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Welcome again to S.K.O.H. As this will be the last issue of 1997, I'd like to wish all our readers a 'Merry Christmas' and all the best for the New Year. The next issue will be available early January so save a stamp from all your Xmas post for your S.A.E.!

The first newsletter of '98 will feature (all being well) information on Norman's and Sav's career proving to everyone where the real talent lies in the band! Only joking Wilko. Forth-coming attractions throughout the year will be features on Lew Lewis and S. H. so there'll be plenty of good stuff for everyone. By the way, if anyone is moved to put pen to paper, I'd be happy to receive any articles on any 'Southend' type bands for future issues and give me a bloody rest! Thanks to all those who sent extra info for the discography, photos etc. especially Yuriko for the cover pic. Thanks (as always) to Irene, Wilko, Norman, Sav, and ......

The band have kept up their usual busy live schedule although us poor sods up north suffered with the cancellation of the Rawtenstall gig in September (due to a double booking) and the Glossop & St.Helens gigs early this month as Mr.Johnson had a bout of 'flu. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that he's now recovered and back to his best. A certain sporting occassion also scuppered the York gig on the 11th. However there's plenty of gigs planned over the next couple of months including the Canterbury with Nine Below Zero which is for 'National Curry Day' in aid of 'Save The Children'. There's also a comprehensive tour of Sweden at the end of this month which will include a couple of days in the studio laying down tracks for a compilation C.D. (further details when available). Two dates listed in the gig guide feature both Wilko and S. H. - marking the 20th anniversary of the two as a 'package' - S. H.'s band 'The Heat' supported the Solid Senders on the post-Feelgoods tour in 1977.

As for the new album, unfortunately, we're not much nearer although one of the companies interested are talking about a single release and a consequent video for promotional purpose as well as the album. Assuming the eventual record company doesn't want the band to re-record the album, it will feature the tracks laid down last year at Mushroom Studios, all done mainly in one day (including John Denton on piano) basically 'live in the studio' and a couple of tracks recorded on 24-track at Orinoco (with Wilko on synthesizer). As well as new songs, the band have also recorded a re-working of 'Down By The Waterside'. The album's 'working' title being 'Going Back Home'.

There have been a couple of recent C.D. releases: 'The Best Of Dr.Feelgood' EMI 7243 8 59633 2 2. This was released to tie-in with EMI's centenary celebrations and has several Wilko era tracks. 'Saturday Night! The Best Of Pub Rock' Carlton 30360 00782. Features two Wilko and Lew Lewis tracks as well as artists such as Dr Feelgood, The Pirates etc.

In print, Wilko has written an article on William Burroughs for the November issue of Esquire magazine and the Interview with the band by Grant Tunbridge appeared in August's 'Steppin' Out!'

(Please also have a look at the older newsletter pages as this is just an update of the "addresses" section! Thanks, Gabi.)

Some of you may have heard the unfortunate news of Lew Lewis's recent prison conviction. Whilst 'inside', Lew has been doing some writing:

He'd appreciate any correspondance so if anyone would like to drop him a line, the address is: Keith Lewis, Number XL 2069, C Wing, H.M.P.Blundeston, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 SBG. England. Sender must include their name and address on the envelope.
(In the meantime Lew is back home again, so please DO NOT WRITE to above address!)