Hurricane#1 News

This site also still gets about 200 hits a month. Not bad.

from Alex Lowe.  

1.    New band called 'MIRO'....pronounced...."My-Row"
2.    I will not be signing to 'Pop Tones' (Alan Mcgee's new label)
3.    Band line-Up: Dave Arnold (Drums) Mike Skinner (Bass) Roy Marchbank
(Guitars)
4.    New Management
5.    Major large record company interest

The band will be playing live soon, including a secret London show with a
free viewing to the first 100 people.

ALEX LOWE (Singer with HURRICANE #1 - the band he formed with new OASIS
bassist ANDY BELL) "I'm a bit disappointed. It's a good album in terms of it being very
mature and grown-up but I like albums because they're catchy and they have singles on
and there's not much of that here. The kids won't like it much but musos who collect
guitar picks and stuff will love it because Noel has obviously really thought about how
he wants this to sound.

"Actually, the thing that I'm most disappointed in is that they haven't stretched Liam's voice
enough. The songs he sings are really ploddy and a bit boring. They drag on too long.
Sorry Liam! The rest of it is okay. And I'm pleased for Andy but I think it's weird he's not
going to be playing guitar. He's a fantastic guitarist - one of the best. I didn't even know he
could play bass actually!"

From NME.COM in a January 20, 2000 article: Former HURRICANE # 1 lead singer ALEX LOWE looks likely to be the first signing to
ALAN MCGEE'S new label, POPTONES, nme.com can reveal. Lowe has been
recording tracks in a studio in Aberdeen for the last six weeks following the demise of his
former band when guitarist Andy Bell joined Oasis. He had completed six songs for his
first album when McGee contacted him about the new label.

Those six tracks are: 'I'll Be On My Way', 'Across The Waves', 'Think Of You That Way',
'Sleepless Standing In The Rain', 'Your Love' and 'We Can't Seem To Find'.
Lowe played all the instruments himself and the tracks are as yet unmixed. He hopes to
get a band together for live shows but will officially remain a solo artist. When nme.com
heard the tracks, Lowe said neither McGee nor his own mother had heard them yet.
Lowe continued: "I don't know what people will think of it. I do want people to like them
though as I think I lot of people thought I wasn't capable of writing songs when I was
in Hurricane." The songs are all vocal-based and focus on catchy, upbeat choruses.
They are backed by acoustic guitars while 'Across The Waves' is dominated by a
piano line. 'Think Of You That Way' takes its inspiration from Teenage Fanclub in its
extensive harmonies and strong chorus. "I wanted every one to be a catchy single that
everyone could sing along to" Alex told nme.com. "Summer all-year-round songs, that sort of thing."

A spokesperson for Alan McGee confirmed the new label would be called Poptones and
said, while it had made no official signings that could be confirmed, McGee did have some
acts in mind. He said that McGee was currently concentrating on Malcolm McLaren's
campaign for London mayor but hoped to have his label up and running by early summer.

But ex-Hurricane frontman Alex Lowe is unrepentant. He told nme.com: "It was Alan McGee's
decision to do it and I was just kind of told we were doing that."

But, to be honest, I've never understood why everyone got so upset about it. It's just a
newspaper for God's sake! At the end of the day, I've got to make a living and put food on
the table and I got ten grand for that advert! It took two takes to record that song - that's
about six minutes work - and I got ten grand! I think Andy (Bell - new Oasis bassist)got
something like eighty grand because he wrote it."

"I'm sorry but I'm sure most of the people that criticised us for doing it would have done
exactly the same thing as well and if The Sun turned round tomorrow and asked for
another song, I'd give them it."

18:11:99 : Band split  
Following the news that Andy Bell has joined Oasis as their new bass player, 
Hurricane # 1 have officially announced that they have split up and all the band 
members are working on new projects.   

Band statement: "It was great while it lasted. Thankyou and goodnight."	

I am a friend of Andy and his family as well as being the bass player in Hurricane.  
Andy has always been a big fan of Oasis and indeed they were a major inspiration 
on our band so obviously he jumped at the chance to join them.  Things were 
becoming so difficult for Hurricane to continue with all the negative press around 
the band and that hurt all of us.  The person who made the analogy about a footballer 
joining a big club was spot on although I`d like to think we were more of an unfashionable 
premiership club than a first division straggler like Grimsby (no offence to Grimsby 
supporters.  After all I support Bristol City and Oxford United-Don`t ask!!!)  As for the 
idea that Andy is like Gram that is maybe doing a dis-service to the Gallaghers.  
Anyway just put yourself in Andy`s shoes : What would you do? 


