LJE's "lost years" (post-Mercs)

[koho (Koen)]

As far as I remember there was quite a buzz surrounding LJE, the 2nd studio album also being a sure winner and still a firm favourite. Or maybe the buzz was merely among some people I knew! Then, it all got so quiet.
I know at some point Mat and Edd left. Are they still doing music? I remember at Cropredy 2004 we spoke and you mentioned there were plans for a new album etc, but well, that was 5 years ago.
Then the good news of Trevor Foster and Miranda Sykes joining, only to see occasional itinaries with mere scattered gigs, some LJE acoustic without rhythm section. PJ's solo album, then his duo with Peggy. I'm sure many of us thought it just petered out and that was that. Every few months I checked the website which as the years passed by seemed to mainly aim for the prize of being the least updated website ever.
Now, at last, good news, but I was surprised there was another rhythm section yet again - despite only a handful of albums, you guys can start applying for a Pete Frame Family Tree!

So - what happened post-Mercs & Cherokees? And how was LJE with Miranda & Trevor? I've never seen the band after Mat/Edd left.
We missed you!! Welcome back  

[Geetee (Gareth)]

Thanks for the welcome back!

Basically after Edd and Mat left I think we tried a number of times to achieve the impossible in terms of commitments individually.The band had started to tour the USA too early(hindsite being a perfect science etc etc) and was extremely hard work for very little reward, although great fun at the same time.It meant though,that we had, for all intent and purpose vanished from view in the UK making it difficult to regain ground.
The main reason however was the total let down by our then record company.An all too familiar story,we managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of success by not staying independent and doing it ourselves thus not adhering to the old saying 'if it's not broken.......
It was great catching up with Trev after all those years but life had moved on he is very happy. We all went to his wedding where Mr Beer performed best man duties for the second time.I don't know if he is still playing...I hope so because the old Foz was certainly starting to reemerge    
Miranda's touring schedule is, as you know, as busy as it gets with SOH  leaving realistically little,or no time for anything else. Although she will come and join us again when ever the diary allows.
I got an email from Mat Davies only the other day, he is well and happy, as is Edd they are both happily married and are both now fathers and also still playing together all be-it in a semi pro way (they both had the sense not to try and raise families via email and mobile phones)
So there you have it, a combination of reasons really.You get down hearted,you try other things and thats when you realize how much you miss it.
I am really focused and excited about the band now though and the new album that's emerging, is sounding great.So ere we go again....
Regards GT  

[Polly Oxford (Andie)]

You have indeed been missed! - I really hope us soft Southerners get a chance to see you again soon.

[Geetee (Gareth)]

You have indeed been missed! - I really hope us soft Southerners get a chance to see you again soon.

Thanks Polly we are working on that I promise!
Regards GT