Ralph to publish autobiography in one volume

Ralph's long-awaited single-volume autobiography will be published soon. We have been assisting in preparing the book for publication and it is now in the final stages of production.

The new volume will combine Angel Laughter and Summer Lightning under the title As Far As I Can Tell. Ralph has added several new chapters and the combined volume includes a selection of previously unpublished photographs from the McTell family album. Publication of the 600-page paperback will be announced soon on Ralph's website.

Story published 17 Apr 2008

Ralph McTell's autumn tour dates

We are currently booking Ralph McTell's autumn tour of the UK. The dates will run from late October through November 2008. We anticipate there will be about 30 dates and as they are confirmed we will be publishing them so keep an eye on Ralph's gig page.

As usual, Ralph's tour will feature a special gala concert. This year it will be at The Stables, Milton Keynes, on 15 November. It is a welcome return for Ralph to one of his favourite venues. He will play two separate sets at The Stables and will be in the bar after the show to meet fansand sign CDs.

Story published 17 Apr 2008

Ralph McTell's The Journey box set

Ralph McTell's The Journey

The Journey - Recordings 1965-2006 it is distributed by Proper Music Distribution and is available in major record shops. Released on the Leola Music label, the catalogue number is OLABOX60.

Researched and compiled by David Suff (known for his acclaimed box sets), The Journey features sixty-plus tracks presented in a deluxe package. The set includes a full-colour book featuring contributions from John Renbourn and Rory McGrath, an essay on Ralph's work by Paul O Jennings, a highly-detailed tracklist and many previously unpublished photographs.

The recordings include rare demo tracks, studio out-takes, concert hall performances , and live club recordings. Much of the studio work features renowned producers such as Gus Dudgeon, Tony Visconti and Shel Talmy.

The box set encompasses the whole range of Ralph's work including a version of Streets Of London previously unreleased. For a full tracklisting please visit Ralph's website.

Story published 28 Oct 2006

Announcement: after-show signings

For many years now, Ralph has come out after the show to the the foyer or bar to greet friends old and new and to sign CDs. Ralph has enjoyed these sessions as much as we know you all have, but bigger venues have meant bigger queues. Ralph and Donard love their work but already it's a fourteen-hour day when they are on the road. Recently, they have still been in some venues until well after midnight.

Sadly, it has now reached a point where something has to give and Ralph has been advised that he will have to curtail these after show sessions if he is to continue touring. Apart from the extra time the signing sessions add to Ralph and Donnard's day, theatres and arts centres have to abide by health and safety regulations and working time directives.

Not unreasonably, theatre staff want to head home after a show has ended but even after Ralph has finished signing, it can still be a while before the foyer is empty and secured . This means Theatres and arts centres often have to pay overtime and, increasingly, venues are politely saying it is becoming difficult for them when Ralph stays so late into the evening.

Of course, Ralph realises that some may be disappointed at first but he is sure people will understand why this change is necessary.

This certainly will not mean an end to signed " McTellabilia" however. Anyone who wants a CD, DVD or book personalised will be able to pick up an order card from the merchandise stand. The card can be used to order any item from Leola Music and request an individual personal message. Ralph will visit the office every week specially to sign items.

There is an upside to the change. Foregoing the after-show sessions will keep the theatres and venues firmly on Ralph's side and by lessening his workload he will be touring for many years to come. "As always," Ralph says, "I look forward to seeing you all somewhere down the road."

Story published 22 Oct 2006