Stone Foundation aren't so much a band as a movement.
The UK group unite the forces of soul music from across the generations, with new album 'Street Rituals' featuring southern soul icons William Bell and Betty Lavette.
Continually looking ahead, the band invited Paul Weller into the studio, and the Modfather was so impressed they literally couldn't keep him away.
Almost every track on 'Street Rituals' features the songwriting legend in some form or another, and he gets two official co-writing credits alongside the band themselves.
Set to head back out on the road for another backbreaking international tour, Stone Foundation lynchpin Neil Jones looked back on some of their more entertaining travel moments…
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Best Trip…
Fuji Rock Festival Japan. We played an incredible gig on the Red Marquee stage to over 6,000 people. Something that will live long in the memory especially as 10 minutes prior to going on stage the field was empty! I remember hearing one of the guys in the band say "Where did everyone come from?!" Sweat-soaked and adrenaline-fuelled that gig and boy do the Japanese know how to party!
Worst Trip…
To be honest I don't think we've ever had what I would call a ‘Bad Trip’ we've played some very small clubs in the Czech Republic on our early European tours where it was literally one man and his dog watching us. But I think every time you get on stage you should be thankful, even if only a few people have paid to see you. It really is a privilege to be able to play music live for people.
Our favourite foreign venue…
We love the Mojo Club in Hamburg, beautiful venue and easily the best dressing rooms in the world! Complete with golf machines, keyboards and games room.
We’re surprisingly popular in…
Before I would have said Japan but I found out only a while back that we get played a lot on the radio in Ecuador. Now there’s a place we'd love to go and play. Apparently ‘Beverley’ is a big favourite there.
Best or worst exotic foodstuff…
Best has to be the food we had in Mainz, Germany. We played a club called Reduit and the food there was lovely. Worst easily hands down no questions asked has to be watching a couple of our party (who shall remain nameless) trying cod sperm in a small restaurant in Japan, apparently it's a delicacy Still gives me shivers thinking about it now.
Most interesting individual you've met on the road…
We've met some amazing characters in Japan, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy… I could go on. But for me one of the biggest and brightest characters we ever met starting out was a guy from just down the road called Warren who runs a venue called The Donkey in Leicester. The guy is a legend, if you've met him you'll never forget him! "Come on Donkey!"
Worst on-tour injury, or infection, or accident…
Always make sure your keyboard player is sat near a window! I shall say no more.
My essential travel item…
A box of CDs or an iPod!
My essential travel tip…
Grab every single second of joy in every single day and ring it dry! It's an honour to be able to go and take music you believe so much in to people around the world.
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Catch Stone Foundation at the following shows:
April
27 Bristol The Fleece
28 Manchester The Ruby Lounge
29 Norwich Norwich Arts Centre
May
5 Coventry The Empire w/ Special Guests ‘Street Rituals Orchestra’
6 Brighton Concorde 2
12 Leeds The Wardrobe
13 London Islington Assembly Hall w/ Special Guests ‘Street Rituals Orchestra’ (SOLD OUT)
18 Newcastle The Cluny
19 Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
October
27 London Shepherds Bush Empire
For tickets to the latest Stone Foundation shows click HERE.
