Good day!
I hope all's well with you as another year draws to a close.
2025 has been incredible for the Solstice clann and I want to thank you all so much for being part of it!
Prog Reader's Poll
Well we're certainly not expecting a repeat of last year's extraordinary results... yet emboldened by your support, I think there's a decent chance of getting on the table again despite the vastly disproportionate audience size of acts like Steven Wilson, Marillion, Big Big Train, IQ and many more.
I strongly suspect that their fanbases have grown so used to the much deserved accolades that perhaps they became a little complacent... expect that to change after the 2024 outrage! 😁 Greg Spawton's message of "you bastard!" still makes me hoot! 🤣 Love that man!!
Clearly last year was down to our relatively small yet highly motivated audience and for that we are truly grateful. If you fancy another punt, please drop us a vote in any catagories you feel appropriate...
Please vote here 🙏 https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/vote-in-the-2025-prog-magazine-readers-poll
It'd be great see our singer/guitarist/support act, Leoni Jane Kennedy, get a look in for best new artist too!
Of course, it's that time of year where individuals and channels post thier albums of 2025 so I was particulary thrilled that Clann made the Top 10 of the popular US platfrom 'The Prog Report'. In fact Geoff Bailie and Prog Nick had Clann in their Top 5!! Amazing!
And we were thrilled to be included in Classic Album Review's '10 Best Progressive Rock Albums 2025!'
In another magic moment for me personally, I can't tell you how humbled and delighted I was to be invited to feature in the 'My Prog' article. Forty five years on, these things become all the more meaningful. Alongside Messirs Wilson and Spawton, Prog editor, Jerry Ewing continues to offer support at every turn. Legends all!
Spring Tour
Preparations are pretty much in place for our first mini-tour in February and a second in April. I admit that once again I'm nervous about drawing sufficiently large audiences to cover costs, particularly as we extend our range to new towns and cities. With the 2025 Clann tour we had a new studio album on the merch stall and that saved us financially but next year could be a very different story. There again, if you don't take a chance...
Please do join us for a show if you're able.
The full list of 2026 dates, tickets and info can be found here https://solsticeprog.uk/gigs/upcoming-gigs
One show I'm feeling more confident about is The Stables MK next October 31st. With the strongest early sales to date, I'm hoping for another full house by the time we get there. If you chosey about seats please grab them now, although to be honest there isn't a bad seat in the house. TICKETS &INFO
Clann:The Stables Gathering
Huge thanks to everyone who's already supported the live album from this year's Stables show by pre-ordering. We officially launch the album at our first show of 2026 at The Craufurd, Milton Keynes on Feb 18th and the vinyl and CD will be available at all our shows next year as well as worldline via our website, Progrock.co.uk in the UK, Just For Kicks in Europe and Band Wagon USA in the States.
Clann Streaming
For all streamers out there, the full Clann album is now out on all the usual platforms. It's even hitting the international Rock Album charts! 🤯
Good thngs coming next year!
The new Big Big Train album 'Woodcut'. I had the honour of a preview and if it doesn't take 'Best album of 2026' I'll be eating my twin neck 😁
The new album from Exploring Birdsong is in the final mix phase. Really excited to hear this!
Leoni Jane Kennedy's new album 'Synthetic'. You may have heard some of the singles... it's going be a cracker!
OK, so I think that's about it for this newsletter and indeed for 2025.
It just remains for me to wish you the very best for the coming festivities and to express our deepest gratitude for all your support again this year! We really are blessed with the most incredible audience!
In tribute we'd like to exclusively share this track from the forthcoming Clann:The Stables Gathering concert film.
With much love and thanks from us all
Looking forward to seeing you next year!
Andy
Photo: Andy MacGregor