Francis Dunnery- Calling All The Shots In Rawentstall

Francis Dunnery is a man of many talents: musician, storyteller, astrologist, and charity organiser. He is probably best known for being the frontman, guitarist, and main songwriter in the band It Bites, whose biggest hit, Calling All the Heroes, is still played on the radio today, forty years after the song was released.

Since that time Dunnery went firstly to live in Los Angeles, where he became addicted to drink and drugs, got married, had a family, rediscovered himself and acquainted himself with his hometown of Egremont in Cumbria.

His life story so far is the basis of his current tour, England's Tales of the Council House Kid, which arrived at St. Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall— a former Methodist Hall now turned into an entertainment venue.

Besides being an excellent musician, Dunnery was an engaging, entertaining and enthralling storyteller – his witty style would easily lend his talents as an after-dinner speaker.

With Amy Chalmers on violin and Todd Edwards on keyboards, Dunnery’s songs shone even further in the semi-acoustic setting. Rather than detailing his professional life, the story was more about his personal life, starting out at his parents' council house – where, incidentally, his niece still lives.

Aided by video clips of television adverts and children's programmes from his youth, they resonated with the audience, whose ages likely aligned with Dunnery's – all part of a show that was nostalgic; however, Dunnery still brought an optimistic outlook, now free of his addictions and seemingly in a far happier place.

As he himself admitted, the show is "a hard sell, especially when trying to play new music." That may be true, but Dunnery's past work has always been melodic, memorable, and at times majestic, and his fans have always felt confidently honoured.

The It Bites devotees were rewarded with the inclusion of Underneath Your Pillow and Still Too Young To Remember with Throw Me A Rainbow and The Council House Walls – the latter two from his forthcoming album having the tunesmith of his former work.

His progressive rock fans might not appreciate some of his new material; It Bites were never really a true prog rock band per se – more of a rock band with pop and prog rock influences.

After over two hours in the company of Dunnery and his two musicians, between them they had made a wet Sunday night in midwinter seem more bearable. “Always remember that spring is just around the corner," Dunnery attested. After this evening's warm, approachable and convivial performance, no one could argue with his assertion
Francis Dunnery will play at

Music for Good: The CKDCF Weekend Festival Fundraiser, Seecote Hotel, St Bees, Cumbria


https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-for-good-the-ckdcf-weekend-festival-fundraiser-tickets-1982789665264

https://ckdcf.org/events-3/