talon news

29/4/2013: Talon Win UK Tribute Awards

Earlier this year Talon were nominated for the ‘UK TRIBUTE AWARDS 2013’. On 25th April we received the fantastic news that we had been recognized by the industry as the ‘OFFICIAL No #1’ Eagles Tribute Show. We are absolutely thrilled and very proud to receive this award, particularly in view of the fact that Talon are in such a high profile category with such high quality competition. Congratulations to everyone in this incredible Talon Team. We would like to thank the ‘Agents Association of Great Britain’ and to all of you for your continued support on our amazing adventure.

28/3/2013: The Velvet Fog

The new jazz EP from Chris Lloyd ‘The Velvet Fog’ (A Tribute to Mel Torme) is OUT NOW. Ask Anni for details… “Mel Torme remains one of my greatest inspirations and will ultimately be remembered, in my opinion, as the greatest white jazz singer of the twentieth century. I hope you enjoy my celebration to the genius of the man as much as I enjoyed singing these classic songs”… CHRIS LLOYD.

22/2/2013: Taunton Brewhouse Theatre Closes

We are very sorry to announce that one of our favourite venues, the Brewhouse in Taunton has of Thursday 21st February gone in to administration. All shows have been CANCELLED and that includes Talon’s scheduled shows on the 24th and 25th of April. The administrators (BDO) have put up an official statement on the Brewhouse website where you will find a link on our tour page. Ticket holders are encouraged to contact their card company. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Brewhouse staff for their professionalism and many years of happy memories. We are of course ever hopeful that a financial backer will step forward and save this wonderful venue. We will keep you posted on the outcome. There are unfortunately no alternative venues for the April dates but we are looking in to the possibility, if a financial backer is not found, of another venue for the future. The closest date this year is the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil on the 21st November.

28/1/2013: Acoustic Gigs 2013

Jonny, Chris, Peter and Keith begin their ‘Up Close & Personal’ tour with their acoustic gigs on 22nd February at the Pokey Hole in Moira and run all through the month of March closing on Easter Saturday on the 30th March at the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster. Come and join the boys with their selection of acoustic classics and laid back banter. For full details of forthcoming acoustic gigs, click on TOUR and then ACOUSTIC GIGS.

3/1/2013: Happy New Year

Hi gang. We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and that the coming year brings you health and happiness. Talon are back touring on the 11th of this month which builds up to the climax of the 15th Anniversary Show at the Birmingham Town Hall on the 26th January. Although this show is officially ‘sold out’, we have been informed that there maybe some ‘restricted viewing’ seats released on the day of the performance. Also, keep checking our Facebook for news of any returns. The winter edition of ‘Talon Talk’ will go out in February with ‘acoustic gigs’ beginning at the end of the month and running all through March. The ‘Spring Tour’ then opens on the 7th April at Leamington Spa Pavilion and runs to the end of June at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield. This summer will mark the inaugural ‘Talon Weekend Festival’ at Conkers in Moira, South Derbyshire on 16/17/18 August. Full details of this special event will be announced over the coming weeks. The autumn tour will open at the Coventry Belgrade Theatre on September 17th and run all the way through to another Christmas party at the Robin on December 21st. Well that’s the overview of the year ahead so we hope to see you all very soon and wish you all a very Happy New Year!

10/12/2012: Jonny releases Christmas single

Dave Harris discovered Jonny on YouTube in 2012. Seeing the potential in Jonny’s voice, songwriting and production abilities, keen to collaborate with Jonny on some new material, he contacted TALON.

Dave, very well known in his native USA as the radio host of Retro Rewind, is also a successful songwriter. He has written songs with the likes of Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, Julian Lennon, Robin Gibb, John Waite and Scott Grimes. It was Grimes who took the Grimes/Harris track ‘Sunset Blvd’ into the USA’s top 20 charts in April 2005.

Over the last few months when not on the road with TALON, Jonny has been working behind the scenes writing with Dave.

Dave approached Jonny with the opportunity to record ‘Christmas Letter’, a Christmas song he wrote with Scott Grimes, seeing it as the ideal platform to introduce Jonny as an artist in his own right alongside his work with TALON. On hearing Harris and Grimes’ demo to ‘Christmas Letter’, Jonny instantly saw its potential and was moved to record his own arrangement.

