vbacktop.gif NEWS CLASH!
(December.27.1997)
"HAPPY NEW YEAR" FROM...

Subject: Wishes
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 15:06:07 +0100

Hello Hideyuki, I'm sitting in Sweden with my brothers computer and
looking at your web site.
<...>
Anyway, have a good christmas and a very happy new year.

See ya, Glenn.

WOW!!!

(November.10.1997)
BE HERE NOW, LUSTRA

Long awaited echobelly's new album is out now!!
Run for your life, ha, ha.

(October.2.1997)
MAJESTIC TWELVE

Whilst visiting some CD shops in London yesterday I was very fortunate to find loads of Promo CDs, in which I found and bought 2 ECHOBELLY CDs ;


  1. Bulldog baby 4:32
  2. I'm not a saint 3:45
  3. Here comes the big rush 4:25
  4. Iris Art 3:45
  5. The World if flat 4:02
  6. Everyone knows better 3:42
  7. Wired on 3:23
  8. O 4:11
  9. Bleed 2:40
  10. Paradise 2:34
  11. Angel B 5:26
  12. Lustra 3:54

I've only had time to play the new single, at first listen I thought it was very different and a bit weak. Theres a few parts where Sonya talks and I wasn't sure if it worked, but after about 50 listens I love it! and the chorus is good.

(informed by Alex from Essex)

(October.2.1997)
SINGLE! ALBUM! TOUR!
HERE COMES THE BIG RUSH!!

Echobelly are back in action with a new single and album
and a winter tour. The single, "Here comes the rush" is
released by Epic on October 27th. The album "Lustra",
follows on November 10th.
After cancelling a few London gigs and one in Coventry
recently the tour starts at ;

Tickets are on sale now.

(informed by Alex from Essex)

(September.23.1997)
OFF PUT OFF

I got a message from the Astoria (London) the other day to say that
the gig has been postponed to 4th December.
Also I heard their new single "Here Comes the Rush" or something like
that and it sounded different to their other material.
Hopefully it will be out soon, perhaps next month, and the album
the following month.

(informed by Susie)

(September.13.1997)
LONDON CALLING

Our echobelly will play at Astoria, London.

E C H O B E L L Y I N C O N C E R T
London Astoria Tuesday 7th October
Box offices : 0171 7348932 , 0171 4030403

(informed by Alex from Essex UK)

(August.17.1997)
HELLO JULIAN, BYE DEBBIE

The new guitarist Julian who replaced Debbie seemed just as good at V97. He seemed such a good bloke (one of the lads). He said that he has only been with Echobelly for about 2 weeks and he had to learn 15 songs in a few days ready for these festivals! I asked Sonya questions about Debbie and if they had seen each other since the split and she said that they had an arguement and that was it! I asked if Echobelly were doing any more gigs this year, unfortunately they aren't, but going on a big tour next year some time.
(reported by Alex from Essex, UK)
Full V97 report is available.

(August.13.1997)
WE MISS YOU, DEBBIE...

This is from NME article.
Title : Smith leaving Echobelly to do 'great things'

ECHOBELLY guitarist DEBBIE SMITH has left the band on the eve of their appearance at V97. Neither the band nor Smith would comment on the reasons for her departure. According to an Echobelly spokesperson, Smith had been asked not to comment "on the advice of her lawyers". Former Curve guitarist Smith is now understood to be working with ex-Curve members Alex Mitchell and Monti, along with Sarah Carrina of The Mekons in an as yet unnamed new band. Echobelly, who release new single 'The World Is Flat' on Monday (August 11), are currently looking for a replacement guitarist to fill in while they fulfill British and European festival and live committments.

"They're not sure because it was so sudden, but the guy they have in mind as a temporary replacement might turn out to be the full-time guitarist," a source close to Echobelly revealed. Debbie joined Echobelly in 1994 as an additional guitarist to founder member Glen Johansson; she played on all of Echobelly's albums including the forthcoming album, Lustra, their first for new label Epic. A source close to the band said that the reasons for the split were due to "personal animosities coming to a head". Debbie's last gig with Echobelly was at a festival in Vannes, Brittany two weeks ago.

