Brit Award winner Sam Fender goes in search of a musical hero from another era – the late, great, Alan Hull of Lindisfarne in this one-off BBC Four documentary.
Lindisfarne’s Geordie Genius – the Alan Hull story traces the career of a man whose words and music put Newcastle and supergroup Lindisfarne on the musical map in the 1970s.
Alan wrote hit songs such as Lady Eleanor and Fog On The Tyne but little is known about his work outside of the North East. Now, English songwriter, Sam, is on a mission to win back Alan’s place in music history.
He digs out fascinating interviews, performances and unseen footage, and meets friends, family and bandmates who knew Alan best.
Sam also hears from top stars like Sting, Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, Dave Stewart and Peter Gabriel. All were huge fans of songs such as Lady Eleanor, Fog On The Tyne, Winter Song, Clear White Light and Run For Home.
Ray Laidlaw, drummer and founding member of Lindisfarne, says: “I was lucky enough to make music and travel the world with Alan for over 25 years and despite the commercial success of Lindisfarne, Alan never received the recognition he deserved as a ‘world-class’ songwriter. I hope our film puts Alan’s songwriting genius beyond doubt.”
Rod Clements, guitarist and founding member of Lindisfarne, said: “Alan’s recognition nationally as a unique and overlooked talent is long overdue. This documentary will rectify that, with affectingly humble and enthusiastic enquiring from Sam Fender, and ringing endorsements from Alan’s better-known contemporaries.
“I’m proud to have been part of this tribute to an underrated artist and friend.”
The film reveals a complex man – a political animal and an agitator, beset with his own insecurities but one who could break hearts and inspire minds with his lyrics and melodies.
Alan continued to write classic songs until his early death in 1995. But he’s still inspiring an entirely new generation of musicians, like Kay Greyson: a young rapper from Tyneside.
Commissioned by BBC England and BBC Music, the new series has been produced by Daisybeck Studios. It will air as a one-off documentary on Friday 26 November at 9pm on BBC Four.
