Talk Talk Musicians Announce Show to Honour Mark Hollis

Named "A Celebration of Talk Talk and Mark," the concert will feature funding keyboardist Simon Brenner and several of the musicians who have played on the pioneer band’s albums and tours.

These are percussionist Martin Ditcham, guitarist Jeep Hook, bassist John McKenzie and pianist Rupert Black which will take part in the performance along with special guests vocalists. Founding bass-player and drummer, Paul Webb and Lee Harris, are noticeably absent from the event, as well as long-term collaborator and keyboardist Tim Friese-Green.

Hollis, a widely acclaimed musician and singer-songwriter, was a source of inspiration for many, thanks to his trailblazing, experimental approach to music. Tributes flooded in when he died last February at the age of 64 and his memory will now be celebrated musically.

This special show will include many Talk Talk hits, including the highly influential albums Spirit Of Eden and Laughing Stock. Musical director Phil Ramacon has been chosen as a special guide for the concert, who had previoulsy worked with Hollis when he co-wrote a song on his solo album.

“We are honoured to be holding this beautiful event. Tom Baker of Eat Your Own Ears and I were talking about staging a celebration of Talk Talk even before Mark passed away," said Bengi Unsal, a senior contemporary music programmer at The Southbank Centre.

“When he sadly died, it became inevitable for us, the fans, and for all the artists who adore the band to pay tribute to them and appreciated the indelible mark they left on music. This is a product of love and admiration – our way of saying thank you to Mark Hollis and Talk Talk,” he added.

While the band had released music until 2003, they had stopped playing live in 1986 and none of their music was performed by band members or accompanying musicians since. The upcoming show is a one-time opportunity that Talk Talk fans shall not miss.