News
19 June 2010 – The Storys' Farewell Gigs
The Storys played their farewell gig at the Grand Theatre, Swansea, to a packed house.
11 June 2010 – Limited Edition Farewell Brochure Goes on Sale
A special, limited edition, colour brochure created by the band for the fans goes on sale in the website shop today.
31 May 2010 – In Store Signing Session – Derricks Records, Swansea
The Storys will be doing an in-store signing session at Derricks Records, 221 Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3BQ at 5pm on Monday 7 June, the release date of their third and final album "Luck" and also the release date of Rob Thompson's first solo album "Dust".
7 Apr 2010 – The Storys' Third & Final Album "Luck"
The third and final album by The Storys, "Luck", will be out on 7 June 2010 and you can already pre-order from AngelAir and Amazon.
1. Everybody Wants You To Make It
2. Daylight Calls Again
3. Burning Sun
4. California
5. Please Come Home
6. She'll Never Do That
7. Take All The Time That You Need
8. Long Way Up
9. Paper Plane
10. Before I Fall
11. All Inside
7 Apr 2010 – Rob Thompson's New Solo Album "Dust"
Rob Thompson's solo album, "Dust" will be released on 7 June 2010 (the same day as The Storys' "Luck" album). You can already pre-order from AngelAir and Amazon. The tracklising is:
1. Dust
2. Could You Come Around?
3. It All Makes Sense In The End
4. I Can't Tune In
5. The Director's Cut
6. Standing Still
7. Watching How All The Dust's Drawn To The TV
8. The Ending Credits
9. Dust (radio edit)
5 Mar 2010 – Extra Special Gig & Extra Special Guest Announced!
The band announced that they have added an extra night before their final gig – Friday 18 June in the Arts Wing of the Swansea Grand. This will be an intimate acoustic night with The Storys and the gig will hold only 200 people! They also announced that former band member, Dai Smith, will join them for these final two gigs!
4 Mar 2010 – Storys Announce Third Album
The Storys announced the would finish their third album and release it on Angel Air Records a couple of weeks before their final gig on 19 June. Tentative title for the album is "Luck"!
24 Jan 2010 – Storys Come To An End, Rachel Mainwaring, Wales on Sunday
Sir Elton John's favourite Welsh band The Storys may be splitting up but they plan to go out with a bang in an emotional June 19 farewell gig.
Formed in 2003, they released two albums, played headline gigs and supported Van Morrison, Santana and Katie Melua. Lead singer and former West End star Steve Balsamo said the time had come to call it a day.
"We've had a great six years together and have memories that will be with us for the rest of our lives. However, we all think the time's right to try something new. We all have our own projects to take forward and we're eager to support each other. Our big hometown gig in the summer will be an end to The Storys at this stage but we'll leave the door open to possibly getting back together in future years. We thank our fans from the bottom of our hearts and look forward to a fantastic final live show."
The Storys at Swansea Grand, June 19. Tickets £17.50, on sale now, from 01792 475715.
21 Dec 2009 – Emotional Farewell Gig For Welsh Favourites
One of Wales' most admired bands are preparing to write the final chapter of their colourful tale.
But members of The Storys say that June 19's emotional farewell gig – announced today – will leave room for a postscript to a partnership which has brought praise from mega-stars Elton John and Celine Dion.
Formed in 2003, the Americana-style sextet have released two albums, played scores of headline gigs and have supported the likes of Van Morrison, Santana and Katie Melua.
They have a large and devoted following across Wales, the UK and as far afield as Holland and Germany. The Swansea-based outfit specialise in strong 70s-style West Coast-influenced songs.
Lead singer Steve Balsamo said: "We've had a great six years together and have memories that will be with us for the rest of our lives. However, we all think the time's right to try something new. We all have our own projects to take forward and we're eager to support each other – there are a lot of exciting things in the pipeline. Our big hometown gig in the summer will be an end to The Storys at this stage but we'll leave the door open to possibly getting back together in future years. We thank our fans from the bottom of our hearts for all their support; we look forward to giving them a fantastic final live show."
Tickets are now on sale for June's Swansea Grand Theatre farewell gig.
The Storys formed in spring 2003 and brought together six of the Swansea music scene's finest talents.
They were Balsamo (vocals/guitar), Andy Collins (vocals/bass), Dai Smith (vocals/guitar), Alan Thomas (keyboards/mandolin/banjo), Brian Thomas (drums/percussion) and Rob Thompson (vocals/guitar). Smith departed in summer 2008 and was replaced by Rosalie Deighton (vocals/guitar).
