HOLLOW EARTH

 

Hollow Earth began after a meeting between Kym and Stewart back in Christmas 1999 when Kym placed an ad in the local paper looking for musicians.  A few weeks later and the outlines of a project had been sketched out between them.  They both agreed that they wanted a band with a difference, to only perform the songs that they appreciate as a tribute to progressive rock of the 70s and 80s.  Everything had to be just right.  Having the shared interests in bands like Genesis, The Strawbs, Yes and Pink Floyd, they discovered a wealth of material that they could cover.  The hunt for like-minded musicians began.  Having been influenced by Rick Wakeman, Stewart had already adopted a style on keyboards that allowed the music to travel into the realms of orchestrated rock.  Kym and Stewart began to piece together the tracks 'Roundabout' and 'Time and a Word' by Yes, rehearsing in Stewart's converted spare room.  The pair could barely move for the array of keyboards and wiring with Kym playing bass and singing.  It was eventually decided that they needed to invite people over for a listen.

 

  

 

At about the same time Colin Cronin from the Kryptones had coincidentally seen Kym's ad and he arranged a meeting at Stewarts house.  Liking what he heard he offered his services as a bass player which made Kym decide to sing and front the band.  Colin contacted his friend Tim Dew from No Frills and asked if he would be interested in playing drums.  Colin and Tim had previously played together in a short-lived prog band that sadly never made it out of the rehearsal room.  The band was called Hollow Earth and Tim suggested they re-use this name for the new band.  He immediately introduced his wealth of knowledge about 'all things Genesis' and soon realised that it was a project that he wanted to be involved in.  Colin was heavily into Yes which fitted in well with what Stewart was already learning.  Unfortunately Colin had to leave the band some months later but his input during it's early stages was enough to drive the band forward. 

A call came from Paul Hart ex 'Boy Bastin' one night after he'd also seen the ad in the local music shop, it meant that the band suddenly leapt into a new dimension when he agreed to join.  Paul had a wealth of experience on his side and he instantly impressed the other members by learning 'Roundabout' almost overnight.  The band was almost complete but they had to quickly find a replacement for Colin.  At about this time the band had 'The World' logo designed and manufactured which is still used.

It's fair to say at this point that despite things sounding easy, it certainly was not.  Well over a year had past and the band had still not performed live that often.  A few gigs had been achieved before Colin left and these proved that there was an interested audience: it was a worthwhile project to pursue.  They still needed a full and positive line up of committed musicians and so a good bass player was essential.  Pete Smith was a friend of Pat Rolph, lead guitarist for The Glamstars and Dogwood (coincidentally two bands that Kym briefly played bass for).  Pete had heard of Hollow Earth and he liked what they were doing so when he was invited along he jumped at it.  At a rehearsal one night at the back of the 'Billy Bluelight' pub off Hall Rd in Norwich, Pete listened to the guys and he was immediately hooked!  The band went from strength to strength and the set list grew. (see EARTH MATERIAL).  Pete's influence gave the band yet another dimension and during the next few gigs Hollow became more confident.

The band had tasted bigger things when they played a couple of open air events but playing the local pub and club scene was already becoming a bore.  There were concerns about the band not physically fitting into the local venues because by now the instrumentation had grown beyond the norm.  Kym had wanted to take the band out with a full light show including special effects.  With enough time and effort it might have been possible but it probably would have just added complications to an already unsettled band.  Sadly, 2004 came with the band temporarily calling everything to a halt.

 

 

It was the start of a long and gloomy period for the band with a total loss of direction and enthusiasm.  Stewart and Pete were preoccupied as their wives were expecting.  Paul was being sent anywhere in the country on business which made it hard for everyone to keep in touch, Kym was going through a divorce and Tim was the only one interested enough in keeping the guys and the band together.  Worse was to come when the band discovered that Paul had been involved in a bad car crash and was now ill in hospital.

Eventually, after a much needed break and when Paul had recovered from his injuries, Tim managed to salvage what he could by successfully getting everyone around a table one night to discuss the future.  They all agreed that the band was worth saving but disappointingly Pete said he'd had enough and was about to quit music completely.  The search was on for a third bass player!

  

Andy was already an accomplished bass man and he had just started taking classical guitar lessons from Pat Rolph (another spooky coincidence) when he heard that Hollow were looking for a bass player.  The band auditioned him and they set him the task of learning the whole set within three months for their next gig...he succeeded in doing so and the gig was one of the best the band had played.  The audience were in full support and keen to show their enthusiasm for the band's return, giving the guys the adrenalin rush they so badly needed! 

 

At long last the band had finally became established and 'Project Earth' was being noticed.  The latest member to succumb to change was unfortunately drummer Tim in October 2007 when his replacement Dave Clark (not who you think it is!) leapt at the opportunity to be involved.  It was a tough decision for the band to make because Tim had been there from the start but Hollow Earth needed to evolve.  By February of 2008 the band began rehearsing with Dave who was keen to rekindle his abilities playing the Yes material in particular.  Hollow have created a faithful following of 'Earthlings' who support them at gigs and the material that they perform is becoming more intricate and enjoyable.  The light show and special effects that was so badly needed is finally taking shape but it is intended to become better as time and money allows.  Their own compositions are being fitted into the already impressive set list which is giving the musicians a more creative outlet.  All the band requires now is the opportunity to prove that 'Prog' is alive and kicking by finding the right venue for each show.

In late 2007 sound engineer Martin Shearing of MJ PA Hire came on board to do the sound for the band.  Martin, a musician himself playing bass for the Norwich based band The Elavators, helped Hollow Earth out one night after they were having problems with their PA.  A few conversations later and Martin was asked to stay.  Hollow Earth now has it's own sound man and with his partner Julie they bring to the audience the full force and spectrum of sound that this type of music deserves.  Without them the band would be missing an important edge that makes 'prog' so dramatic.  For more on MJ PA see HOLLOW SOUND.

By Christmas 2007 Stewarts brother Francis had also joined the team.  As well as being such an all round, helpful, decent chap, Francis is also trying to put together more of a light show by constructing the projector and installing computer software for the visual effects, so watch this space.

 

Those of you who appreciated the stadium bands of the seventies and eighties would without doubt understand an evening of...

'Hollow Earth!'

Progressive; when rock bands were more like a full orchestra and when music was important.  Sit back and imagine giant inflatable pigs hovering menacingly overhead, aircraft crashing into the stage and drum kits resembling giant insects.  Brace yourself for epic ten minute instrumentals from some of the legendary bands of the seventies.

HOLLOW EARTH...'Prog' just got better!   

 

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