Strawbs: John Hawken leaves group

This is from a mail news flash courtesy of Dick Greener, webmaster for the Strawbs, also posted here:

John Hawken has decided that it is time to give up the rigours of life on the road with the Strawbs. It's not news that any Strawbs fan will welcome, but in view of his recent ill health, a decision which I'm sure we can all understand and accept.

For the last few years we've had the pleasure of seeing the full power and majesty of the Hero And Heroine/Ghosts line up back on stage in all its glory. But now it's time to move on.

Strawbs will continue as the core four piece line-up, Cousins, Lambert, Cronk and Coombes, and will review future electric shows over the next few weeks.

John Hawken commented:
"I regard the last 4 years as an unexpected bonus, filled with wonderful music and a lot of laughter.

This is not something I give up lightly, but each year I've found touring more exhausting than the year before and my recent health problem finally decided the issue. It's time to go.

I wish the remaining band members every success and happiness in their musical ventures - I hope we meet up again somewhere down the road."

Speaking of the Strawbs...

STRAWBS - ELECTRIC TOUR US, JUNE 2008

Tuesday 10 June 2008 - BB Kings, Manhattan, NY
Wednesday 11 June 2008 - Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA
Thursday 12 June 2008 - Ramshead Tavern, Annapolis, MD
Friday 13 June 2008 - The Kent Stage, Kent, OH
Saturday 14 June 2008 - The Thirsty Ear, Columbus, OH
Sunday 15 June 2008 - The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI
Tuesday 17 June 2008 - The Abbey, Chicago, IL
Wednesday 18 June 2008 - Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
Friday 20 June 2008 - The Redhouse, Syracuse, NY
Saturday 21 June 2008 - Towne Crier, Pawling, NY

The band for this tour is the 'classic' Hero & Heroine/Ghosts lineup:

David Cousins (vocals, guitar & banjo)
Dave Lambert (lead guitar & vocals)
John Hawken (keyboards)
Chas Cronk (bass & vocals)
Rod Coombes (drums)