May 2000 Press Release

May 2000 Press Release

Steve Carney today confirmed that Fragile's major autumn tour schedule would go under the banner of the "Roundabout 2000 Tour", and had been organised in response to the unprecedented demand for Fragile gigs outside London. "We have been amazed at the response to our limited activity so far, and the phenomenal success of the website has convinced us that the time is now right to deliver our show across the UK". The Roundabout 200 Tour starts on 1 August in London and runs through to the end of November when it is due to finish in Cambridge. However Steve confirmed that there is a strong possibility that further dates will be added in December including a special multi act prog-event. Plans are also advanced for a further tour in early 2001 to take in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the west of England. Steve is enthusiastic about the tough schedule ahead, "we want to establish ourselves as a truly national act, and indeed extend our activity into mainland Europe. Our trip to Belgium in November is a taster for further gigging activity on the continent in 2001, and we would love to hear from serious promoters in France, Holland, and Germany". Steve also hinted at some unique events next year including some festival appearances and a premiere performance of the "Close To The Edge" album in its entirety at a major London venue.

Steve on stage

Mitch - now fully recovered!

Gonzalo - Difficult times over?

Fragile in fact return to live performance this month with a new line-up and Mitch Harwood recently recovered from serious illness. A short spring tour prefaces the autumn schedule and Steve relayed the band's pleasure at a return to the stage after four months enforced absence. "We have only performed twice since our appearance at the Robin in September of last year, and the comeback gigs in January were overshadowed somewhat by Dave Rollins hasty departure. It has been a difficult time for Gonzalo in particular who effectively joined the band last year!, and for Robert our new and latest band member. Both Robert and Gonzalo performed miracles by learning all their parts in time for the March dates only for Mitch to fall ill. However, I am sure that Fragile devotees will feel the wait has been worth it and I can assure everyone that the new line up is something special!". Fragile appear at the Bulls Head, Barnes on 23 May followed by the Cartoon, Croydon on 30th May. A gig not to miss is the appearance one week later at the Half Moon, Herne Hill, on 8 June. This gig will be recorded for Fragile's debut CD which is scheduled to be available for the Roundabout 2000 Tour. Steve confirmed that this recording will definitely appear... "The non-appearance of last year's recording with the Mark 1 line up was beyond our control and our apologies to everyone who wanted a copy. This time the arrangements are in our own hands and we are not dependant on outside interests. We also feel that the new line-up can deliver the songs in a way that the original line-up could not, things now sound so much more Yes like and Gonzalo has brought a real Wakeman feel to the numbers. Robert has also extended the guitar ideas and can replicate the styles of all three Yes guitarists quite comfortably. It is also the case that Jon and Mitch were not happy with the original performances and on reflection I think they were right!. Fragile make a one-off appearance at the Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard on 16 June before spending the summer mixing the Half Moon recording and routining another major Yes piece.

Steve is crossing just about everything that no further major problems hit Fragile.. "The last six months have been a rough ride with two members leaving, two joining, and one nearly dying!, add in the cancelled gigs and certain contractual problems from the past and I can safely say there have been better times!. However, we have come through stronger than ever and there is now a real spirit in the band borne out of sheer adversity!". Steve and the other members of Fragile look forward to being amongst friends old and new at the gigs this year, and hope you will come along and enjoy an evening of Yes music plus!

Robert waits patiently.