Australian progressive rock band United Progressive Fraternity has announced a series of concerts in the Netherlands scheduled for the fall in 2014.
Even though celebrated Australian progressive rock group Unitopia decided to disband, the musical spirit still lives on in the newly formed United Progressive Fraternity (UPF). The new band featured former Unitopia members Matt Williams on guitar, Dave Hopgood on drums, Tim Irrgang on percussion and the ever magical voice of Mark ‘Truey’ Trueack. In addition to his Australian colleagues, Mark has recruited progressive rock heavyweights in the form of keyboard player, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Guy Manning (Manning, The Tangent), Jonathan Barrett on bass (The Tangent) and on the first UPF album and also on their up and coming tour of the UK and Europe later in the year, wind player Ian Ritchie (renowned for his work with Roger Waters).
On March 31, UPF released music video “The Water”, from the debut album ‘Fall in Love with the World’ (due for release in October 2014) and which includes a collaboration with former Yes frontman Jon Anderson and input from former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett. Steve Unruh will also appear as a special guest on the album, playing the violin and flute.
The band will be touring the UK and Europe in the autumn and have already secured a place at the prestigious Summers End Festival as the Special Guest slot on Saturday night.
Musicians:
David Hopgood (Drums/Vocals) [Unitopia]
Guy Manning (Keyboards/Guitars/Mandolins/Vocals) [Manning, The Tangent]
Ian Ritchie (Sax, Flutes./vocals) [Roger Waters, Steve Hillage and Robbie Neville]
Mark (truey) Trueack (Vocals) [Unitopia]
Matt Williams (Guitars/Vocals) [Unitopia]
Jonathan Barrett (Bass/Vocals) [The Tangent]
Tim Irrgang (Percussion) [Unitopia]
Special Guests: Jon Anderson, Steve Hackett, Steve Unruh, Mary Katherine, Brittany and Holly Trueack.
Tourdates UPF (United Progressive Fraternity):
October 3, 2014 – Poppodium Nieuwe NOR (Heerlen, The Netherlands)
October 5, 2014 – ‘t Blok (Nieuwekerk aan de IJsel, The Netherlands, start 16:00) http://www.jeugdwerkzuidplas.nl
October 7, 2014 – Bluescafe Apeldoorn (Apeldoorn, The Netherlands)
November 28, 2014 Spirit of 66 Verviers Belgium
November 29, 2014 De Boerderij Zoetermeer NL