Singer Colin may have been out of the spotlight for a while but his fans can find him on the net.
Colin Vearncombe is known to most of his fans as the singer from the hit Liverpool band Black. The group scored several chart hits, but now, Colin goes it alone - under his own name. Like many musicians these days, a large part of his trade is plied on the Internet.
He says: "I was considering using the name Black for the web address - but when you search under that, you get millions of results. At least with Colin Vearncombe you get the right thing - although I am told there was another one. . ." The singer has been pretty much out of the public spotlight in recent years - but always working. He was as surprised as anyone to find that he still has a huge following in South Africa, where he has been doing a lot of work. He said: "I was invited over there to do a festival, and I just couldn't believe the response. I've done quite a few gigs there now, and they are always packed, with people queueing round the block for tickets. It's a fascinating country."
Colin enjoyed his time there so much that he plans to record an album there - just one of the three he's currently got planned. Mostly, they are sold via www. colinvearncombe. com, but also at gigs. "I quite like the whole cottage industry vibe we have going, " he says, "these days at gigs, I do my share of the driving, and we flog CDs - it's a far cry from the hit days, but I have to say that I am much happier and more fulfilled now than I ever was then. He is heading back to Liverpool for a gig at the Stanley Theatre at Liverpool University on Saturday night, and the Hope And Grape in Manchester on Sunday.
He says: "I am looking forward to them - but I've no idea if anyone will even turn up! It's weird doing hometown gigs. There's always a welcome, but I don't know how long it will last. I think the people who do come will enjoy it - it's quite civilised, people can sit and smoke and drink and chat a bit, and it's not too loud!"