Graham Parker and The Rumour were formed in the summer of 1975 and released their first album, "Howlin' Wind," in January 1976 to worldwide critical acclaim. Their second album, "Heat Treatment," followed six months later, garnering similar critical reaction and propelled Parker to international recognition.

That same year, a 4-track EP, featuring a cover of the Trammps' "Hold Back The Night," claimed the band two appearances on Top Of The Pops and gave them a UK top twenty single.

Their third album, "Stick To Me," (1977) made the UK top 20 and "The Parkerilla," a three-sided live album reached #14 in the spring of 1978. "Parkerilla" spawned a hit single with the re-recorded and somewhat discofied version of Howlin' Wind's epic "Don't Ask Me Questions."

The bands' classic 1979 release, "Squeezing Out Sparks," cemented their position as one of Britain's top live acts and ensured sell out concerts on their seemingly endless world tours.

"The Up Escalator" followed in 1980, reaching #11 on the UK charts and sold well throughout the world.

GP and The Rumour disbanded after "Escalator" and Parker went on to forge a solo career that continues to produce powerful work including 1988's "The Mona Lisa's Sister," 1991's "Struck By Lightning" and the hard rocking "Acid Bubblegum," released in 1996.

Dozens of compilations are available on a variety of record labels and Parker continues to tour frequently, sometimes with backing musicians but more often as a solo act.

His first work of fiction, a SCI-FI/fantasy/comedy entitled "The Great Trouser Mystery," was written in 1972/73 and left on the back burner until Parker achieved success in his musical career. He then had the book published in 1980 by Wyndam/Stiff. In June 2000, Parker released "Carp Fishing On Valium," a collection of short fiction published by ST. Martin's Press. He composed songs to compliment the stories and took "Carp Fishing On Valium — the Stories, the Songs" on the road in September/October 2000. The book was also published in paperback in May 2001.

In January 2001 GP recorded 12 new songs for his latest Razor and Tie release enlisting the help of engineer Dave Cook who worked on the "Struck By Lightning" sessions in 1991. And, after a gap of 20 years, Steve Goulding from the Rumour was brought in to man the drums. The much in demand Pete Donnelly from the Figgs plays bass, Parker handles the guitar work and Woodstock area keyboard player Professor "Louie" completes the unit. The album, entitled "Deepcut To Nowhere," is slated for release in August 2001 and the hard rocking Figgs (with whom Parker toured with in 1996) will be Parker's backing band for a fall tour.

Jay Weinerbaum   

Street Date: August 21, 2001

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