YOU may have heard OF The Pies, but have you actually heard them?
Chances are you haven’t.
Despite the fact that they regularly “appear” to millions across the North West - and have been doing for decades - there aren’t many who can claim to have really seen them.
The Pies, of course, are a band. A band best known for their graffiti. For years, their name has emblazoned bridges on the M6 and M62 and the M57 at Switch Island, making driving just that little bit brighter and providing anti-vandalism companies with constant invoicing opportunities.
It has taken 30 years for The Pies to release their first record.
Naturally, it is called Best Of Pies. To mark the occasion, they will be performing a rare live gig at Liverpool’s St George's Hall on Sat 23rd July, the first in several years.
Formed in the late 80s, The Pies were regulars on the Liverpool music scene at the time that Space and Cast broke through. They might have been contenders. But no, they split up.
Undeterred, guitarist, singer and songwriter Ashley Martin decided to form a new line-up.
Best of Pies, produced by Michael Johnson (New Order, Stone Roses), features new songs and tunes the band have performed in occasional appearances over the years.
Pies songs are sprinkled with hope and humour and thus they were the first band to play Walton Prison, performing two sets in the roof-top chapel.
Martin says, “Music should move you or there is no real point to it.”
The Pies certainly move traffic and every time the eponymous graffiti is removed it is mysteriously replaced. It is now on its 5th edition.
Comedian Alexei Sayle even talked about it in his first novel, Overtaken.
“I love it when I see "The Pies The Pies" written on a bridge, it's funny thought-provoking and it tells me I am home.”
Pies graffiti has been appearing for decades and is now on its fifth editionThe Pies band includes Ashley Martin and Tim Kinch (Drums). Two original member’s Si Lee (guitar) and Lee Shone (keys) as well as long-time bass player Tony Oxley.
The Keenan Sisters, Barbara and Beverley who have backed The Farm and The Lightning Seeds have become honorary Pies.
The guest musicians include 1960s steel guitarist Billy Roper and Kirsty Newrick. Kirsty is 7 years old and sings on the Fathers For Justice song 'Batman'. The Farm's Steve Grimes has long been part of The Pies team, adding harmonies and support.
John Peel would have been all over it.
*The Pies, St Georges Hall Concert Room, Liverpool (entrance via North Hall) Saturday 23rd July 2016, 7:30pm. Tickets: £12 (incl. administration fee) plus £2.25 fulfilment fee per order.
Purchase in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool, Online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk or on 0844 800 0410.
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