James Alan Hull (20 February 1945 – 17 November 1995) He began piano lessons at the age of nine, and guitar lessons two years later. He attended Rutherford Grammar School, Newcastle after sitting the eleven-plus in 1956 and was given a guitar at the age of twelve. Hull wrote his first song soon afterwards. one year by working as a nurse at a mental hospital and as a driver for Newcastle Co-op TV Department while appearing as a folk singer and guitarist in local clubs before helping to form Brethren and Downtown Faction, which evolved into Lindisfarne in 1970. He also released a one-off solo single, "We Can Swing Together", which was re-recorded with the group on their first album, Nicely Out of Tune, and became a regular favourite in their stage performances.

As the group's most prolific songwriter and joint lead vocalist, Hull came to be regarded as its leader. In 1972, dissatisfied with the sound and critical reception of their third album Dingly Dell, he considered leaving the group but instead he and joint lead vocalist Ray "Jacka" Jackson formed a new six-piece Lindisfarne the following year, leaving the three other original members to form Jack The Lad. He also released his first solo album, Pipedream, the same year and published a book of poems, Mocking Horse. it was released in 1996.

On 19 July 2012, following a public campaign led by Barry McKay, Lindisfarne's manager during the 1970s, an Alan Hull memorial plaque was unveiled on the front of Newcastle City Hall, at a ceremony attended by hundreds of fans, and broadcast and filmed by Sky and ITV Tyne Tees.

Personal life

Hull married Patricia Sharp on 22 August 1966, and they had three daughters. In the hour-long film Sam Fender follows the career and personal life of Hull. Archive footage of performances and interviews features in the programme, some of it previously unseen. There are also tributes from fans of the songs including Sting, Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, Dave Stewart and Peter Gabriel. Drummer Ray Laidlaw expressed the view that, despite Lindisfarne's success, Hull had not received sufficient recognition as "a 'world-class' songwriter", and he hoped to establish Hull's place in music history.

Discography

Studio albums

  • Pipedream (1973) UK No. 29, AUS No. 51
  • Squire (1975)
  • Phantoms (1979)
  • On the Other Side (1983)
  • Statues & Liberties (1996)

Compilation albums

  • When War Is Over – The BBC Recordings 1973 & 1975 (1998)
  • We Can Swing Together: The Anthology 1965–1995 (2005)
  • Singing a song in the morning light/the legendary demo tapes 1967–1970 (2024)

Live albums

  • Another Little Adventure (1988)
  • Back to Basics (1994)
  • Alright on the Night – Live at Clifton Poly 1975 (2009)

Singles

  • "We Can Swing Together" / "Obadiah's Grave" (1970)
  • "Numbers" / "Drinking Song" / "One Off Pat" (1973)
  • "Justanothersadsong" / "Waiting" (1973)
  • "Dan The Plan" / "One More Bottle of Wine" (1975)
  • "One More Bottle of Wine" / "Squire" (1975)
  • "Crazy Woman" / "Golden Oldies" (1975)
  • "I Wish You Well" / "Love Is The Answer" (1979)
  • "A Walk in the Sea" / "Corporation Rock" (1979)
  • "Malvinas Melody" / "Ode to a Taxman" (1983)

With Radiator

  • Isn't It Strange (1977)

References

  • Lindisfarne's website