Proud Mary

Proud Mary are an English blues/rock band from Royton, Oldham, Greater Manchester.The band was discovered by Noel Gallagher, and was the first to sign to the Oasis star's Sour Mash label.The third and fourth albums (Ocean Park and Pilgrim Fields respectively) saw a change in the songwriting dynamic.The first two albums (Same Old Blues and Love and Light) had been mostly dominated by Paul Newsome.Ocean Park was more of a shared effort between Greg and Paul (with re-recorded songs from Gregs solo album 'Glassbottom Boat' included.) Paul had taken over lead vocal duties at Burfest - East Sussex 28 June 2014.This gig saw the introduction of a new female backing singer (Fi) which added so much to the overall sound.They also debuted a new song called 'Hollywood' which is already a fan favourite and can be viewed on YouTube.Also on YouTube is a fan made video diary of the day called 'Proud Mary - Let's Do This.'And a video of the opening track 'Reality Bites.'The set was dominated by songs from Pauls solo LP 'Electric and Palms' but also included classic fan favourites 'Mexico' 'All Good Things' and 'The Blues.'Gigs later in the year such as Matlock 14 October - saw a more even mix of Proud Mary songs written by Paul and songs of 'Electric and Palms.'In July 2014 Greg Griffin left the band due to his relocating to San Diego, California and the remaining members continued to tour as a ‘Paul Newsome’ solo act. On 26 October Noel Gallagher’s video for his new song 'In The Heat Of The Moment' was debuted and Paul Newsome can be seen in the video playing keyboards in a live band performance.This was followed by an appearance (again on Keyboards) on Noel's following single 'The Ballad Of The Mighty I.'In February 2015 it was announced Paul Newsome would be the main headline support to Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on a number of dates of Noel's European Tour in March.It was announced Paul would be playing songs off his solo LP 'Electric and Palms' and would be accompanied by Nathan Birkett and Paul Fuller. This links back to the early days when Noel signed Proud Mary which the Oasis star stated would "give [him] something to do on [his] days off."The single ‘Hollywood’ was released in the summer of 2018 and was accompanied by a tour of the U.K. featuring Greg Griffin back on lead vocals.This lead to the band going back into the studio to record a fifth album which is due for release in 2019 with a tour to follow. The band have toured extensively with artists including Neil Young, The Who, David Bowie, Stereophonics, The Black Crowes, Ryan Adams, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, The Happy Mondays and Oasis to name a few (Proud Mary were the first signings to Noel Gallagher's Sour Mash label and Gallagher produced their first album.)