In the two decades that have elapsed since Richard Hawley abandoned band life full-time, first with The Longpigs and then as Pulp’s guitarist – the 57-year-old songwriter has forged one of the most singular and diverse careers in modern music.
As well as releasing a string of solo albums that have managed the rare feat of being both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, Hawley has worked with a host of impressive collaborators – friends such as Arctic Monkeys, Manic Street Preachers, Elbow and Pul Weller, alongside personal heroes that include U.S. guitarist Duane Eddy (his 2011 album, ‘Road Trip’, was co-produced by Richard), Shirley Bassey (for whom he wrote the smouldering ballad, “After The Rain”, in 2009), Nancy Sinatra, the late Lisa Marie Presley and British folk royalty Martin Carthy and the late Norma Waterson (he was an integral part of 2013’s ‘Bright Phoebus Revisited’ tour). There are also bona fide pop stars such as Robbie Williams, All Saints and Texas, all of whom Hawley has played with in differing capacities down the years. His song “Tonight The Streets Are Ours” was featured in The Simpsons and Exit Through The Gift Shop: A Banksy Film.
In recent times his songs have appeared in television dramas Peaky Blinders, The Full Monty and Hijack, as well as the hugely acclaimed and award-winning musical named after his 2012 album, ’Standing At The Sky’s Edge’. “Dear Alien (Who Art in Heaven)”, co-written with Jarvis Cocker and Wes Anderson for Anderson’s film, Asteroid City, was recently shortlisted for ‘Best Original Song’ at this year’s Oscars®
The successful award-winning ‘Standing At The Sky’s Edge’ musical features 20 Richard Hawley songs and won Best New Musical and handed Hawley Best Original Score at the 2023 Olivier Awards. Following its sell-out runs at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre and London’s National Theatre, earlier this month it began a six-month run at London’s West End Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Also in 2023, Richard played five acclaimed shows with John Grant, performing the songs of Patsy Cline.
And in October 2023 his Very Best of… ‘Now Then’ became his 4th top 10 album and received outstanding reviews across all media.
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