Dear Oh Dear! things are hectic at the moment for yours truly. What with the forthcoming Orchestra tour and the Beatles, Blues and Blue Violin project taking shape. But i am pleased to announce that we will be officially launching the BBBV project at one of the biggest acoustic festivals in Britain on Bank Holiday Monday (26th May 2008) when we will be appearing on the bill with such artists as Donovan, Midge Ure, Andy Fairweather Low, The Animals, Peter Tork of the Monkees and Eric Faulkener. All the details of this fantastic three day festival can be found at www.acousticfestival.co.uk We are all very pleased about this and its a perfect way to start the proceedings.

Beatles, Blues & Blue Violin drop in at The home of The Beatles

On the Eleanor Rigby Experience tour myself and Tina played The Beatles Convention at The Cavern in Liverpool to a packed audience of Japanese tourists on a Monday afternoon. it seemed only natural that we should return with the Beatles, Blues and Blue Violin project. We are pleased to announce we will be playing The Cavern on Saturday 15th November 2008. We are delighted to have been invited back to the famous city especially in such an important year as Liverpool is The European Capital of Culture 2008. Love to see you there, yeah yeah yeah !!!!!

Beatles, Blues and Blue Violin Project
Phil Bates, Mik Kaminski
and at selected shows, special guest Tina McBain

The first short tour of the BBBV project has now been confirmed. It will be taking place in November 2008 (Thursday 6th to Sat 15th). Four dates are already in, but will be shoon the gig guide when contracts are exchanged. Flyers will be available at forthcoming UK Orchestra dates. A more lengthy tour of the UK is planned for Spring 2009.

Ho, Ho, Ho, 2008 Acoustic Christmas Show confirmed

There is an old saying that the early bird catches the worm, and we have certainly taken that on board. Today we have confirmed that myself and Tina will this year be returning to the magnificent Middleton Hall on Saturday 6th December to present our annual Acoustic Christmas Show. We are also preparing to present a special Summer Garden Party on the lawns of Middeton Hall, the date will be announced soon. We are hoping the Mik Kaminski will join us for both shows, but this is yet to be confirmed.

For further details click here online tickets will be available as from 1st February 2008

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THANKS FOR YOUR MESSAGES

Thanks for all the kind words and messages I have received since my announcement that I was rejoining Mik, Kelly, Lou and Eric. I will do my best to keep everyone updated about future concerts. The gigs page has all the information. There are a few websites for specific information on Orchestra, see Links for details. I will pass on any news as it comes in.

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It's like Friends Reunited in here !!!

The first of the National press ads for the forthcoming Orchestra UK tour has appeared In the Sunday Mirror. I am really looking forward to this tour and meeting up with many of you who I havent seen for a while. It's an exciting time ahead and I think we are all very much awaiting the start of the tour with relish. 

For those who have seen me either solo or with Bev Bevans Move, Brum Rocks or The Eleanor Rigby Experience, but have not as yet seen The Orchestra, then I think you may well be interested in coming along to the show when we are near to you.

The band is currently working on a new set which encompasses 30 years of ELO, ELO Part2 and Orchestra material.
Possibly the most comprehensive set list ever performed by the band or any of its variants.