Heaton keeps it all in the music

BEATS:

Former Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton has released his eagerly anticipated third solo album.

“Acid Country” was recorded in Colne, Lancashire — and now the one-time Housemartins singer is hitting the road to celebrate.

He plays Manchester Academy on Friday and will showcase his 15th studio album, the follow- up to 2008’s “The Cross Eyed Rambler”.

These days, the 48-year-old crooner favours classic melodies with a country edge and lyrics packed with optimism and pessimism in equal measures.

Paul launched his new album with the Pedals and Beer Pumps Tour which saw him travel to 16 pubs by bicycle, cycling over 1,000 miles in the process.

Starting off at the Rovers Return in “Coronation Street” and fitting in a quick date at the Woolpack in “Emmerdale”, the dates saw him highlight the plight of local boozers and celebrate cycling as an environmentally friendly and healthy way of touring.

The father-of-two is known for being a socialist which is reflected through his lyrics over the years.

During his time with the Beautiful South, all money was split equally between all members of the band making them one of only a few truly co-operative bands.

He’s a strong advocate of removing the British monarchy and has also been known to cover the issues of feminism, global warming, globalisation and the euro.

Paul formed The Housemartins in the early 1980s with guitarist Stan Cullimore, Norman Cook on bass and drummer Hugh Whitaker on drums.

The group’s biggest hit was their chart-topping cover of the Isley Brothers’ “Caravan Of Love”.

In 1988, Heaton formed The Beautiful South from the ashes of The Housemartins with Dave Rotheray on lead guitar, former Housemartins roadie Sean Welch on bass, David Stead on drums and former drummer Dave Hemingway, now in the role of joint lead singer.