From NME.COM:

http://www.nme.com/newsdesk/19991117121004.html

HURRICANE #1 singer Alex Lowe confirmed that his band had now decided to 
call it a day with the announcement that guitarist Andy Bell would be 
joining Oasis.

He told NME: "I'd like to wish Andy Bell the best of luck with his future 
in Oasis. It was a pleasure working with him and Hurricane #1. Rock on!"

But Hurricane #1 and Oasis have not always been so complimentary about each 
other. In an NME interview in July 1997, Noel Gallagher commented on 
Hurricane #1's single, 'Just Another Illusion': "I see Hurricane #1 went in 
at Number 35. That's 35 places too high in my book."

In the same interview Liam Gallagher added: "Hurricane #1? He (Lowe) copies 
my haircut and then slags me off! What's that about? Who'll I batter? 
Hurricane #1? Never heard of them. Isn't that some indie band with the guy 
from Erasure in them?"

Later the same month, the name-calling escalated into a fight when Lowe, a 
former boxer, and Liam bumped into each other at a gig of Bell's wife, 
Idha, at London's Ronnie Scott's. The pair called each other "c--s" and 
punches were thrown.

Meanwhile, Gay Dad's Cliff Jones told NME he had no idea of Andy Bell's 
plans but added: "Andy is a superb guitarist and I'm sure a great bassist 
too. Oasis' gain is Gay Dad's loss."

Bell had originally announced that he would be replacing Gay Dad guitarist 
Charley Stone before announcing two weeks later that he was in Oasis.

A number of other people had been mooted to join Oasis on bass, notably 
Monaco's David Potts, who rehearsed with the band.

Potts told NME the day he heard he hadn't got the job: "I had a full week 
of rehearsals with them, starting October 31. The lads were dead good, 
sound really. I kind of had the impression that I'd got it, because the 
weird thing was that Noel phoned me asking me to rehearse, not the other 
way round."

As for the new album, Potts said: "The new album is very good, it's very 
different and much better produced than the last one. It doesn't sound as 
pub rock as before and The Beatles influence is still there, just a better 
era of The Beatles. Liam's track is really good too... I wouldn't be 
surprised if it ended up being a single."

From Dotmusic.com:

NEW BASS PLAYER MAD FOR OASIS JOB
The new Oasis bass player Andy Bell has spoken for the first time about his
shock and delight at being offered one of the biggest jobs in rock and roll.

Bell, former guitarist and songwriter for Ride and current musical brain
behind Hurricane #1, said he had been overwhelmed by the offer: 'I'm still
celebrating. Since their first album, I've been in love with Oasis. It feels
great,' he explained, talking to a UK tabloid.

'I was at home with my wife and daughter when the phone rang and it was the
band's manager asking me if I wanted to replace Paul McGuigan in the
line-up. I showed up and did my bit for two days and then they said the job
was mine if I wanted it. I took it straight away,' explained Bell.


There's also a rumour that Alex Lowe will be involved with John Squire's new project.

October 7, 1999

From Creation Online:
30:09:99 : The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth

Contrary to rumours in the British media this week Hurricane # 1 have not split up. 

The band are currently taking a breather, with Andy Bell spending time in Stockholm with 
his wife and daughter and Alex Lowe enjoying the serenity of his native 
Blairgowrie, Scotland. 

Whilst Hurricane # 1 have no tours booked , or plans to record at the moment, 
you haven't heard the last of them ! 


Also, Alex Lowe is now dating Saffron, of Republica.  The two had pictures in 
Hello and Heat magazines several weeks back.

October 6, 1999
 
From Melody Maker:
Hurricane #1 guitarist Andy Bell is refusing to comment on rumours that the
band have split.  However, Creation Records has issued a statement that
seems to suggest the reports are true.

It says: "Hurricane haven't got any tours booked and they haven't got any
plans to record at the moment".

The rumours began two weeks ago in Bell's hometown of Oxford.  The fact that
Bell now lives in Stockholm, while singer Alex Lowe lives in Scotland, shows
that there are, at the very least, geographical difficulties in keeping the
band together.


From Nightshift Online:
"Early reports of Hurricane #1's demise seem to have been confirmed. The
band will not now be touring Japan. Singer Alex Lowe has permanently moved
back to Scotland while Andy Bell, currently living in Sweden with wife Idha,
is already working on a solo project, Hallo Gallo, taking a turn into
ambient experimental guitar symphonies."


