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Andy Coleman

Andy Coleman

Touring is a labour of love for UB40

UB40 guitarist Robin Campbell is in good spirits - and who can blame him? Read

Texas @ NEC Arena

SEVEN months after playing a small venue tour which included a date at Birmingham Carling Academy, Texas were last night back on the big stage - but they still managed to create an intimate gig atmosphere. Read

Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (15)

WHEN I speak to rock bands from outside the UK I only have to mention that Birmingham is the birthplace of Black Sabbath and there's an immediate surge of interest. Read

Funk legends making the Earth move again

IT is 8am on a sunny Los Angeles morning and Earth Wind and Fire's Verdine White is tasting his first cup of coffee of the day. Read

Amy's a winner in any language

SINGER/SONGWRITER Amy Wadge had to release a single in Welsh after pledging to do so on a Big Brother-style TV programme. Read

Remembering nights at the Rum Runner

THEY have entered into musical folklore and now the glam/punk/electronica club nights at Birmingham's Rum Runner club can be experienced all over again. Read

Classic show of guitar virtuosity

THERE'S a rare chance to see two classical guitar-ists performing 19th century music when the Arada Guitar Duo play at the mac, in Cannon Hill Park, tomorrow. Read

Brum switch is a good move for Matt

SWAPPING the sun of southern Spain for the salubrious suburb of Shirley proved to be a good move for bass player Matt Brana-Martin. Read

Hilary's sick of her sweet girl image

SHE'S sugary sweet and as wholesome as mom's apple pie but Hollywood actress Hilary Duff is planning to ditch her family-friendly image and work with cult film director Quentin Tarantino. Read

New US talent hits the stage

AFTER Panic! At The Disco and The Academy Is..., the latest signing to the Fueled by Ramen label arrive in Birmingham tomorrow. Read

Ben scores in play about Cloughie

BEN Goddard reckons he has the best job in the world -because he is able to combine his two favourite pastimes. Read

New musical is out of this world!

TAKE cover - the Martians are coming! Read

Gigs the secret for Rattlesnake Remedy

BIRMINGHAM rockers Rattlesnake Remedy are climbing to the top in the good old fashioned way. Read

Simply a great move for Sandi

KEEP it simple - that's the advice that could help newcomer Sandi Thom forge a successful career in music. Read

Short songs leave fans wanting more

WITH her self-titled debut album charting at number one Corinne Bailey Rae has justified the claims that she is one of the musical finds of the year. Read

No rest for schoolboys

MOST school and college students use their vacations to travel, relax or earn extra money working in McDonald's. Sam Hughes and The Spinto Band spent their holidays recording their debut album. Read

Black Country band tipped for the top

THE Midlands' music scene is set to receive a boost as another band from the region breaks onto the national circuit. Read

Neil Sedaka @ Symphony Hall

SINGER-songwriter Sedaka took a near-capacity Symphony Hall on a trip down memory lane. with help from fellow crooner and surprise special guest Tony Christie. Read

Raising a glass to German vineyards

ENGLISH football fans will be hoping to raise a glass or two in Germany later this summer to celebrate their team's World Cup triumphs. Read

Still buzzing 30 years on

POP-PUNK legends The Buzzcocks are moving into top gear again as they celebrate their 30th anniversary - but guitarist Steve Diggle is just as excited at the prospect of being reunited with a long lost possession. Read

Author Profile

Andy Coleman is a Birmingham Mail veteran having worked at the paper for 25 years. He is the Mail's music editor, regularly reviewing rock concerts at the NEC, NIA and Carling Academy, as well as CDs and DVDs. Andy edits the Friday What's On section and also compiles the Mail's gardening pages.

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