Alistair Griffin - A New Direction

A New Direction

During 2004, Griffin performed live at over 50 gigs up and down the UK and appeared on numerous television programmes, including Top of the Pops and Liquid News. In March of that year he also competed in the European 'WorldBest' competition in Cannes, singing live with Phil Collins.

The live performances of his own material that he gave throughout that year, singing acoustically and with the backing of a regular 5-piece band, Riccardi, showed a marked difference from the generic 'pop' approach of his record company. After parting from UMTV he abandoned his record company's 'pop style' backing tracks and his former 'boyband' image.

In the autumn, he supported Robin Gibb on his 'Magnet' tour of Germany, opening each concert with an acoustic set of his own songs, playing guitar and accompanied on keyboards by long-time friend and fellow musician, Simon Waggott (Waggo), as well as joining Gibb on stage to duet on 'My Lover's Prayer'. On his return he released an independent recording of his live performances in Germany, which he showcased at a series of sell-out concerts in the North of England.

A former junior tennis champion, he played tennis and also performed with Riccardi in Sir Cliff Richard's pro/celebrity Tennis Tournament in December 2004.

During 2005 Griffin continued to perform live, both solo and with Riccardi, but split with them later that year. He moved back to York and although there were rumours of a new recording deal, nothing materialised. In November he assembled a new backing band and performed his first London gig for over a year at The Bedford, where he showcased several new compositions.

Early in 2006 he announced that he would no longer be pursuing a solo career, and would be concentrating on working and writing with his new band, Albion. For some time he performed solo only at charity events and small local venues. At the beginning of 2007 he also set up his own recording studio called oakwood near York. When interviewed shortly after disbanding Albion in August 2007, he confirmed his intention to resume recording and performing as a solo artist, although he has since performed several times at society weddings and other functions as well as at charity concerts, fronting his covers band, Blue Nun.

In September 2007 Griffin joined other celebrities, fans and professional players to play for the Middlesbrough team in the week long, seven a side, charity football contest, Sky One Premier League All Stars. He scored the winning goal in the last 30 seconds of the final against West Ham, ensuring that Middlesbrough gained the trophy and two local Teesside charities benefited from the first prize of £100,000.

As well as pursuing various other projects he is currently writing and recording material for his next solo album. He performed several of these brand new songs live with his own (unnamed) backing band in May 2008, during a short tour of smaller venues in the UK supporting recently signed indie band Ivyrise.

In August 2008 he headlined the Truck Stage at H2008:Beached festival in Scarborough and is also booked to return there for Acoustic Gathering 111 in September. New UK tour dates with Ivyrise have also been announced for September as well as an additional appearance at the Grand Opera House, York.

In December 2008 he made an impromptu appearance with David Smith and The Mojos.