The Attention Seekers

News

May 2018

a song for tomorrow

In 2016 I happened upon USA singer-songwriter Jesse Terry on North East music show Cookin' in the Kitchen. I was so impressed I made the effort to track down and pass on my comments to Jesse via his UK rep.

The response was a pleasant surprise - Jesse is looking for a UK-based guitarist and has checked you out on youtube - would I be interested? Serendipity! I was looking for a vocalist to record with my band The Attention Seekers!

A deal was struck - I play guitar for Jesse, Jesse records with The Attention Seekers.

'a song for tomorrow' is the result of this chance series of events. Hope you enjoy.

Alan

Nov 2009

Heroes & Scarecrows 2009 was a total sell out, raising £1400 for BBC Children in Need. Thank you to Steve Daggett and Sue Brind for their organisation and to everyone who came for their generous support of this great cause.

The Attention Seekers with Paul Liddell LIVE at Heroes & Scarecrows 2009

Attention Seekers with Paul Liddell Attention Seekers with Paul Liddell

Steve Fosters' 'Lindisfans Project' is now complete and the CD was launched at Heroes & Scarecrows 09. The project, which is a tribute to the legendary band Lindisfarne, is described on the website where the CD's can also be ordered. The Attention Seekers' contribution is 'One World'.

Nov 2009

The Attention Seekers (Alan, Sarah & Col) will be joined by Paul Liddell (Vocals/Guitar), Margaret Liddell (Vocals), Geoff Watson (Drums) and Bry Younger (Guitar/Banjo) at the annual Heroes & Scarecrows event.

Follow the link to listen to a recording of this collaboration performing 'Walk a Crooked Mile'.

Full details of this years event can be found on the gigs page.

15 Sep 2009

The tragic and untimely death of Simon Reece following a long illness bravely borne and courageously fought.

Spring 2009

The Attention Seekers contribute to Steve Foster's Lindisfarne Project CD. The track submitted features Paul Liddell on vocals and Simon Reece on guitar. The CD, also featuring many other artists, will be available for purchase at this years Heroes & Scarecrows event. All profits going to BBC Children in Need.

Heroes & Scarecrows 08Nov 2008

Members of The Attention Seekers are joined by Paul Liddell and Bry Younger to play the annual Heroes & Scarecrows event at The Magnesia Bank.

Dec 2007

The band play their last gig at The Marquis of Granby.

Heroes & Scarecrows 07Nov 2007

Members of The Attention Seekers are joined by Phil Caffrey to play the now annual Heroes & Scarecrows event at The Magnesia Bank.

31 Jul 2007

After buying a copy of 'From Here' via the website, Gary Nuttall, Robbie Williams' guitar player and writer of 'Often' emailed the following message:

"I just wanted to say that I love your version of the song and think the rest of the album is great too. I especially like the tracks 'Jesamine', 'Passing Ships' and 'The Water'. Great vocals, guitars and everything! All the best, Gary"

For those who may not know, 'Often' is a hidden track on Robbie Williams' album Sing When You're Winning. Sarah suggested this may be a good song for The Attention Seekers and it is great to get a positive endorsement from the writer!

You may want to check out Gary's excellent new CD via the link to his website on our Links page.

May 2007

The Attention Seekers are back after a lengthy break during which John Leslie decided to hang up his harmonica, John Miller has been moonlighting with another band, Alan and Simon have been working on new material, Sarah played at The Sage Gateshead and Colin has been busy installing his new pond!

This month you can see the band showcase their talents and versatility at The Kings Arms, Seaton Sluice, a relatively new venue for live music in a great setting on the harbour.

Sep 2006

New additions to website including online ordering of CD's, new track previews and a guestbook.

With Paddy MacDee11 Jan 2006

The Attention Seekers on the Paddy MacDee Show, Radio Newcastle

Pictured: Sarah and Simon with Paddy

Two tracks; 'Alison Jones' and 'Lonely Avenue' as well as a live performance of 'Cold Light Of Day', all from the new album From Here were featured during the session.

