Sheffield band set to release delayed album as lockdown easing permits live shows

With live shows set to return on 17 May, bands and artists are gearing up for performing in front of people once again.

Sheffield born-and-bred musician Paul Fletcher, frontman of Paul Fletcher and The Dukes, is one of the many music-lovers focusing on nothing else but this exciting return to live shows.

Their new single, Fool In Love With You, is the third track in their upcoming album and will be released on Monday, acting as a departure from what they have previously recorded.

“This song has been kicking around for a long time,” explained Mr Fletcher.

“In parts, it sounds a bit like The Beatles and in parts it sounds like a Bond theme tune, being a bit different to the first two singles that we’ve released off the upcoming album.”

The Sheffield musician is an experienced professional in the music industry, having worked with X Factor contestant Holly Tandy via his Music Panel Record Label.

Alongside writing music, he performs live with his band, consisting of Mike Beatham on guitar, Kirsty Mullen on bass and Stephen Broughton on drums.

“We were gigging a lot until Covid came up and we’ve got a lot of festivals planned from mid-July onwards, which we’re looking forward to,” added Mr Fletcher.

“This album is coming out for us at the right time. We recorded it in two parts – the part before Covid and the part recorded during Covid.

“We’ve got shows in Manchester, London and Sheffield planned, along with 6 or 7 festivals, but we’re just sat there waiting and thinking about what would happen if it all got locked down again.

“Everything does feel provisional as you just don’t know what’s going to happen. Another lockdown would be very frustrating.”

Paul Fletcher and The Dukes’ new album In The Blink of An Eye is set to be released on 31 May.

You can listen to the released singles so far off the album here.