Cumbria return for Barrow-born folk icon Gerry

Gerry Colvin has shared the stage with some of Britain's biggest acts and played Glastonbury twice, assuring himself a place among folk music's elite. However, many fans might not even be aware of his northern roots and his strong love for his hometown of Barrow.

Although it's more than 50 years since he called Furness home, he still recalls the early days growing up playing football in Douglas Street, and he has been visiting fairly regularly ever since.

"We left Barrow when I was six, but because we had family there we would come back twice a year," says Gerry.

"It was our holiday destination of choice.

"I've lived in Birmingham and London, and Bristol for a bit - I've moved about a lot.

"I have to say that I consider Stratford-upon-Avon as my home - it is just really convenient for us, and we can get to gigs much easier from there - but Barrow is where I have some of my fondest memories.

"I always get people at my shows who worked with my dad at Vickers, and if anyone remembers Syd Sewell, or my mum, Lillian Colvin, I always love to meet them."

Both Gerry's father and grandfather were shipyard workers in Barrow, and it was his father's transfer to the London arm of Vickers that took him away from the north for good.

He kept his connection to Barrow burning through his support for Barrow AFC, and somewhere in the back of his mind there is the lingering desire to end up back in Cumbria at some point in the future.

He continues: "My dad wanted to retire back to the Lakes, but sadly he died before he got the chance.

"I was born in what is now a retirement home in Risedale, so in some strange way I think it might come full-circle and I'll end up back there.

"I still fondly follow the Bluebirds - it was a bitter disappointment to my dad, because he was a rugby man, and he played for Vickers. But football was easier to follow based down south, and I've been a fan all this time.

"Watching us at Wembley in 2010 was amazing, and I was surprised how much we really went for it. I went to the Bromley game recently and we were dire.

"It's not easy to get to games because we usually have gigs on Saturdays, but I'm going to make a point of getting to more next year."

Gerry was actually born Nigel Sewell, and it wasn't until he'd established himself on the music scene as a member of The Man Upstairs - who toured with The Smiths in their early days - that he assumed his new identity, that has stuck with him for more than half of his life.

"I picked my name when I joined Terry and Gerry - it just rhymed. Gerry was my uncle's name and Colvin was my mum's surname. It was only my mum that ever called me Nigel anyway, whenever she was angry at me."

His best-known band in his long and varied career, the duo - also starring Terry Lilley - toured across the US and Europe, regularly topped the UK indie charts, and became favourites of broadcasting legend John Peel.

"In 2014, we reunited for a John Peel commemorative tour, and then ended up going on tour with Status Quo. Touring with them was fantastic, because we didn't know how we'd go down with their fans, but the guys were really, really great with us.

"We played Glastonbury twice, which was incredible, and writing with Alison Moyet was an amazing experience for me too.

"But the ultimate highlight has to be recording my songs and putting out CDs, and to get recognition for them - you just can't top that."

The current line-up of the Gerry Colvin band, featuring the man himself on guitar and vocals, fellow guitarist Lyndon Webb, accordionist Trish Power, and Jerome Davies on double bass, will be heading to Ulverston on Friday May 5 to play for Ulverston Live Music - the closest Gerry will come to a hometown show in 2017.

Together they've been working up some new tunes into the band's recognisable folk pop, and country-driven sound before their festival season gets under way, with the latest efforts set to appear in the set next month.

Gerry says: "We're working on some new stuff ahead of our appearance at Cropredy, and following up on last year's album, Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other.

"I can't stop myself writing new songs. There is nothing better than coming up with something and then playing it on stage, and people enjoying it.

"I'm coming up 60 now, and you start to notice your songwriting change as you get older. They still have that socialist, liberal bent, but they feel more mature.

"The songs are all about my life and my family - there's some songs that are about coming from the north and moving to London.

"You notice the difference in the type of people up there, and whenever we go to Ulverston, they're the most friendly and amazingly helpful people.

"I think it's typical of people in the folk scene and underground scenes, that they are doing it purely for the love of the music. I'm incredibly grateful for people and clubs that want to give an opportunity to musicians to play places that they wouldn't usually have the chance to."

Travelling 'home' is always an enjoyable experience for Gerry, even though his visits to South Cumbria are usually over all too quickly.

With the band, it's often a quick stop-over on the way to the next show - but he'll be sure to stop by Fell Foot on the way past for a little bit of added inspiration.

"I always, always go to Windermere when I'm up there, because it's just life-affirming," he continues.

"It's easy to see why all those people like Ruskin and Wordsworth were inspired by the Lake District.

"I try to get to Barrow once a year, and it's changed so much. It's certainly not a holiday destination, but it has an earthy quality that I love.

"Some people might say it's not the prettiest place, but the fact that you've got the Lake District there on your doorstep, the contrast is incredible.

"Even though I've only got very few family members left up there, I'll always have an affection for the area."

You can catch the Gerry Colvin Band at Ulverston Sports Club, in Priory Road, on Friday May 5. Tickets are available on the night, or can be booked in advance by phoning 07749 827488.