MUSIC: Mike + the Mechanics are spreading their new word

MIKE + the Mechanics, who have sold over 10 million records worldwide, have announced a new ‘Word of Mouth Tour 2017’, an epic run of 30 concerts that includes a date in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford (on guitar) joins forces with a new generation Mike + the Mechanics which includes one of the UK’s most prolific R&B singers, Andrew Roachford on lead and backing vocals and Canadian-born singer, Tim Howar, who formed and toured with his band Vantramp with the likes of Rod Stewart and Paulo Nutini.

Tim shares vocal duties with Roachford to add a new soulful dimension to the band’s already established sound.

Formed in 1985 by Rutherford as a side project aside from Genesis, Mike + the Mechanics Initially included Rutherford, vocalists Paul Carrack and Paul Young, keyboardist Adrian Lee and drummer Peter Van Hooke.

After a successful decade, Lee and Van Hooke dropped out in 1995, and were not replaced. Following Young’s death in 2000, Carrack became the band’s sole lead vocalist until 2004 when the band went on hiatus, with Rutherford and Carrack both later saying the band had “run its course”.

The band’s identity was revived in 2010, consisting of Rutherford and a completely new set of musicians, including new vocalists Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar.

A new album, ‘The Road’, and the ‘Hit the Road Tour 2011’ were announced in November 2010.

The album was released in April 2011 and featured both Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar on vocals, Luke Juby on keyboards, Gary Wallis on drums, and Anthony Drennan on guitar and bass.

Following on from their 82 dates performed last year in the USA, Europe and the UK, the ‘Word Of Mouth Tour 2017’ will include their massive 1980s hit single ’The Living Years’ which became a No 1 chart-topper in the US.

The single then went onto become a global success.

Their other classic hits include ‘Silent Running’, ‘All I Need Is A Miracle’, ‘Word Of Mouth’, Another Cup of Coffee, and the unforgettable ‘Over My Shoulder’.

Mike + the Mechanics are live at The Olympia Theatre on February 12, 2017.