Dec 2005

Third album From Here released. Click here for reviews!

Thu 17 Nov 2005

HEROES AND SCARECROWS: A Tribute to the Music of Alan Hull

7:30pm @ The Magnesia Bank, North Shields

17th November 2005 marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Alan Hull, one of Tyneside's greatest songwriters and founder member of Lindisfarne. Heroes and Scarecrows features several performers celebrating Alan's work in his favourite local pub. There will also be a memorabilia auction and raffle - proceeds to Children in Need. Last year's event raised almost £1300 - see www.jollybeggars.co.uk/heroes for details of last years event.

This years show starts at 7:30pm prompt and features:

...plus guests, all playing Alan Hull songs.

With Gilly Hope3 Feb 2005

Attention Seekers on the Gilly Hope Show, Radio Newcastle

Pictured: Sarah, Alan, Simon and John with Gilly (centre).

Two tracks; 'Shoot It All Down' and 'Beautiful City' both from the current album Don't Say A Word were featured during the session as well as a live performance of 'Cold Light Of Day' featuring Simon on vocals, and a violin solo from Sarah.

Thanks to Gilly and Captain Kate for their support and to the Radio Newcastle listeners for their feedback and contributions to the next album title competition devised by Gilly!

21 Nov 2004

You can now see photos and reviews from HEROES AND SCARECROWS at www.jollybeggars.co.uk/heroes

HEROES AND SCARECROWS will be a musical evening celebrating the songs of Alan Hull. Several Tyneside musicians will come together to play a broad selection of his material. This is not a big concert - just a few friends, fans and family on the stage of Alan's local pub playing some of their favourite tunes on a significant date.

Wed 17 Nov 2004

8pm Free

The show will feature live performances by Steve Daggett, Michael Bailey and Rachael Rhoades, Simma, The Attention Seekers, The Magus Band and some special guests. The gig is free admission but donations for BBC Children in Need will be collected on the night. Please be generous, even the artist's fee is going into the bucket.

Steve Daggett will be opening the sets at 8pm prompt.

Click to hear an extract from 'Hate To See You Cry', one of the tracks The Attention Seekers will be performing.

There will also be a small auction of one or two items of Alan Hull memorabilia and a raffle with some nice prizes donated by Richard Slade, owner of The Magnesia Bank.

With Paddy MacDee5 Oct 2004

Attention Seekers on The Paddy MacDee Show, Radio Newcastle

Simon, Alan and John enjoyed chatting with Paddy (pictured left) and giving a live performance of a new track 'Cold Light of Day' as well as 'Beautiful City' which seems to have become a Radio Newcastle listeners' favourite. Thanks to Paddy for his support and to everyone for their much-appreciated comments and feedback.

With Sue Sweeney4 May 2004

Attention Seekers on The Sue Sweeney Show, Radio Newcastle

Thanks to Sue Sweeney (pictured with Simon, John and Alan) for the opportunity to further promote the album Don't Say A Word on her show.

The band received lots of positive feedback and an increase in album sales as a result of this promotion.

With Julia Hankin7 Oct 2003

Attention Seekers on The Julia Hankin Show, Radio Newcastle

The Attention Seekers' promoted their current album Don't Say A Word live on The Julia Hankin Show. 'Down At The Mayfair', a track from the album, was well received and The Attention Seekers then gave listeners a sample of Alan's musical history with the Loud Guitars song 'Lonely Avenue' featuring new boy Simon Reece on vocals.

Pictured right with John, Sarah, Alan and Simon.

Beautiful City Declared Newcastle United Song of the Season 2002/2003

'Beautiful City' has been played every home game at St James' Park as part of the pre-match/half-time entertainment. It was declared Song of the Season 2002/2003 by the Newcastle United DJ. 'Down At The Mayfair' has also been played and is popular among many fans.