‘Christmas letter’ is available now to download on iTunes & CDbaby, check it out, and we’re sure you will agree it really is a Christmas cracker!

28/11/2012: Facebook Open

The new official Talon facebook has now been launched. To access, click on the ‘F’ marked bottletop on any page. Here you will find all the latest news, videos pictures etc. We would love to see your comments, stories, pictures for all things Talon. Please note that If you don’t have a facebook account and not wish to have one you still have full access to all the images and videos. If you want to read the full posts by fellow fans please follow these easy steps: Click on the bottletop ‘F’. In the centre underneath the header picture there is a tab which says ‘highlights’, (in grey) click on this and click on ‘Posts by others’ to reveal full comments. Now you can read everything that’s being said. If you would like to leave a message you are more than welcome to email Anni on info@talonmusic.co.uk and she will be very happy to post it for you. This would not be any different from what Anni has done for many of our fans adding their comments to the old forum. So get going, check out what your fellow fans are saying and one thing not to miss is the new video from Talon! Have fun!

15/11/2012: Hello Facebook Farewell Forum

The new official Talon facebook will replace the old forum page this month. It will feature up to date videos, pictures and news and will accessed by clicking on the bottle top ‘F’ on the home page. The official facebook will be an open page so we hope to see you all on there very soon. Talon would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Jewkes and Rachel Saundry for their great work in starting and maintaining the TAS Facebook (Talon Appreciation Society). This FB is a closed group which has achieved many members and will still be running but moved to the old forum button and will be called TAS. It will remain a closed group.

13/11/2012: Cricket St Thomas Date Changed

The Warner hotel Cricket St Thomas in Somerset that was originally booked for Saturday 9th February 2013 has been rescheduled to Saturday 6th April 2013. We are very sorry if this has caused any inconvenience.

19/10/2012: 2013 Acoustic Gigs

Jonny, Keith, Chris and Peter will once again be performing their superb Acoustic Collection in the early part of 2013. Several gigs are already confirmed and are up on the tour page (scroll down to the bottom of the page). There are still a few under negotiation to be added over the next few weeks. This time around the boys are working on new songs and work has begun on the acoustic album. If all goes to plan the album will be ready for the ‘Pokey Hole’ gig at the end of February.

9/10/2012: Talon Sponsor Rally Team

Talon are one of the sponsors for the ‘Pokey Hole Rally Team’ led by Navigator Joff Haigh. Joff, who was the British Rally Car Champion in 2001 also led the world famous Mitsibushi Team for many years with great success. Other sponsors include Talon fans Cathy Wilcox’ company ‘Wilcoxburchmore’ from London, Chris Turbitt’ ‘Autopoint’ in Atherstone, Warwickshire and as the name suggests, Pete Birks’ ‘Pokey Hole’ music venue in Moira, South Derbyshire. Joff and his brilliant team are already in situ’ in the beautiful Island of Mull in Scotland. The race starts on Thursday 11th October and runs throughout the weekend. You can cheer Joff and the boys on and keep up to date with their progress by following the FACEBOOK link.
A full news report will be published on Talon News at a later date. Joff and his team have also kindly offered to come along to Birmingham Town Hall and bring the car. Let’s hope it’s a winning one. Good luck team from all of us.

2/10/2012: On The Road Again

Talon are now on the road with their biggest and best tour ever, headlining fifty top theatres narionwide. The 15th Anniversary tour will take Talon to the four corners of the UK and Ireland opening at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on October the 2nd and arriving four months later on home soil for the 15th Anniversary show at the beautiful Birmingham Town Hall. As of today there are only twenty tickets left so if you would like to join us for that very special evening, get your tickets now! Visit TOUR page for details. Let the adventure begin!

29/9/2012: Windsor Theatre Royal

The date at the Theatre Royal in Windsor that was first advertised on the tour sheet and the Talon Newsletter as Sunday 13th January 2013 has been moved. It has now been re-scheduled for the week after on Sunday 20th January 2013 and is NOW ON SALE. Box Office; 01753 853888.