It should be remembered however that Andy's solo project was announced in 
January of this year on this page.  To copy it:

January 15, 1999
  Apparently Andy Bell recorded about 40 minutes of solo material last year.
  Look for a possible release date in the Shifty Disco Singles Club.


So perhaps we shouldn't put too much stock in the music mags.  I will try to get 
confirmation from Andy himself.  It isn't surprising that there are rumours though.  
After all, when two members move to a different country (which happened 5 
months ago or so), there are bound to be rumours. 

October 4, 1999
 Andy now lives in Sweden, for those of you interested.  
That comes from a new article in the press section.  The second album didn't do very well, 
mainly because the NME slated it for no apparent reason.  Oh, and remember-- the 
Magdalen Sky MP3 (by Mark Gardener, ex-Ride) is available for a limited time.
 There's also a new Hurricane#1 email list-- go to the LIST section.  

October 3, 1999
 Remote Control was released.  Second album "Only 
The Strongest Will Survive" is awesome.  Definitely buy it, especially you Americans.  
Go to Action Records.  By the way, 
I'm gonna see if I can get an Andy interview up on the site.  Maybe some rare MP3's.  
And some other new stuff.  So definitely keep checking back.
March 22, 1999
  The Greatest High is released today.  Go out and buy it.  
 If you live in America, try Action Records.  
They're cheap, fast, and reliable.  And i'm not even getting paid to say so. :)  
    
   Remember, new Hurricane track AND new MBV remix of Rising Sign.
 The instore promo tour of Virgin Megastores begins tomorrow.  
Check tour page for details.
March 21, 1999
   Courtesy of the Creation website, here is the tracklisting for 
Only The Strongest Will Survive.  It is due out April 19.
    Intro 

    N.Y.C. 

    The Greatest High 

    Remote Control 

    The Price That We Pay 

    Separation Sunday 

    Rising Sign 

    Only The Strongest Will Survive 

    Long Way Down 

    Twilight World 

    Come Alive 

    What Do I Know? 

    Afterhours 

    Outro/N.Y.C.2   

February 2, 1999
  The next album will be called Only The Strongest Will Survive and will feature the James Lavelle mix of that track.  Andy has also been spotted with "The Zimmermen", a Bob Dylan tribute band. He played lead guitar as a special guest. (thanks Simon)
January 17, 1999
 Just want to point out that i finally wrote a history of Hurricane#1.     Completely unrelatedly, who should i get in contact with if i want to remix Step Into My World.   I've had an idea floating around in my brain for a remix forever.  
January 15, 1999
  Apparently Andy Bell recorded about 40 minutes of solo material last year.  Look for a possible release date in the Shifty Disco Singles Club.
  Andy's work on the Relationships' All God's Children single seems to be a one-off thing.  Members of the Relationships used to be in a band called "Here Comes Everybody"  which is apparently one of the first gigs Andy ever attended.  For more info on the Relationships, click here.
January 8, 1999
 The next single is the greatest high, due out March 22. 
the bsides for the single are sweet insanity, a song written for the second album, even before 
Only The Strongest Will Survive was written.  According to Andy "it should have 
been on the album but there's no room."  
The other track is Say It's Forever or Forever 
(depending on whom you talk to, i guess), which was written and recorded 
just a few weeks ago.   Also, the album isn't quite done yet, the final mastering 
session will be this week.


The tracklisting for The Greatest High singles is:

cd promo

1)	the greatest high	(farley and heller radio mix)
2)	the greatest high	(farley and heller mix)
3)	rising sign		(my bloody valentine mix)
4)	sweet insanity
5)	forever

commercial cd1

1)	the greatest high	(farley and heller radio mix)
2)	sweet insanity		
3)	forever

commercial cd2

1)	the greatest high	(farley and heller radio mix)
2)	the greatest high	(farley and heller mix)
3)	rising sign		(my bloody valentine mix)



