Biography
Even with its melody-rich progressive rock approach, To Hell With Burgundy has fallen short of the commercial breakthrough once expected after issuing the 1988 EP Groovy Goings On alongside Red Moon Joe and Passionplay. That EP secured a contract with Factory, yet the imprint collapsed soon after the May 1989 release of the trio’s first full-length album, EarthBound. Rather than deter them, these setbacks have only intensified the band’s dedication to its craft. In 1990 the group toured Europe supporting the British folk-pop outfit Barclay James Harvest. Eleven years afterward, the association resumed when To Hell With Burgundy opened dates for Barclay James Harvest Through the Eyes of John Lees, whose lineup included founding members John Lees and Stuart “Woolly” Wolstenholme. Additional support slots have been filled for Graham Parker & the Rumour, Clannad, and Bob Geldof. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarist–vocalist Karl Walsh and vocalist–percussionist Joanne Hensman—who first crossed paths as drama students—the project grew into a trio once guitarist–vocalist Kevin Metchear joined. The name itself derives from a line in Rudolf Friml’s operetta The Vagabond King. Following the February 1992 appearance of their second album, Only the World, the musicians have worked exclusively through their own Stig - Europe imprint.
Albums
