It’s not every day that you’re invited to chat to pop music royalty, so imagine my surprise when I was asked to interview the legends that are GO WEST….

If you’re as old as I am (late 40’s - okay, 50 this year but Im clinging onto the 40’s for as long as I can) you’ll be sure to remember this duo from the 80’s, who can possibly forget their debut single ‘We Close Our Eyes’ and went on to have a string of hits including ‘Call Me’, “Don’t Look Down’, ‘Goodbye Girl’, ‘Faithful’, ‘Tracks of My Tears’ & ‘King of Wishful Thinking’’ which featured on the blockbuster movie ‘Pretty Woman’ starring Julia Roberts & Richard Gere. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide, received an ASCAP award and was one of the most played songs on American Radio.

They were set to celebrate their 35th Anniversary in 2020 with a special run of UK shows, together with a full live orchestra featuring all their greatest hits plus very special guests Cutting Crew.  However due to the pandemic, the shows were postponed and have now been rescheduled for 2022. The band have arranged and rehearsed remotely throughout the last 6 months with The Southbank Sinfonia and are now performing together in person for the first time for these four fantastic shows!

More information on the shows in a moment but for now, read how we got on when we spoke to Richard Drummond of Go West….

Hi Richard, how does it feel to be finally playing the live shows that should have taken place in 2020?

Fabulous! I've really missed it.

You’re playing 4 dates with the Southbank Sinfonia in March, who’s idea was it to include a full orchestra as part of the show?

It's something we've often talked about. It's a massive logistical undertaking. The planets just seemed to align to make this the right time.

Have there been any challenges that you’ve had to overcome with the orchestra?

Mainly having to work down the wire and by phone with the arranger and Peter. We've got a rhythm and a process going now though so it's flowing ..

You released your debut song ‘We Close our Eyes’ in 1985, Does it feel like 37 years have passed between then and now?

No .. it almost seems like yesterday to be honest.

If you could go back to the 80’s and speak to your younger self, what advice would you offer?

None really. Life for me is about diving in and getting the best out of each situation/opportunity. I already knew that in the 80's.

You’re joined by Cutting Crew on your March dates, have you played live with them before?

Yes .. we've shared many a stage with Nick and Gareth, both here and on a couple of Australian tours. Lovely guys. Great songs. Proper players.

I see that you’re touring with the legend that is Paul Young in May, will you be accompanied by the orchestra or just the band?

Just our bands on that one. Can't wait. He's music royalty.

‘We Close Our Eyes’ was the first record my wife bought on 7 inch vinyl (Woolworths 79p) back in 1985 (she was 8 years old), do you remember how you celebrated its release?

I do remember driving back from town with Peter. As we went over Kew Bridge, Bruno Brookes played it on Radio 1. It was the first time we'd heard it on the radio. I pulled the car over and we sat and listened through to the end. When Bruno back announced it we just went bonkers! We were in the game .. at last!

Back in the 80’s, it was all about the Top 40, do you think that kids are missing out these days without superb shows like Top of the Pops?

Yes I do. TOTP was a focus. You couldn't record it so if you missed Bowie with his arm around Mick Ronson .. you missed it. The next day at school everyone was talking about it so if you hadn't seen it .. you were out of the conversation. I'm not saying that music doesn't find it's way now but there isn't that time locked  communal viewing.

You performed on TOTP a number of times, was this in the days of miming or were you playing live?

I don't think the band ever played live but Pete certainly sang live on at least one ocassion. I remember on one of the recordings a sequence of three singers .. Billy Joel, Paul Young and Peter Cox consecutively singing live. Pressure or what.

Are you planning any festivals this Summer? If so, can you share names and dates with me?

There are seven or so. If you go to .. gowest.org.uk .. you will see it all on there.

Any plans for new material or are you happy playing the classics?

Both.

Lastly, which of the Go West tracks do you think sounds best with the orchestral backing?

You know, doing this has been a lot of hours .. well spent. There's something about an orchestra that makes my emotion cup runneth over. We're not done yet, but so far .. The King Is Dead.

We’d like to thank Richard for chatting to us. and we wish them every success for the forthcoming shows. As he said above, head to www.gowest.org.uk for news on festivals and other shows. They are also touring with Paul Young later in 2022, all the info can be found on their website.