 Scott has started a Hurricane#1 page at  www.hurricanenumberone.freeserve.co.uk

January 2, 1999
 According to Nightshift Online, Andy played on The Relationships' All God's Children single.  Interesting.
December 20, 1998
  The new Creation Records site is
 up.   Specifically, the Creation Official Hurricane#1 
site is up.  Creation is to be applauded; these are the best websites i've seen in awhile.  A couple 
of facts garnered from my recent visit to the site:    The album is now tentatively being 
called "Charlestown Chiefs."  It is named after Hurricane#1's favorite 
film-- the Paul Newman ice hockey film "Slapshot."  an e-mail news list for Hurricane
 is also available from Creation, as well as a message board.   Oh, Rising Sign 
will indeed be released on the forthcoming, though already recorded, album.  
December 15, 1998
  The next single is slated for March 22, 1999.  The track 
is scheduled to be either The Greatest High or Remote Control.  
The band was recording the bsides this week.  One of the remixes on the next 
singles should be KEVIN SHIELDS mix of Rising Sign...keep your 
eye out for that one.   The album is scheduled to be released sometime around 
late April.  It's currently under the working title of Ascension.   UK tour 
planned around the single release date.    Furthermore, Alex Lowe has written a 
track for the album called What Do I Know which is a possible single. 
December 14, 1998
  After Hours is being described "as a slow song maybe 
something similar to Monday Afternoon."  Apparently, Andy and Alex sing a duet on several parts, although Andy used to sing lead on several parts, such as Oxstock.  Reportedly, After Hours will be on the next album.  (thanks Antony)
November 24, 1998
 Here's an update on new songs.  Remote Control was apparently used as the opener at several shows.  It also features dueling Alex and Andy vocals.  There's also another new, as yet unreleased song, played on the last tour called After Hours.  Both tracks have been praised by gig goers.  (thanks Sling!) 
November 18, 1998
  Another Hurricane#1 page has surfaced.  Kevin has put his Hurricane#1 site online now.  Click here to visit.
November 15, 1998
 As you may know if you bought Rising Sign CD2, the Olmec Heads did a remix of "Rising Sign."   Reports are, apparently from Nightshift, that The Olmec Heads are Mark Gardener and two other guys.  If you haven't bought the Rising Sign single, why not?   I'd suggest Action Records.  They have unbeatable prices, are very reliable, and provide all around good service.  So you have no excuse.  (thanks Guy)
November 14, 1998
  First of all, a Hurricane#1 email list has been started.  It will be hosted at onelist.com.    Many of you may know that i dislike web-based email lists.  However, we'll give this one a shot.  anyway to subscribe go here.  Credit is due to Mark for starting the list.   Good stuff Mark.
 A new song called "Remote Control"  was apparently played on the last tour.  It's being reported as quite catchy.  (Thanks Fin)
  Interestingly enough, the ongoing VW ad campaign for the new Beetle is being quite a success for Hurricane#1.   Several people have written me and said that they were introduced to Hurricane#1 through the "if you sold your soul in the 80's, here's your chance to get it back" ad.   As you may know, the ad features "Step Into My World."  In fact, Y107 in LA recently named "Step Into My World"  it's featured new song, due to the resurge in interest.  Apparently alot of people had been asking about the song.  Not surprisingly at all, "Step Into My World scored the maximum amount of points!  (thanks Teresa)
 Having gotten ahold the "Rising Sign" singles, i'm very impressed.  I thought "Rising Sign" was awesome.  Really cool stuff.  "The Price That We Pay (acoustic)" was a cool song much in the vein of the first album.   And "Bullet Train (Nagoya)" is the coolest instrumental i have ever heard.  It really sounds like bullet train.  We have two new reviews of Rising Sign in the articles section (see below for link).  Thanks to Select and Nightshift.   (thanks Jemima) 
October 6, 1998
 Congratulations to Andy and Idha on the birth of their daughter Leia.  She'll start life with a cool name.  
 Hurricane is taking a break tonight.  Remember to see below for the rest of the tour dates.  Here's the tour so far according to Andy:
aberdeen was a sell-out and an excellent start, we dipped in glasgow 
but last night in manchester we played out of our skins...probably our best so far.