In 2004, the band began recording their debut album – The Storys – in the Afan Valley village of Glyncorrwg. They produced it themselves and it featured self-penned crowd-pleasers such as Be By Your Side, Cinnamon and Roll Like a Stone. It was released in October 2005. Be By Your Side later featured in TV's One Tree Hill, one of America's top-rated soaps.
June 2004 saw their first gig when more than 70,000 music fans attended the Olympic Torch Concert outside Buckingham Palace. It was soon followed by a support slot with Tom Jones, a busy gigging schedule and singles releases.
2006 saw the album picked up by the Warners/Korova label and May that year saw The Storys embark on a UK tour supporting Elton John and playing regularly to crowds of more than 20,000. December brought three European capital support slots with Katie Melua.
In 2007 the album launched in America on Rykodisc, recording began on a follow-up album at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studio, near Bath, and there was a UK and European tour with Elton John.
2008 brought the release of second album Town Beyond the Trees, featuring more self-penned anthems including Long Hard Road, Evangelina and the title track.
The Storys appeared in 2008 Jason Statham movie The Bank Job, continued to gig heavily across northern Europe, including with Celine Dion, played in an Elton John concert at Swansea's Liberty Stadium and this year staged homecoming show at the city's Brangwyn Hall and at Port Talbot's Princess Royal Theatre.
The Storys have been big supporters of worthy causes, including the rebuildling of Neath's fire-destroyed Gwyn Hall, the RNLI, Macmillan Nurses and national charity the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Side projects, which will continue, have seen Balsamo work with Deep Purple's Jon Lord and with Rob Thompson in new band Oystermouth, and Alan and Brian Thomas work together as duo Eaglesbush. Collins, Deighton and Thompson have all got solo recording projects on the go.
The Storys at Swansea Grand – 19 June 2010.
Tickets £17.50 on sale now at 01792 475715.
10 Jul 2009 – "Town Beyond The Trees" Re-Release Double CD Package With Live EP
The Storys' much acclaimed second album "Town Beyond The Trees" was released last year and is now repackaged with a BONUS second disc of live tracks, including 4 tracks from their 2006 self-titled debut album. The double CD package will be released on 10 August 2009 through Angel Air Records, catalogue number SJPCD308, and will be available in all good record stores as well as from online retailers and iTunes.
1 Jul 2009 – Band Registered For People's Music Awards
Join up and vote for the band here: thepeoplesmusicawards.com/thestorys
28 May 2009 – Childline Rocks, IndigO2, London – 1 June 2009 – Live CD
ChildLine Rocks are teaming up with instant music specialists, Concert Live, to give fans a unique way to show their support to ChildLine and relive the experience of the special gig at the IndigO2, London on 1st June 2009.
The instant souvenir charity CDs will feature: The Pretty Things, Thunder, Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Steve Balsamo, Hot Leg and Uriah Heep!
The 3 CD sets produced will be limited edition and will feature 2 audio CDs and a 3rd photo disc that will feature exclusive instant photos from the nights performances. All profits from the sale of the CDs will go directly to ChildLine, making this a unique way to raise awareness for a valuable and important cause, raising money to make a difference for children who really need your support!
Place your order here: concertlive.co.uk
6 Apr 2009 – Oystermouth On MySpace
Oystermouth, a side project featuring Steve, Rob and Andy, launched itself onto MySpace – promising a Live EP soon – myspace.com/oystermouth.
5 Apr 2009 – Bob Harris Plays The Live EP
Bob Harris gave the Live EP it's first airplay on Radio 2.
23 Feb 2009 – Download A New Song for Making Swansea Proud
If you go to the front page of the website, you will see the link to the donation page and a new song called "Please Come Home", featuring Rosalie on lead vocals. We are asking that people donate a minimum of £1, but if you would like to donate more then all donations gratefully received.
Also, tune into The Wave (thewave.co.uk) from 8am this morning then the band will be talking about the new track and the cause and The Wave will be playing the track for the first time and all week!
The band will then be on Alan Thompson's show this evening from 7pm on BBC Radio Wales (bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales).
7 Feb 2009 – Live EP – Part 1
The new Live EP will go on sale at the Brangwyn Hall gig on 26 Feb. Track listing is confirmed as: I Believe In Love, Heaven Holds You Now, So Long, Be By Your Side, Town Beyond The Trees, Hollywood, Evangelina, King Of Broken Dreams.