(August.6.1997)
DON'T GO AWAY, DEBBIE!!
Debbie is leaving the band to persue other things. They are holding the audition at the moment. (informed by CJ )
------------
Debbie will leave the band after summer festival circit. Don't miss the last chance to see her great performance.
(July.28.1997)
LATER THAN JULY
New single "The World Is Flat" will be released on 11th August in the U.K. And new album "Lustra" is seemed to be in October (postponed).
(July.23.1997)
CONFESSION OF A POP GROUP
Sonya is interviewed with Rob Stringer, md of Epic, and they discuss the problems Echobelly have had with labels, ill health and how they feel the band has not fulfilled its potential. Sonya descrbies the new album - out in September - as bringing out the darker side of Echobelly and talks through her favourite tracks. Check the dotmusic.com (http://www.dotmusic.com/MWtalentechobelly97.html) now!

informed by Chris Sice @ dotmusic

(June.29.1997)
THE WORLD IS WIDE
About the summer fes circit, I bought an echobelly T-shirt in Glastonbury, schedule was printed on the back.

-------------------------
SUMMER '97

cardiff bay
glastonbury
dour
zwemdokrock
t in the park
st.nolff, brittany
les arenes, nimes
strange noise
adritic rock festival
benicassim
V97 leeds
V97 chelmsford
-------------------------
My idea is...

cardiff bay + June 14 + UK
glastonbury + June 29 + UK
dour + July(?th) + (?)
zwemdokrock + July(?th) + Germany(?)
t in the park + July 13 + UK
st.nolff, brittany + July(?th) + France
les arenes, nimes + July(?th) + France
strange noise + July(?th) + (?)
adritic rock festival + Jul? Aug? + (?)
benicassim + August 6 + Spain
V97 leeds + August 16 + UK
V97 chelmsford + August 17 + UK

Please fill the blanks.

(June.29.1997)
THE WORLD IS MUD
Echobelly played in "muddiest" Glastonbury festival with 3 of new songs. Now check out the set list.
(June.6.1997)
GLASTO'N'BELLY
I thought you might like to know -if you don't already- that I bought Melody Maker yesterday and there was an advert in it about echobelly's festival appearances and it said they are also playing Glastonbury on Sunday 29th June, which is good news. I will be there, and I am going to V97 as well; I can't wait.
The advert also said their new single will be out on 28th of july which seems a long way away. I saw them perform it on TFI and it was brilliant.
(informed by Susie) <--Great Thanks!!
(May.31.1997)
WE BELIEVE THE WORLD IS FLAT
Just a quick note, Echobelly appeared on UK's 'TFI Friday' this week (May 30), and performed a fantastic new song - "The World Is Flat".
(Reported by Jez) <--Great Thanks!!
(May.31.1997)
ROCK OF THE BAY
Echobelly will play for BRAINS MUSIC in the Bay - Cardiff, UK (14th, June). Also starring INXS, The Brand New Heavies, My Life Story, Alisha's Attic, Heaven 17, ...etc. Very strange line-up, wooh.
(informed by Brian Cohen)<--Great Thanks!!
(May.31.1997)
"e" IN THE PARK
Echobelly will play for T in the park '97 - Scotland, UK. (13th, July). Also starring Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, The Seahorses...etc.
(May.8.1997)
LIVE AT LEEDS '97
Echobelly have been added to the bill for V97.(16-17th, August). Also starring Beck, Blur, Kula Shaker, Prodigy...etc. This festival has two sites in Leeds and Chelmsford, so you have to check the programme to see echobelly TWICE or NONE!! By the way, they won't play at Reading Festival this year, very sad....
(March.5.1997)
EXCLUSIVE SCOOP!! I PHONED WITH...
I talked with the spokeswoman(?) of the band on the phone for short time. They are still recording new album(!) at Sir George Martin's "Air Studio"(!!). It will be released in June or July by Epic record. Epic sold their label, Rhythm King to Arista, so they moved to Epic.
She said the members are fine and work very hard. They will appear some UK festivals including T in the park, Cheltenham, Glastonbury (50% hopeful). They also have a plan to release B-side album and first video this year's end.
Anyway, we have to wait for more months...
(February.17.1997)
LITHI......UMMM (Disco mix)
"Ride a Rocket" now launched!!
(February.1.1997)
VENUS IN FURS
Sonya said :
"We're going in the studio in a couple of weeks to work on an album with [producer] Gil Norton. The reason things have been so delayed is that we've been in and out of the courts. We've changed record companies and we've changed managers. We haven't been allowed to talk about it. It's been a delicate situation. It's very complicated, and we've tried not to get too involved, but its between Sony and Rhythm King basically. It's all been cleared up now, and all future releases are going to be on Epic."
She added that Echobelly's next UK live shows are likely to be at the summer festivals.
"I think we're doing Glastonbury, Cheltenham and T In The Park here, and then of course we'll be touring for the next two years! We also want to release a B-side album at some point, because we've had so many great B-sides" (from Melody Maker Feb. 1)
(January.29.1997)
LITHI......UMMM
Lithium (Collaboration between US house producer Victor Imbres and Sonya) released a single, "Ride a Rocket". Is there anybody who has got it?
---> postponed Feb. 17th in the U.K.
(December.14.1996)
BARBEY DOLL CD-ROM
A Japanese publisher, ITOCHU released a CD-ROM which includes a short interview video with echobelly. The CD-ROM "POPSHOP" is a very useful sightseeing guide of London night clubs and boutiques. But it is very difficult to see it. At first, you must win the "stylist game" to get the key to interview page. Unfortunately, I haven't succeeded it yet...

