The News of the Victory has been around in one form or another since 1991. Musicians have come and gone, maybe 20 or more over the years, but the current band is definitely a worth polishing your dancing shoes for.
Pretty much all the music is original with the odd arrangement of traditional and other tunes thrown in for good measure. I've only listed the public gigs in our diary on here. We currently play mainly for private functions (weddings, birthdays and the like) although we love to work for more public occasions when the opportunity presents itself.
All members of the current band, Steve, Mark, Ivan, John, Henry and me, have a number of projects on the go at any one time. You might see some names you recognise if you look at the biogs of the band members on our own website. Some of them might surprise you ;-) Music in one form or another is the means by which we all earn our livings. I hope you like what you hear in the player. Three of the four extracts are from our 2007 mini-cd/EP, "NotV" which is, of course, also available in physical form through our website, or in the altogether more ethereal (and even cheaper!) version through Amazon or
... derek
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Of Course you can use it. Its true,!!!! i,ve kept telling you that over the years. maybe you just needed to see it in writing. Well now its there for all to see. Love Phoenix (Sam) XXXXX
First and most important. News of the Victory are the Best Ceilidh band EVER. Ive been to Ceilidh all over this country. 3 different one every night for a week,s when ive been to festivals. So an awful lot of Ceilidh. And for me they are the best. A wonderful nights spent with them where you just need to dance to fantastic music. Inspirational Guys. Thanks for the lovely words about my page, Derek. Love Phoenix (Sam) XXXXX
I miss the Village Green and all the simple people I miss the Village Green, the church, the clock, the steeple I miss the morning dew, fresh air and Sunday school
Ah Yes! Chased up the reference. A happy accident or is nothing original,eh...? Bit like the way, my comments page is beginning to look like a very clever code... (HahaHa! Evil laugh...?!)
Lenny you can't download the music yet but there is a CD available for sale on Derek's website. Perhaps he'd give you the correct address to get one? Philippe