1 Feb 2009 – Photos Of Band In Studio
There are some great new photos, taken by Graham Harries, of the band at work in Tim Hamill's Sonic One Studio. Check the photos page for details.
31 Jan 2009 – Band In South Wales Evening Post
The band were featured on the front page of their local newspaper in Swansea, the South Wales Evening Post. Check the press page for details. The newspaper also filmed a video of the band in the studio. Check the video page for details.
21 Jan 2009 – Band To Support Jonatha Brooke
The band are very excited to have been asked to support Jonatha Brooke at her Bush Hall gig in London on 27 Feb. Check the gigs page for details.
14 Jan 2009 – Oystermouth Side Project Announced
Rob announced on The Forum that he, Steve and Andy have a side project called "Oystermouth" that they are recording songs for. They hope an EP will be available soon.
22 Dec 2008 – Band Announce Headlining Swansea Gig
The Storys will play their first big headlining gig of 2009 in their hometown of Swansea at the Brangwyn Hall on 26 Feb. Check the gigs page for details.
Dec 2008 – Steve Performs At Ginger Baker Gig
Steve is hugely honoured to be asked to perform with Ginger Baker's band at the Zildjian Drummer Awards at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on 7 Dec.
Dec 2008 – Bandaged CD Single Released
Terry Wogan and Aled Jones' song "Littler Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" from the Bandaged CD for Children In Need is to be released as a Christmas single. The full track listing will be:
Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth – Terry Wogan/Aled Jones
Swing On A Star – Clare Teal
Puff The Magic Dragon – Sally B "Traffic" Boazman & The Storys
Right Said Fred – Mark Radcliffe
It will be available from 8 Dec from all the usual retailers and online stockists.
Nov 2008 – Eaglesbush Side Project Launched
Brian and Alan have finally launched their side project called "Eaglesbush" and have set up a Myspace page: myspace.com/eaglesbush
Nov 2008 – Bandaged CD For Children in Need
The Storys are on the song "Puff The Magic Dragon" with Sally Traffic from BBC Radio 2 on this CD of children's classics for BBC Children In Need. On sale from 10 Nov from: charitygoods.com
Oct 2008 – Dutch Gig
The band are very excited to be going back to Holland in Dec to do their first headlining gig at the legendary Paradiso in Amsterdam. Check the gigs page for details.
Oct 2008 – The Storys In The Studio
The band are in the studio working on some new material for album number 3!
Oct 2008 – "Evangelina" Single Released In Holland
Available as a download from: radio538.nl and also on iTunes.
Oct 2008 – Bob Harris Gig
The band had a fantastic night supporting the legendary Bob Harris when he came to Pontardawe to do a talk about his life in radio and his encounters with the legends of music on 24 Oct.
Oct 2008 – The Storys Head To Holland
The band are looking forward to getting to Holland for the Take Root Festival in Groningen on 4 Oct and also to do some radio promo whilst they are out there and meeting all of the Dutch fans.
Aug 2008 – Dai Smith Leaving The Storys
Statement from The Storys: "Hi All. It's great news that Dai says he is feeling better, but unfortunate and sad that he decided to leave the band last Thursday. We all remain good friends and wish him the best of luck with all his musical endeavors, and of course wish him health and happiness. Steve, on behalf of the band."
Jul 2008 – The Storys Supporting Van Morrison
The band have been asked to support Van Morrison at his two outdoor UK gigs in Aug. Check the gigs page for details.
Jul 2008 – The Storys At Lokersee Feesten, Belgium
The band will be appearing at the famous Lokersee Feesten in Belgium in Aug, along with Daniel Lanois and Sinead O'Connor. Check the gigs page for details.
Jun 2008 – The Storys Supporting Santana
The band have been asked to support the legendary Santana at the Stars & Moon Festival in Locarno, Switzerland. Check the gigs page for details.
Jun 2008 – Bank Job DVD Release Date
The Bank Job DVD featuring the band will be released in the UK in Jul 2008.
May 2008 – The Storys In Germany
The band will be playing a series of gigs in Jul in Germany supporting the Scottish band Runrig. Check the gigs page for details.
May 2008 – The Storys Head To Monte Carlo
The band are going to be playing a series of six gigs at Moods Night Club in Monte Carlo at the end of May. Check the gigs page for details.