(November.24.1996)
SONYA WALKS OUT TO WINTER? NO, NO!
Sonya's first solo activity with the U.S. house unit called "Lithium" will be released in December. She said, "I sang out of keys, ha, ha....". People in U.S. check it out!
(from my interview in October)
(November.24.1996)
FEBRUARY SINGLE, MARCH ALBUM!
New material will be released in next Spring. They already wrote 10 songs when I visited the rehearsal studio. (I'm sorry that I can't tell you how the songs were. 'Cos they they finished up the work of the day before I got to the the studio!) Glenn said, " We will choose a producer in a few weeks. "
(from my interview in October)
(November.24.1996)
BOOTBUSTERS COME
Echobelly will release their first official video in next year after the album. It includes some rare live shots, promo-clips and off snaps. Glenn showed me some recorded in Japan (with BGM "Car fiction"). You also will see 'sexy Debbie' in it!
(from my interview in October)
(November.24.1996)
HEADSTART FOR HAPPINESS
"1997 tour will start in Japan, maybe." Sonya said. I don't know why, but many bands start the road in Japan recent years for their practice... Anyway, we can be the first witness of new fascination.
(from my interview in October)
(November.24.1996)
DARK THERAPIST WON?
Before the interview, Sonya ordered "CHILI CHICKEN" for her supper. I couldn't believe it. "You are veggie!" I shouted. She gave up being a veggie in this year without any reason. "Dark Therapy" was a song based on her experience with a therapist talked her why human should eat meat. So this fact shows us her internal change, maybe.
(from my interview in October)
(November.24.1996)
ON TURN ON PC
Sonya and Glenn will buy PC soon to enjoy the net. So they will claim about vulgar pictures in my site. (Did you see the bonus pix?)
(from my interview in October)
(October.27.1996)
THAI BREAK
Their tour in Thailand and Singapore had been cancelled because the government is "too cool" to the band. There is no tour except Christmas concert in London, unfortunately.
(Source from their management office.)
(October.14.1996)
JUST DO IT
Hideyuki the webmaster visited echobelly at their rehearsal studio. I talked with them, but never stalked.
(September.23.1996)
SONYA WORKS OUT!
Phoenix Festival '96 was broadcasted in Japan. It featured 4 songs of Echobelly performance. i.e. "I Can't Imagine...", "Go Away", "Taste Of You" and "King Of The Kerb". It seems that Sonya had become *healthy* but very charming. Did you see it in your country?
(August.25.1996)
RED HOT CHILE BELLIES
Sonya showed their touring plan in my interview. In coming November, they will play in Chile, Argentina, Thailand and Singapore (also in Japan?). Please check the COMPLETE VERSION interiew.
(August.24.1996)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES
(Unbelievably?) James is Virgo (Aug.24 - Sept.23) .
(July.23.1996)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY THREE LIONS
Do You know Glenn, Debbie, and Andy are Leos? (Jul.24 - Aug.23) I did interview with Sonya using fax machine last week, she said so. (James is Virgo).
(July.18.1996)
CU-SeeMe, me, me, me!
Echobelly's live performance will be broadcasted on the internet (July 21). More information : Phoenix official site http://www.goodcleanfun.freud.co.uk/phoenix/indexb.html
Their live performance was broadcasted on CU-SeeMe and Real Audio format. But unfortunately I couldn't get any of them because the traffic speed is very slow in Japan. Is there anyone got ones? (July 23.)
(June.27.1996)
SUPPORT EURO '96 TOUR?
Echobelly played in Lisbon, Portugal on the 23ed June. 3days before(21st), they were in Czech Republic and will play in Denmark on the 5th July. All of those country got good results in Euro Cup '96. Do you believe the existance of Goddess of triumph?
England team was defeated by Germany.... Summer has gone. (26th)
(June.16.1996)
THE GREAT VISIT
Mr. Bob Brimson, the manager of Echobelly visited this web page on 14th, June! He left special message for us. Read and read again.

