Arista label-mate Roy Hill, with his first Gus Dudgeon produced album in the can, was spotted by Strawbs' Dave Cousins on a TV show and invited to tour with Strawbs in 1978. Hill was briefly a Strawb after Cousins' departure in 1980 and then went on with Chas Cronk to form their own outfit Cry No More in 1985.
After a 1986 release on Coldharbour Records ("Smile"), they signed to EMI Records and their first self-titled album for EMI was produced in 1987 by Richard Gottehrer, Jeffrey Lesser and David Richards. A second album was produced for EMI-Electrola Germany in 1989, "Love and Power" which remains unreleased in the UK (but which has been released on CD). There may have been another indie album release, "Live At the Mulberry Tree" in 1986 (but this may be the same thing as "Smile"). None of these are thought to be currently available, either on vinyl or CD.
An initial single was produced by the band themselves "Cry No More". "Oh Sharon!" was a big hit in Germany, but failed to chart here.
Tears On The Ballroom Floor
Winding up the band in the early 90s, Roy and Chas continue to perform as a duo Cry No More on an occasional basis (usually in the months leading up to Christmas, and usually in their Twickenham heartland). It's an irrestible combination, which usually attracts Dave Cousins (and me!) into the audience: Hill's excellent though quirky songs and insane showmanship and Chas's faultless musicianship (despite from time to time limited rehearsal time - if indeed any at all: Roy is capable of throwing in an unrehearsed song on a whim). They also appeared at Chiswick 98 and performed two numbers.
1998 saw the release on private CDR of three Cry No More albums: The Chiswick House Bootleg, aka Cry No More's Greatest Hits ; Live At The Cry No More Social Club - a live performance, probably at the Turks Head in Twickenham; and Brown Paper Bag - outtakes (some fairly saucy material) from the live tapes. Those three CDRs are obtainable from from www.witchwoodrecords.co.uk. Check for availability before sending payment.
In 2002, they supported old pals Marillion on a European tour, and launched their website at www.crynomore.co.uk. They have played subsequently at Marillion's highly successful weekend shows held at a holiday camp. With Chas's induction to Acoustic Strawbs Cry No More haven't surfaced for a while other than for Christmas shows, but Roy is working on some fascinating new material with his son and there is the possibility of a CD and some live shows at some stage in the future.
"THE MAGIC SHOEMAKER - LIVE!" out on Angel Air Records, release date 6th October 2008.
The album features the original members of Fire (Dave Lambert, Bob Voice and Dick Dufall), together with Ray Hammond as narrator, performing Fire's highly collectable "rock fairytale" album from 1970 "The Magic Shoemaker" for the first time EVER!
"THE MAGIC SHOEMAKER - LIVE!" was professionally recorded during Fire's reunion concerts in late 2007, and includes Fire classics "FATHER'S NAME IS DAD" and "TREACLE TOFFEE WORLD". Taster track now available for listening on Fire's Myspace.
The album is available for pre-release ordering from major retailers NOW!
To say I'm gutted about missing the Xmas Show on 28 Dec is an understatement. However, its either Christmas in Cambodia or a 12,600 mile round-trip for a couple of hours Cry No More singalong....ummmmm, I think I prefer the singalong now that I'm actually living over here full-time! have a great time - I know you will - and I look forward to all the cd releases in the near future. Regards, Andy in Phnom Penh
We'll be launching our brand new Jumpers For Goalposts E.P @ Joe Public's in Bristol on Tuesday 18th September. Get merry! Get lairy! Spread the word...
Jumpers For Goalposts leading track Who Are Ya? was played by Bristol City F.C before their first game of the season against Queens Park Rangers in the Coca-Cola Championship. Over 19,000 supporters attended Ashton Gate on the day. Get in!
Jumpers For Goalposts E.P is also currently available on iTunes (UK) for your downloading pleasure and comes with an exclusive bonus track not available on the CD. Bargain!
In the meantime, check out Who Are Ya? on our MySpace profile...