May 2008 – The Storys Head To Ireland
The band will be playing four gigs in Ireland in Jun. Check the gigs page for details.
Apr 2008 – Album Launch Gig For RNLI
The Album Launch Gig at the Ostreme Centre in Mumbles on 31 Mar raised £1,395 for the RNLI! Thank you to everyone who came along and contributed.
Mar 2008 – Chris Evans' Juke Box Jury, BBC Radio 2
The single "Long Hard Road" was on Juke Box Jury – it was voted a hit by listeners! Thank you to all who voted.
Feb 2008 – The Storys Attend Bank Job Film Premiere
The band are honoured and thrilled to be invited along to the London premiere of the film "The Bank Job". They will also be playing for all the star guests at the post-premiere party!
Dec 2007 – New Album Release Date
The Storys' long-awaited second Album "Town Beyond The Trees" will be released on 31 Mar 2008.
Nov 2007 – Band To Support Elton John Again
The Storys will be supporting Sir Elton John again when he comes to play Swansea's Liberty Stadium on 29 Jun 2008.
Oct 2007 – Band To Support Joe Cocker
The Storys will be supporting Joe Cocker on 15 Dec at Sheffield Hallam Arena and on 16 Dec at the Indigo2, London.
Aug 2007 – Campbell American Guitars
Rob is now the proud owner of a Campbell American guitar (Bill Nelson Signature Limited Edition).
Jul 2007 – Band To Record Cover Version For Movie
The makers of the movie The Bank Job have asked The Storys to record The Beatles' "Money (That's What I Want)" for the end credits of the film.
Jul 2007 – Exhibition At Swansea Museum
The Storys are part of an exhibition at Swansea Museum called Rock to Rhapsody, charting the significance of the South Wales town in the music industry. The exhibition opens on 23 Jul and runs til Oct 2007.
Jun 2007 – Track Used In TV Series "One Tree Hill"
The Storys' track "Be Be Your Side" has been used in an episode of One Tree Hill, the US teen drama series. It was used in episode 19 of season 4, called "Ashes of Dreams You Let Die".
Apr 2007 – Band At Real World Studios
The Storys begin recording their second album at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios today and should be there for about a month.
Mar 2007 – Album Gets US Release
The Storys' debut album is released in the US and available in all good record stores as well as via download.
Feb 2007 – Local Band Wins Competition
This River, a local band from South Wales, won The Wave's competition to support The Storys at the Grand Theatre on 1 Mar 2007.
Feb 2007 – Band Announce Elton John Support
The Storys announced on Wave FM that they will also be supporting Sir Elton John on his European tour as well as his UK tour this summer.
Feb 2007 – Press Release Announcing Elton John Support
It was announced by official press release that The Storys will support Sir Elton John on his 2007 summer tour.
Dec 2006 – Band Supporting Katie Melua
The Storys have been given a last-minute support slot to Katie Melua at Wembley Arena on 3 Dec. They have also been confirmed as her support for her 2 dates in Germany the week after and her final date in Paris.
Nov 2006 – Steve's Artwork Raises £500
Steve's original artwork from "The Town Beyond The Trees" original edition CD EP was donated for auction to The Linda McCartney Centre based at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. It was sold for £500!
Oct 2006 – Mark Radcliffe Show On BBC Radio 2
The Storys have been invited to do a session and interview for The Mark Radcliffe Show on BBC Radio 2. The show is being hosted by Claudia Winkleman as Mark is away.
Oct 2006 – New Single Released
The new single "Journey's End (Show Me Love) Radio Mix" will be released as a digital download. The "Journey's End" EP will also be available as a digital download featuring B sides that were originally only available on vinyl, tracklisting below:
Journey End (Show Me Love) Radio Mix
God Take Care Of The One Of Love
My Foot Was Nailed To The Floor
The Sun's Going Down
So Long
Oct 2006 – BT Digital Music Awards 2006
The Storys' website was voted in at number 97 in the best music websites in the BT Digital Music Awards 2006. Thank you to everyone who voted!
Oct 2006 – BBC Radio 2 On Song Festival
BBC Radio 2 recorded the band's Shepherds Bush gig and 7 songs will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 as part of the On Song Festival.
Aug 2006 – New Single Released
The new single "I Believe In Love" is released as a CD single and a 7" vinyl. The B side of the CD single is "It's Alright To Make Me Cry", whilst the B side of the 7" vinyl is "The Sun's Going Down".
