LOCKDOWN
It may be a strange and slightly unreal time for us all but we wanted to get in touch to wish everyone well and bring you news of new Merry Hell music. A few weeks ago who could have predicted that the Corona Virus would have disrupted not only our social activities but had such a devastating effect on our way of life. Sadly, many of the shows we were looking forward to have inevitably fallen victim to the current restrictions but we are hoping others may be far enough in the future to survive until normality returns. We are looking to rearrange as many shows as possible and will keep you informed of the new dates via the web site gig page, facebook and in future newsletters.
Music is one of the things that we can still enjoy and despite the gig situation many bands are turning to the internet to stay in touch with their audience. You will definitely be hearing from us online - see below for news on our first 'virtual' event. 2019 was without doubt our busiest year to date in terms of shows played and miles travelled. We already knew that we wouldn’t be as active on the road this year as we are busy recording our our brand new album. It may be too early to speculate on a release date but recordings are well underway. We still have exciting plans for this year and we hope to see them realised.
In a break with tradition the band have even leaked a few new songs acoustically on facebook. John’s latest anthem, “Go Down Fighting” is both immediate and uplifting and has all the right ingredients to become a live favourite. Both Virginia’s “Sister Atlas” and Neil’s “Leave It In The Ground”. are also suitably upbeat and rousing, the latter being performed for the first time by the acoustic band at our last gig in Coal Aston. Click on the song titles above to sample the acoustic versions on facebook.
BEYOND THE CALL
In the last few weeks John has been inspired to write a song as a tribute to the NHS and all key workers. After a positive reaction when the song was posted online, John decided to proceed with a fully fledged band recording. Things moved pretty quickly and through a Facebook appeal we got people to send in their own vocal and video recordings of them performing the song's chorus. The massed voices of all who took part will form a choir on the finished track. The song will be released as a download on Wednesday 15th April at 7.30 am. An accompanying video will include images of many of the contributors and also friends of the band who work as NHS and other key workers or family members of whom our friends are proud! There is also a cameo appearance from Mrs Margaret Kettle, mother of John, Bob and Andrew and Mum-in-Law to Virginia of course! Here is the link for the video which will go live simultaneously on YouTube and Facebook from 7.30 am as the song is released. Beyond The Call The download will be available from our web site. We would love everyone to spread the word, share the video on your own pages and with friends and family as we pay tribute to all those on the front line.
We may be unable to gather in concert halls, festivals and folk clubs at the moment but we can come together online. We hope you will join Virginia and John when they will be coming live on Facebook from their tent to yours on Saturday 18th April. We will be publishing more details in the run up to the event and letting you know how to join in. Whether you are in the living room, the spare room or in the garden, "Camping With The Kettles" is the most fun you can possibly have on a social distancing Saturday.
Please Keep checking our web site gig page
for the latest news on any rearranged dates
MESSAGES
You'll be glad to hear that the band are following government guidelines, social distancing, self isolation and hopefully ridiculous amounts of hand washing. A special mention for Bob who, as a key worker, is still out there making a difference. We contacted everyone for an isolation update and here are their messages to the wider Merry Hell family.
LEE
Hi Y’All Just a quick hello from Lockdown in Wigan the capital of the world. During this strange time for us all I’m taking the opportunity to add keys to some new MH tracks and I have to say the new songs coming through are awesome, so at least a ray of hope in all this mess. Please keep safe and look out for others who may be in more need than you are. xx LG 
ANDY
Hi Folks’ I do hope that you are all staying safe & well. Strange days indeed. Hopefully you can manage to entertain yourselves in which ever way possible. I myself have used this opportunity to catch up on some reading but on the down side evening drinking is taking over. Hope to see you all before too long. Andy. ❤️🙏
NEIL
Here I am self isolating in my studio. Working on the new Merry Hell album!
VIRGINIA & JOHN
Hello everyone. This distancing is so weird because I've never felt more connected to the human citizens of the world!! The creativity online is intoxicating! Glad to be part of it. I'm writing more than ever, so hopefully will have something to show for it when we come out the other end... I don't know about you, but I'm eating far more than I should, Christmas day portions every day!! Heartfelt thanks to the key workers. Take care of yourselves, one and all. Virginia xx
Hi all just saying that isolation isn't feeling that isolated. I've been making the new Merry Hell record in our living room, receiving contributions from my lovely band mates through t'internet. Have to say it feels quite nice. I know this is a huge problem for many but I feel blessed to be able to be creative at home like this. jk
BOB
As I'm training to be a Care Worker, I'm getting out sometimes but I'm social distancing as much as possible. Everyone participating is part of a massive community effort which will benefit our whole society. Thanks especially to our wonderful NHS. Love. Bob xxx
ANDREW (and Denise)
This should be a time to think about what is really important in your life. Family, friends, reaching out to others when we get the chance, maybe a time to look at what brings us together rather than our differences.
NICK
Hope all our friends out there are looking after themselves in these strange times, and they are using the new found time creatively or enjoying catching up on all the odd jobs and box sets they’ve always wanted to. Stay safe and stay classy Xx Nick
