Bugger. De Rosa have confirmed that they have split up.
The news comes on the back of a handful of cancelled dates in the last couple of months. My first inkling that there was a problem came when speaking to Martin on the Sunday at Homegame. Whilst he wasn’t specific as to what was wrong, the subsequent cancellations were not unexpected but the lack of an official announcement allowed me to hope that things would work out.
Sadly that hasn’t proven to be the case and their extraordinary performance at Homegame has turned out to be their swansong. Looking back, I think they knew it. From a tired and emotional Chris announcing that they were going to play all night to Martin throwing down his guitar and leaving the stage early during an explosive ‘Cathkin Braes’ it was clear something was up. And it’s turned out to be more than just end of tour friction.
Although I’d heard the name during 2006, I didn’t hear De Rosa until the Chemikal 087 compilation came out including ‘Cathkin Braes’ towards the end of the year. The song struck such a chord I bought the LP ‘Mend’ straight away and was delighted to discover the albumc onfirmed my first impression that this was a special band.
I saw them play live several times as a four piece and at times they were great but the shows only became consistently great when Andy joined to add keyboards. The five piece truly was a wonderful band and it was no surprise when the follow up to ‘Mend’, Prevention’ was equally as special, if somewhat different.
I actually think the best show I ever saw them play was at the Huw Scott Hall in Anstruther early on the Scottish leg of the ‘Prevention’ tour – it was a wonderful performance with crystal clear sound. The second Anstruther performance of the year at Homegame was something quite different – the sound of a band going under with all guns blazing. It was a fitting sign off.
For me, De Rosa have been the musical highlight of the 21st Century – I connected with the music contained in their 3 LPs (I’m counting Appendices) in a way far beyond anything else for years. In that context it mystifies me that they never managed to attain a greater degree of success.
Whilst I’m certain we haven’t heard the last of Martin Henry as a songwriter, at this time it seems more important to mark the demise of a remarkable band.
So – Martin, Neil, James, Chris and Andy – thanks for everything and I wish you all well in whatever you turn your hands to next.
De Rosa – Cathkin Braes (live in Dundee)
This is very sad news. While I only caught them live once (and went home early- I was tired, it was Sunday and I’d watched 4 bands already, and I regret it now) I loved them on record. For me Mend was their best, with Camera, Fathers Eyes and The Engineer the stand-outs on an already exceptional album. They deserved much more success than they got.
Thanks for the comment, Matt. If you haven’t done so already check out Martin’s Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/martinjohnhenry
for an indication of what is to come at some point in the future – some good songs there already.
This is sad news indeed. I know how much you’ve championed the band, and I also know how much they appreciated all you did on their behalf.
I bet they become one of those bands that bloggers (or whatever we’ve mutated into by then) look back at with great fondness and say.
No, this just can not stand! De Rosa’s music is sublime – nothing compares to their complexity, quality, emotion and power. Please, please reconsider.
I completely agree, Gwen.