17/8/2012: Acoustic Gigs This September

This September at four gigs only, Jonny, Chris, Peter and Keith will be performing their superb ‘Acoustic Collection’. Come and join the boys for an evening of contemporary acoustic classics and their own style of laid back banter. Click on TOUR and scroll to bottom of page for details.

27/7/2012: A Post Cruise Celebration In The Sun

Chris and Susan Salmon who joined us for the 15th Anniversary Cruise are planning a week filled with music and fun in their stunning private hotel in Turkey. If you would like to find out more about this and info how to book please have a look at our forum where you will find all planned details of costing, when it will take place and suggested itinerary.

25/7/2012: Conkers Double Bill

On Saturday 18th August at Conkers Amphitheatre, Talon will be supported by ‘And Finally… Phil Collins’. Both bands are Managed by Talon Music Ltd and this is the first time that it has been possible to put both acts on the same bill so why not come along and share with us what will be an amazing night of ‘live’ music. Conkers is situated just off J11 on the M42. Tickets can be purchased by calling Pete Birks on 01283 760265 but hurry as there are only a few tickets left.

26/6/2012: Talon Talk #29

The summer edition of the Talon newsletter will be going out throughout the month of August and will include a full review of the 15th Anniversary Cruise with lots of lovely pics from our Jason. There will also be a look forward to the climax of our 15th Anniversary Tour at the beautiful Birmingham Town Hall on Saturday 26th January 2013 with a detailed look at the show itself. Remember to keep us up to date with any change of address by clicking on the CONTACT button and filling in the form.

17/6/2012: Bon Voyage

Calling all cruisers! This is it. The final preperations are underway and we are all very excited to see you all this Thursday on board Fred Olsen’s beautiful ‘Black Watch’. It is quite astounding to think that we are able to celebrate Talon’s 15th Anniversary by actually chartering a Cruise Ship. Quite surreal! Because of your amazing support, it seems that the most outrageous of dreams becomes a reality. The ship is now totally SOLD OUT! We can only keep our fingers firmly crossed for the weather but whatever, we know that together we will all share an amazing experience that will live with us forever. Thank you all in advance for making this actually happen. Wow! See you on board…

10/6/2012: Autumn Tour ON SALE NOW

Phase 2 of the 15th Anniversary Tour is ON SALE NOW. The Autumn Tour opens on October 2nd at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry and, with a short break for Christmas goes right through to 26th January 2013 for our 15th Anniversary Show at Birmingham Town Hall (details to be announced soon). The ‘Horn Section’ gigs are marked and all the website links will be made active over the next few days. Click on TOUR for details.

3/5/2012: New Album Review

The best tribute acts certainly have their musical place. Especially those that provide an excellent and affordable alternative to the arena acts or over-priced artists (thank you, Mr Promoter) that the ordinary fan is never going to be able to get a ticket for. Or will never see in his or her town. Talon fill that role particularly well and the UK’s premier Eagles tribute band have just celebrated 15 years of touring and performing by releasing their own ‘Best Of Eagles’ material.

‘The Classic Collection’ is a 2CD anthology featuring signature Eagles numbers that Talon have performed over the years. It also includes a couple of Don Henley numbers for good measure ‘The Boys Of Summer’ and ‘Dirty Laundry’ and gives a nod to the musical legacy of Joe Walsh ‘Funk #49’ by The James Gang.
But if a tribute band is a performing band, created to bring an artist’s music to life on the live stage, isn’t a recording of that material – and studio material at that – somewhat redundant? Ordinarily I would agree, but Talon is no ordinary tribute band…

The founders of Talon, Chris Lloyd, lead vocals, acoustic guitars and Peter Anderson, lead vocals, guitars, have worked hard to put together not just one of the best touring tribute acts in the business but a solid band in their own right. Talon released ‘Better Than Before’ which is an album of all-original material in 2005 but this all-new set of Eagles recordings represents the band at the height of their 15-years-and-counting tribute powers. The core of Talon is completed by Jonny Miller, lead vocals, bass guitar and Tony Vegas, lead vocals, guitars, giving the band four strong lead vocalists and their two, three and four part harmonies are as good as any vocally orientated band you care to mention. Proof of those harmonic abilities comes courtesy of tracks such as ‘Seven Bridges Road’ and the short acappella introduction ‘Silver Dagger’ to ‘Take It Easy.’