Aug 2006 – Live Acoustic In-Store Performances
The Storys will be doing live acoustic in-store performances and album signing sessions in various Borders stores whilst on their UK tour in Sep.
Jul 2006 – Radio 2 Playlist
"I Believe In Love" made the Radio 2 playlist today!
Jun 2006 – New Single Released
New single "Cinnamon" is released as a CD single and a limited edition 7" vinyl with extra tracks not available on the album – "So Long" and "My Foot Was Nailed To The Floor".
Jun 2006 – Band Features On London Tonight
The Storys were featured on the London Tonight bulletin at lunchtime from the Hard Rock Cafe.
Jun 2006 – Band Features On London Tonight
New UK tour dates announced.
May 2006 – Band On BBC Radio Manchester
The Storys will be interviewed on BBC Radio Manchester with Jimmy Wagg and Gail Sullivan and also perform an acoustic track live.
May 2006 – Band On Saga FM
The Storys were interviewed on Saga FM in Birmingham.
May 2006 – New Single Details
There will be two mixes of the next single, "Cinnamon" – the Youth mix and the Fever mix. It will be released as 2 CDs and a cream 7" vinyl. There will be exclusive B sides – "My Foot Was Nailed To The Floor" and "So Long".
Apr 2006 – BBC 6 Music Chart
The Storys' debut album has entered the BBC 6 music chart at No 30!
Mar 2006 – South Wales' In-Store Performances
The Storys will be in-store at Derricks Records, Spillers Records, Sullivans Records and Speed Music.
Mar 2006 – Debut Album Released
The Storys' repackaged debut album is released on Korova Records.
Mar 2006 – Red Dragon Record Hard Rock Cafe Set
Red Dragon FM recorded some of the band's set at the Hard Rock Cafe and will be broadcasting it across South Wales.
Mar 2006 – First 7" Single Released
The Storys' first 7" single "Be By Your Side" is released featuring previously unreleased B side "God Take Care Of The One I Love".
Mar 2006 – Band Featuring At Disney's Welsh Festival
The Storys have been invited to join other Welsh artists to perform as part of a Welsh Festival for St David's Day at Disneyland Resort Paris.
Mar 2006 – Band Announced As Sir Elton's "Special Guests"
The Storys anounced as "special guests" on Sir Elton John's forthcoming 11-date stadium and arena tour.
Feb 2006 – Johnnie Walker Show On BBC Radio 2
The Storys will be doing a live session with Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2.
Feb 2006 – Band Announce UK Tour
The Storys announce their first UK headlining tour.
Feb 2006 – Janice Long Show On BBC Radio 2
The Storys will be doing a live session on Janice Long's Show on BBC Radio 2.
Jan 2006 – Ned Sherrin On BBC Radio 4
The Storys will be live on Ned Sherrin's Loose Ends show on BBC Radio 4.
Jan 2006 – Bob Harris Show On BBC Radio 2
The Storys record a session for Bob Harris' Show on BBC Radio 2.
Dec 2005 – Band Sign Record Deal!
What a day! Not only was it the winter solstice AND Dai's birthday but the band signed a record deal with Warners!
Nov 2005 – New Single Announced
The new single will be "Be By Your Side" and is scheduled for release in Feb 2006.
Nov 2005 – Mumbles Lifeboat Launch On Wave FM
Steve, Dai and Rob to appear on Swansea's Wave FM breakfast show with Badger and Emma for the launch of the new Mumbles lifeboat.
Oct 2005 – Debut Album & Single Released
The Storys' self-titled debut album is released today along with debut single "Cinnamon".
Sep 2005 – Website Nominated For Award
This website has been nominated for an award as part of the BT Digital Music Awards 2005.
Aug 2005 – Bob Harris Plays Track
Bob Harris played "Roll Like A Stone" from the band's promo sampler on his show on BBC Radio 2.
Aug 2005 – Track Played On Virgin Radio
"Cinnamon" was played on Martin Collins' drivetime show on Virgin Radio.
Jun 2005 – First Radio Play For Single
"Cinnamon" had it's first radio play on Johnnie Walker's Show on BBC Radio 2.
Jun 2005 – Debut Album And Single Announced
The Storys' debut single "Cinnamon" and debut album will be released on the band's own label, Hall Recordings.
Jun 2005 – New EP Announced
New EP for sale, simply called "The Storys EP" and contains tracks "Be By Your Side", "Roll Like A Stone", "High Enough" (all from the debut album) plus a bonus track "So Long".