THE
WEDDING
PRESENT AT 40
FORTY YEARS, ONE MUSICAL: A STORY REIMAGINED
When Matt Aston initially approached me about the idea of a musical based on my songs, I said: “I am going to stop you right there. I know nothing about musicals and am not even sure I like them!” But he insisted that my lyrics were perfect for the format – given that they’re typically little stories – and to leave it with him.
​So I did, half imagining that I quite possibly might never hear from him again. But that was several years ago and I’m now writing this after watching the musical’s first rehearsal, which was quite a surreal experience in itself. I genuinely had no idea how it would all work but, having seen it burst into life before my very eyes, I think I do, now.
It’s similar to the way I write my ongoing autobiography, Tales From The Wedding Present, which comes in the form of a graphic novel. I just supply the text and it’s never less than thrilling to see how the artist, Lee Thacker – who has also provided some brilliant illustrations for Reception – transforms those words into poignant images.
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That Reception is being launched during The Wedding Present’s 40th Anniversary year is appropriate because Matt has trawled through the band’s entire catalogue in order to source songs. I had a similar task myself when choosing the tracks for The Wedding Present’s forthcoming retrospective compilation album, ‘40’. I also needed the songs to tell a story, but mine is of the history of the band in recording studios across four decades rather than a touching drama!
During those forty years I have frequently found myself going off on tangents and following unorthodox paths – Ukrainian folk music, twelve singles in a year (twice!), Cinerama, performing with the BBC Big Band, etc., etc. – so perhaps a musical was, somehow, kind of always to be unexpectedly expected. It just needed someone like Matt to come along with the vision and skill to bring it into existence.
For that, I’m extremely appreciative.
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​DAVID GEDGE
Singer/songwriter for
THE WEDDING PRESENT
Creative Consultant for RECEPTION.​