle and the Mitre also in Newcastle. They had a professional light show to go with the very creative music. The favourites in their shows were White Feather, The Last Cut, Masque of the Red Death, International Terrorist and Of Gods and Men.

Appletwig Cutter did not go on to national success as other progressive bands of the day such as Marillion, however they are still remembered as a very inventive and progressive rock band. They disbanded in 1982.