Vocally, the Talon singers each take on the role of a specific Eagles voice: Chris Lloyd is Don Henley in range and emotive delivery shining on material such as ‘The Last Resort’ while Peter Anderson takes the Glenn Frey leads and his bass-baritone backing vocals bring warmth and depth to the harmonies. Tony Vegas covers the Joe Walsh sung material and Jonny Miller’s soft-vocal deliveries are a perfect fit for the ballads associated with Timothy B Schmit (‘I Can’t Tell You Why’ is one of many highlights on the album). The vocal roles described above are not an exact science and there can be a choice of lead Talon-ite dependant on the Eagles song and singer. For example ‘One Of These Nights’ originally sung by Don Henley features a husky vocal from Miller while Vegas takes the lead on the classic slow ballad ‘Take It To The Limit’ originally sung by Randy Meisner.
But the Talon foursome don’t have the same tonalities as their Eagles counterparts and are very much their own vocalists, paying homage to those instantly recognisable Eagles voices while delivering the lyrics with fondness and respect. The ultimate definition of “musical tribute.”

‘The Classic Collection’ is the perfect exclamation point to Talon’s first fifteen years. http://www.fabricationshq.com/2012-releases.html

Ross Muir
Fabrications HQ

10/4/2012: Paul 'Ginty' Johnson Dies

Paul ‘Ginty’ Johnson finally lost his battle with cancer on Easter Monday. Ginty was one of the greatest unknown singers of his generation although extremely popular and dearly loved in his home of South Derbyshire. Talon man Keith Buck first met Ginty when he was only ten years old and became best friends throughout their adult life. Together as the ‘Johnson Brothers’ they performed thousands of gigs together around their local area and in 2011, when they learned of Ginty’s illness, they released the brilliant album ‘Out Of The Blue’ with all profits being donated to cancer charities. A wider audience were to discover the great vocal talent of the man last January when Talon Music and Peter Birks organised the ‘Johnson Brothers’ superb and emotional farewell gig at the Pokey Hole. A night never to be forgotten and a wonderful tribute to a special man and voice that will be sorely missed. Ginty leaves his lovely wife Glo and three children.

5/4/2012: New Album 'OUT 18th APRIL'

The new 24 track double album from Talon is now with the manufacturer in France. All recording, mixing and mastering was finally completed last week. Work first began back in September last year and after six months of intense work we are all extremely proud with the finished product. Although it has been a real team effort, special mention has to go to Producer, Craig Wainwright. Without his determination, patience and talent, ‘Talon – The Classic Collection’ would never have become a reality. Well done mate, from all of us… The track listing can be found on the SHOP page and we hope to have some audio samples available on the website very soon. If all goes well with the manufacturer, the release date will be announced later this month.

19/3/2012: New Goodies In Shop

Check out the new 15th Anniversary Talon goodies in shop. From T-Shirts and Coasters to Badges and Mugs. Oh, let’s not forget the must have item, the Talon Trolley Coin Key Ring. Let the panic buying begin :-)……….

8/3/2012: Caption Competition Winner Announced!

If you are on our mailing list and receive our newsletter you have seen our ‘caption competition’ to find a caption for the middle page spread of the booklet of Talon’s new 15th Anniversary double album that will be out end of March. We have had lots of really funny and witty comments. Thanks to everyone for taking part, it has been great fun. Chris Lloyd, Peter Anderson and Anni Lloyd have been on the panel sifting through the many entries to find a worthy winner. When down to the final eight we sealed our top three in an envelope and under much hush hush we opened them yesterday to find with great pleasure that we all had not only picked the same winner but also the same runner-up. So here you go ladies and gentlemen: The winner of our new 24 track double ‘Classic Collection’ album 2012 is STEVE OLDFIELD from St Leonards On Sea in Sussex whom has graced us with this classic…

Caption Competition Winner

We salute Steve with his witty way of combining two Eagles tunes within the caption. Well done, the CD is on it’s way!

And here is the runner-up…
“When they said we were doing 24 new tracks I didn’t think we’d be walking them!” – Colin Costyrka, Peterborough

Here are the other top six contenders in no particular order. Well said everyone!