Dear Hideyuki,
Thanks for a great site, I really enjoyed it! I've printed it all off and will show it to the band tomorrow.
The band have just gone in to demo the songs for the next album and are really firing on all cylinders at the moment. I think the next album will be a big breakthrough for them. If you want a pointer, have a listen to the Dark Therapy EP.

Thanks for everything and please keep it up!
Bob Brimson - Manager of Echobelly.

He also joined the guest list and voted songs!
(June.11.1996)
THE SUMMER OF PRAGUE
Echobelly have been added to the bill for JAM '96 in Prague, Czech. (21st, June). Also starring Iggy Pop, Pulp, Shane Macgowan...etc. Do you have any friends there?
(June.3.1996)
GREAT DEN!
Echobelly have been added to the bill for Midtfyns Festival in Denmark (3 - 7th, July). Also starring Blur, Suede, Iggy Pop...etc. Please check it out now! http://www.mf.dk/ Because I don't know Danish except Anne Dorte Michelsen. (She is great...)
(May.1.1996)
YER BROADCAST
Echobelly live show will be broadcasted in Japanese Satellite TV, WOWOW, 11th May. The program was originally on air by Channel 4 (UK) and are sold in underground market. See "UK TV concert" in collector page. I should promote this program using BBS network in Japan!
(Apr.20.1996)
SONGWRITERS CELEBRATE MELODY MAKER
Echobelly Have been added to the bill for Melody Maker's 70th Birthday Bash at the London LA2 on the April 24. A slimmed-down version of the band featuring Sonya,Glenn and Debbie will be playing a short set accompanied by a string section!
(Apr.18.1996)
ECHOBELLY VS. SEX PISTOLS
Echobelly was added to the bill of The Phoenix Festival (Stratford upon Avon). They will appear on July 21st. The line-up is David Bowie, Prodigy(18), Neil Young, Manics, Beck(19), Bjork, Skunk Anansie(20), Sex Pistols, Echobelly, Marion, Cardigans(21) and more acts. I hope they play "In The Year" for 'Old' Johnny Rotten with much compassion.

Info Hotline : 0181-963-0940
Credit Card Bookings : 0171-344-0044
You can get more information from this week's NME or MM.
(Apr.14.1996)
PHILADELPHIA TRUTH
(Sat, 13 Apr 1996 14:33 informed by Rajesh Keswani, thanks! )
I talked to Glenn after the Boston show and asked why the Philadelphia show was cancelled. He said that the venue was way below standards; he said that the sound system was no good at all and that they didn't think that they could give a good show there. So they decided that the best thing to do would be to cancel that show. (Rajesh)
(Apr.10.1996)
PHILADELPHIA POSTPONED
I, Hidebottom checked out Ticketmaster site. It says that Philadelphia show was postponed 1996/09/30 at the same venue. Check it out now.
-----------
The date(1996/09/30) was disappeared! Don't worry dave....
(Apr.9.1996)
PHILADELPHIA CANCELLED
(Tue, 09 Apr 96 15:04 informed by dave cohen, thanks! )
can do a concert revue of the philadelphia show at khyber in less time then it takes to hum the opening bit of "car fiction" the show was cancelled [damndamndamn]. i found out about the cancellation from the sign on the door at Khyber Pass. don't know why--if you have any info on them rescheduling or coming back to the US i'd of course aappreciate it.