  I refused to add NME.com's review of "Rising Sign" to the articles page.  I did not refuse to add it because it is a negative review.  I chose to disregard it because i do not respect Mark Beaumont's journalistic skills, nor his taste in music.
October 1, 1998
 Sorry folks, i lost my internet connection for a bit.  More updates tomorrow. Anyway, for now, UK tour dates:
Oct. 3 - Aberdeen Lemon Tree
Oct. 4 - Glasgow G2
Oct. 5 - Manchester Uni Hop & Grape
Oct. 7 - Colchester Arts Centre
Oct. 8 - Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
Oct. 10 - Maidstone Union Bar
Oct. 11 - Gloucester Guildhall
Oct. 12 - London Electric Ballroom
Oct. 13 - Brighton Honey Club

September 12, 1998
 "Rising Sign" has been added to the "As Featured" playlist of Radio1 as of September 11.   Also added to the "As Featured" playlist yesterday were REM, Boo Radleys, and Manic Street Preachers.  Pretty good company, i'd say...    :)
 Radio1 also announces a free music festival tomorrow, Sunday the 13th, at Coopers Field, Cardiff.  Ash, Robbie Williams , Divine Comedy, Republica, Hurricane #1, The Manic Street Preachers and The Shirehorses are all playing.

Then at 22:30- 00:00 Radio1 will feature sets from Hurricane#1, Shirehorses, and Republica.  If anyone records this, let me know.  
 September 6, 1998
  This update is a long time coming.  "Rising Sign" is expected to be released on October 12 in the UK on Creation Records, of course.  Thanks to Excellent Online for that bit of info.   Though i have yet to hear "Rising Sign" all reports indicate it to be a excellent track.  Many are also declaring the new songs to be rather Primal Scream-esque.  
 According to Andy, the pro-marijuana legalization compilation that Alan McGee had been planning is now probably off.  Hurricane was to contribute an instrumental called  "My dad's a cop too, could you let me go now."  No word as to whether that track shall ever see the light of day.
August 5, 1998  
 Okay, I added the Articles section to the page.  I hope to more or less complete the site this week, as it is a long time coming.   I came back from vacation to find a message from Andy with some very good news for us Hurricane#1 fans indeed.   In October, "Rising Sign" will be released as a single.  It will be backed with the tracks "The Price That We Pay" and "Bullet Train."  Also on schedule is an album, and the accompanying singles, for next year.   

Oxstock '98 has come and gone.   Would anyone like to review this?   You'll certainly see what you write on this page in some form or another.   And if you happened to tape Hurricane#1 and/or Animal House, PLEASE email.

July 18, 1998  
 Just a bit of a site update.  I have added a navigation bar to every page (i think), so that now you won't have to deal with that obnoxious JavaScript program (which i have a strange affection for.)   And somebody offer to sell or trade me that Hurricane#1 guitar pick please! ;) 

July 11,1998  
  I'd just like to apologize now to Hurricane#1 for the somewhat shoddy design to the page at the moment.  I'm calling this initial pages the 'prototype.'  So sorry to the band, it doesn't do you justice.  :)

Hopefully, if all goes well, I will launch this page tonight.  I have a bit of time now to do some work on it, as i finished my calc class today and it is finally beginning to feel like summer.   

As far as Hurricane#1 events, not much is happening these days.   Hurricane has no plans to tour this year, nor for any releases.   I have launched my site during the eye of the storm, so to speak (pardon my puns, i'm sure they'll be all over the site). 


One big event is OXSTOCK '98 an Oxford festival featuring a shared bill by both Hurricane#1 and Animal House.    For those that don't know, Animal House is Mark Gardener's (ex-Ride) new band.    


Andy Bell sent Piero Piutti this email about the festival.  
I'll let Andy explain it to you.


I just thought you might like to know that Hurricane#1 and Animal House

will be appearing on the same bill at "Oxstock 98"an outdoor

mini-festival at Cutteslowe Sports Ground,North Oxford,on Saturday 25th

July.(Information line 01865 841966)As you seem to have access to the

Ride mailing list,could you possibly send this info out into the net?(In

case anybody would be interested)Thank you very much.



Until next time...

Keep on keeping on

Andy



Also of note is the current Doritos contest deservedly featuring Hurricane#1, and 13 other bands, but we aren't interested in them.  In every $.99 SuperGrab until August 8, 1998, there is a commemorative guitar pick for one of the 14 bands.  Reportedly, the Hurricane#1 pick is a small version of the US album cover.   I haven't had any luck so far in getting one, and i'm getting tired of eating Doritos.   So email me, we can set up a trade or something.  (or alternately, i can credit you on this site! this one is preferred cos it's easier and cheaper for me. :)  )  


However, the *kicker* to this deal is that in ONE BAG Doritos has hidden a platinum guitar pick.  The holder of this guitar pick is entitled to a PERSONAL CONCERT from any of the 14 bands.    If any of you win, make sure i'm invited! Or at least make sure you tape the show.   So go eat Doritos!  (or at least search through the bag).

For further details go to Doritos.