“Long Road Out of Sweden.” Liz Lane, Banbury
Tony: “Awww, but you promised I could play the Jenny Agutter part this time… and I’ve put my red underwear on too” Gary Willshee, Coventry
“I know the food was bad on the train but I told Chris not to tell the Guard where to put his sausage roll!!” Paul Barber, Stockport
“So, are you SURE this is where you flushed the toilet?” George Buller, Walsall
“If we hadn’t bought the suits, could we have afforded the train fare?” Mrs P Richardson, Edmonton
“I always knew Tony would be the first to go off the rails.” Paul Lewis, Telford

15/2/2012: Birmingham Town Hall

The 15th Anniversary Show at Birmingham’s beautiful Town Hall is ON SALE NOW. In January 1998, Talon played their first ever gig in a music pub in Birmingham to a handful of curious people on a wet Wednesday night. Fifteen years later on Saturday 26th January 2013, Talon return to the heart of the city to close their 15th Anniversary Tour at one of the most prestigous venues in the UK. Book your tickets early for this very special night. Book on line now @ www.thsh.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 780 3333.

7/2/2012: Talon Story Updated

The latest three chapters have been added to the history page bringing the ‘Talon Story’ right up to present day. Click on ABOUT to read ‘We Had A Dream Back Then’, ‘Too Young’ and ‘Re-Launch 2011’.

9/1/2012: 15th Anniversary Cruise

Sailing from Dover on the 21st June 2012, for three nights, and taking in the sights of Antwerp and Amsterdam, Talon have exclusive use of Fred Olsen’s beautiful Black Watch to celebrate 15 years. With still over five months to go before we set sail we are down to the last few cabins available! Those of you who attended our 10th Anniversary celebrations at Alvaston Hall will know only to well that to top that amazing weekend was never going to be easy. However, we believe that we have come up with the perfect way to celebrate fifteen years of Talon. Hope to see you there. For details, click on the ‘15th Anniversary Cruise’ link via the HOME page.

2/1/2012: 15th Anniversary Year

Happy new year to you all and we hope you had a fantastic Christmas. Issue #28 of Talon Talk will be going out soon and the boys are currently hard at work in the recording studio putting the finishing touches to the brand new forthcoming 15th Anniversary Album. The spring tour opens with our new Best Of Eagles show on the 10th February at the beautiful Buxton Opera House, with Acoustic Collection gigs to look forward to in the early part of the year beginning with the Banbury Mill on the 3rd February. Phase 1 of the new Best Of Eagles show then continues on the 16th March at the Palace Theatre, Newark and goes right through to the end of June with the climax of the 15th Anniversary Cruise. As you know, we change the show content at the beginning of every year and songs currently being discussed for a comeback are ‘The Last Resort’, ‘Long Road Out Of Eden’, ‘Sad Cafe’, ‘How Long’, ‘Witchy Woman’ and ‘Seven Bridges Road’. 2011 was our re-launch year and we honestly feel that we have now moved Talon to another level and it is so rewarding to know that all the hard work is reaping its rewards and we are so very aware of just how lucky we are. Following the success of the Horn Section in 2011 we can look forward to seeing more of them this year and last years investment into the upgraded PA system plus the arrival of new sound engineer Charlie Thorley were massive factors in our big leap forward. The summer will once again see Talon play several open air venues including the now annual event and eagerly anticipated Conkers Amphitheatre in South Derbyshire on the 18th August and this year Talon will be supported by ‘And Finally…Phil Collins’. Some of you will be aware that this new production has been taken under the wing of Talon Music Ltd and we are confident that with the Talon work ethic and a fair wind it will both evolve and flourish. Phase 2 of the 15th Anniversary Tour opens with a welcome return to the superb Coventry Belgrade Theatre on the 2nd October and this year, with only a short break for the Christmas holidays, the autumn tour will go right through to the end of January 2013 to celebrate fifteen years since the very first Talon gig. The 15th Anniversary Show has been confirmed for Saturday 26th January 2013 at the prestigious Birmingham Town Hall and details of this special evening will be announced shortly. Well that’s our overall plan for the next twelve months and we hope to see old friends and new on the road somewhere soon as we embark on the latest chapter of our amazing adventure.