bugger all ( dave )

(Apr.7.1996)
BANK HOLIDAY ROBBER
Echobelly was added to the bill of The Essential Music Festival (Stanner Park, Brighton) as the HEADLINER! They will appear on May 26th. '96. (English May Bank Holiday weekend) The other bands are Menswear, Lightning Seeds, Marion, Ocean Colour Scene(!), Honeycrack, Northern Uproar etc.... Tickets are now available. Win a ticket.
Info Hotline : 01273-887878 or 01273-888787
Credit Card Hotline : 01273-709709 or 0171-344-4444
You can get more information from this week's NME or MM.
(Apr.5.1996)
Glenn works with R.E.M.
(reported by van hong, thanks!)
Stipe during Monster sessions. Michael Stipe certainly has a lot of time on his hands. Just when we thought he was in the middle of recording the next R.E.M. album, he jets down to L.A. to spend time with his dear friend Patti Smith, and vows that he will soon work with her. Now he's revealed that he is also planning to record with Echobelly guitarist Glenn Johansson. As you know, the two of them bonded when Echobelly opened up for R.E.M. on their "Monster" tour--bonded so thoroughly, that the R.E.M. leader paid to fly Echobelly out to the European dates. The track has not yet been recorded, but a spokesperson for Johansson confirmed that a recording session will take place in America. There is no firm release date, nor have the duo revealed what they will call this collaborative effort--just that it will happen. this is from http://www.addict.com/ATN .... music news of the world section. (van hong)
(Mar.15.1996)
DEBBIE MISS LIZZY?!
(reported by Jeremy Kidd, thanks!)
On March 15th, right here in Madison, WI, Debbie shaved off her coif. I saw her in the morning at their hotel, and she looked the same as always, but at the gig, she was wearing a hat the whole while until after the sound check. Right before the band left for dinner, she took off her hat and she was completely bald. She said that she gave to lock of hair to one of the roadies. (Jeremy)
(Mar.6.1996)
RESCHEDULED !
Echobelly have rescheduled some of U.S. tour dates.
Please check your local agents or Ticketmaster in a hurry!
(Mar.2.1996)
BLUE MARBLE GIANTS
Echobelly marked the 2nd position with "Dark Therapy" on UK indie chart. (20th, National)
'BELLYCHART'-"DARK THERAPY"
Cheers!!
(Feb.19.1996)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,SONYA!
Do You know Sonya is the Pisces? (Feb.19 - Mar.20) I am not sure about the date, so I asked her in Japan, but no reply. Won't someone say "happy birthday" in the gig? Win her throwing kisses at you.
(Feb.19.1996)
THE RELEASE OF BLUE MARBLE
Echobelly released their 3rd single from 'On', it is "Dark Therapy". All formats available. But for collectors, do not miss gatefold 7"! It is a blue-marble vinyl. You can see it on the page, 'BELLYCHART'-"DARK THERAPY". Check it out now.
(Feb.10.1996)
NO CONTEST, TITS OR HITS
N.M.E. carried a review of Echobelly gig at Bristol University (29th.Jan'96). The reviewer Mark Sutherland called them "Sonya and chums". Ooops. But total impression was good. He quoted Sonya's remarkable speech,"Look, do you want me to show you my tits? Or do you want to hear 'Great things'?" I recommend you to check it out.
(Feb.10.1996)
CARRY ME YOUR HOME, SONYA!
Echobelly finished up Japan tour '96 in a great success. They played 18 or 19 songs including 3 new ones. They are "Aloha Lolita", "We Know Better","Atom". Check the set list.
(For details: BELLYTOUR 1996 Click 'Tokyo', 'Osaka' and 'Nagoya')
(Feb.5.1996)
SOMETHING HOT IN THE COLD COUNTRY
Echobelly started Japan tour '96.(Feb 5 - 10) . All tickets were almostly sold out 'coz small venues. I (Hidebottom) will follow the gigs in Osaka and Nagoya. Please wait for the report.
(For details: BELLYTOUR 1996)
(Feb.4.1996)
NEW ECHOBELLY SITE FROM JAPAN
Today I, Hidebottom launched new Echobelly web page. This site is the 4th in the world( See NET'e'SCAPE page ). I promise you do my best on this site to raise Echobelly till the world remember their name.