03/05/2025
Local favourites Sorry About Shaun will reunite for a one-night-only performance at this year’s Shaftesbury Fringe. The six-piece, once the area’s biggest band, will take to the stage at the Grosvenor on Friday, 18th July at 8pm.
LISTEN TO GEOFF AND THE BAND'S MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/thisisalfred/sorry-about-shaun-reunite-for
It’s their first live show in 18 months and could be their last. “We’ve called it a last get-together — never say never,” frontman Geoff Coward said. The band, known for their melodic, folky rock sound, built a strong local following with gigs at venues like Gold Hill Fair and even Guy’s Marsh Prison.
After a string of shows and a 2019 EP release, the band paused due to COVID and life changes. “Four of us had children, there were weddings, and life just happened,” Geoff said. Still, they kept playing in private and recorded a new song, Stuck, at Mill Farm Studios in Bradford Abbas. Written over a decade ago by guitarist Tom Joblin, the track will be performed live for the first time at the Fringe.
The group also features cellist Chas Dickey, formerly of Van der Graaf Generator. “A cello lifts things. It adds class,” Geoff said.
Despite having to pay £15 to play the Fringe, a payment Geoff doesn't agree with, he says it’s worth it. Hopefully, we’ll have a good night.” He’s less keen on ‘passing the hat’ and says the band doesn’t expect to make money — just enjoy the moment.
Covers may include Fleetwood Mac, Bowie or Sam Fender. “We’ll add a few familiar tunes for fun,” Geoff said.
As for the name? It comes from founding member Shaun’s mischief in rehearsals. “We kept saying, ‘Sorry about Shaun,’ and it stuck,” Geoff explained.
This may be their final gig, but the music and the memories live on. “You always look back at songs and think, ‘We could’ve done that differently,’” Geoff said. “But mostly, we’re proud of what we made.”