A Conversation with Annie Haslam (Renaissance) | The Daily Doug (Episode 216.5)

[@harrybrayne6044]

This is so wonderful! Please, Doug, make this a regular feature. It's so nice to just sit back and listen to these stories. Your style is brilliant, allowing the stories to fully develop and expounding on the best topics. I so, so, so, appreciate you and your work Doug! Lots of love xxxx

[@adriangoodrich4306]

Yes, he's great, isn't he? And always positive and uplifting. And cheerful (especially after a wee dram or two of Kentucky's finest!). I NEVER leave a Doug video feeling down. But I think he'd struggle to find many stars as easy to talk to, and as willing to talk and share, as the lovely Annie!

[@harrybrayne6044]

@@adriangoodrich4306 That's right, it's very uplifting. I agree, but I think a convo with Doug and his Bro would be a great regular slot, especially considering the variety in taste. But I also think certain artists would be very happy to be interviewed regarding the music, as opposed to the boring celebrity guff they usually get. I'll keep my fingers crossed anyway! Love to all xxx

[@mickeyraimondi4177]

You Love Rennaisance as I!Saw them three times!Annie Ellegent,Annie wake up you are not elderly,you are still beautiful!

[@mickeyraimondi4177]

Annie please stop acting old!

[@NoahtheEpicGuy]

@@harrybrayne6044 I'd actually be surprised if there was an actual artist that preferred the boring celebrity guff rather than the music. Well...

[@shicolugo]

What a surprise. Annie is one of the greatest voices in rock history. Sadly, I think that Renaissance is a very underrated band, even when they had absolute rock prog masterpieces.

[@adriangoodrich4306]

There along with Yes and Genesis in my top-three bands. SERIOUSLY underrated by too many, I could not agree more, buddy! Annie MUST be the greatest female vocalist in the rock/prog genre? But Jon Camp is surely up there with Chris and Geddy on bass, too? And Dunford/Thatcher has to be up there with Anderson/Squire and Banks/Rutherford/Gabriel and Waters/Gilmour as writers?

[@MiguelHernandez-rc8fo]

Yes, this band was underrated for long but, now in this time with internet and alike, probably gets the acknowledgement they deserve...

[@Truth1561]

Totally agree. Her voice is haunting .

[@bostonseeker]

Annie Haslam is a legend among those of us who know prog and the 70s. And Renaissance is a treasure. I discovered them in the 90s, after a friend nudged me once or twice in their direction. The first rock band to play Carnegie Hall was Bill Haley and the Comets at a benefit concert in 1955. The first regularly booked rock band there was the Beatles in 1964. Carnegie is not always classical. The first performance there was Benny Goodman and his swing orchestra in 1938.

[@johnarcarese172]

@@adriangoodrich4306 I’d argue Annie’s the greatest prog vocalist.

[@astrounclejoe2572]

I’ve been listening to Renaissance since mid 70s and unfortunately I don’t think they received the recognition they deserved for an incredible catalog of music. I’m 66 and Annie’s voice on Ocean Gypsy still brings me to tears. I recently gave my original vinyl to my grandson. Thanks for the interview, and to Annie and Renaissance, thank you for the incredible, and wonderful, music.

[@hermiasvisser812]

I agree with you. I first her them in 1974 when I was 18. I love the sound of Renaissance and especially Annie Haslam. I just think she is so wonderful and beautiful ❤❤❤

[@carlpalmer1709]

Doug, I have had the great pleasure of meeting Annie on several occasions and, I can safely assert that, not only is she a superb vocalist, she is also truly one of the nicest human beings that I've ever encountered, "celebrity" or otherwise.

[@azb2010]

Agreed. I've only met her once, but she is amazingly down to earth and spectacularly positive. I'm pretty sure she is an angel sent to earth.

[@BOWLINGCTUSA]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Renaissance!! Scheherazade is AWESOME!!!

[@BOWLINGCTUSA]

It's worthwhile to sit and listen to the Rimsky-Korsakov version, then listen to Renaissance right after. Great insight and perspective.

[@michaelworse6034]

So is ‘Ashes are burning ‘

[@darrengrebe2253]

I worked with Annie at a rehearsal studio in NJ in the late 80’s while she was preparing a US tour. Since she was in before all the other bands, I got to keep the doors open so I could listen to some of my favorite music being rehearsed. Annie gave me a signed 8x10 and a kiss. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and a truly beautiful person. I don’t need to speak of her voice - just listen! Doug, Ashes Are Burning Live is highly recommended!

[@NoahtheEpicGuy]

Ooh, if we're thinking of the same live version of Ashes Are Burning, I just listened to it and it was _fantastic_ ! Such an amazing piece of work.

[@AndalusianIrish]

Oh my goodness! A thousand thanks!

[@Patrickillian]

We love Renaissance here in Brazil. Its considered one of the top Classic Prog groups :D

[@tobytanzer]

I've been a fan since 1972 and a friend of Annie's since 2010. In the fall of 1972 I sat in my mom's car listening till the end of a song that I later found out was by Renaissance. It was a few years later that I discovered the band's name and the name of the song was Rajah Khan. I will forever be grateful to Doug Pringle and CHOM-FM in Montreal for featuring this genre of music at the time. My first Renaissance show was in 1976. My sons call Annie "Dad's other woman." lol. At Rosfest 2010 I finally met Annie, and offered to be her dentist gratis! She took me up on the offer and stayed at my house! I also commissioned some major pieces of art work then to hang in my office. She is a wonder and a force of nature. Renaissance was the only band I have gone to see that involved a trip in a plane. Several times. I am fortunate to have met John Tout, Michael Dunford, Rave Tesar, Dave Keyes, Jason Hart, Frank Pagano, John Hawken and Joe Goldberger. FB friends with Jon Camp and Terrance Sullivan. Can't wait to watch your reaction!

[@lanreb920]

I discovered Renaissance in 1983, while I was in the Army in Italy. A friend of mine had a cassette of Live At Carnagie Hall. At that time I was 19, and I listened to the first Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Metallica, etc., so it was totally out of my target. I got hooked, and I spent the evenings of following months of my draft in bed with headsets playing the tape. Truly changed my life.

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

Annie is such a wonderful person, I discovered Renaissance through friends in 1974 in Honduras when I was 14 years old. When I moved to the USA in 1980 I did some research and found her address in the USA. In 1986 I wrote a letter to her telling her the story of how I had discovered her music and what a fan I was. She returned a hand written note accompanied with a beautiful color photo of her signed by her as well, and a copy of one of her solo CDs. I cherish that letter, photo and CD and sits in my music collection along with every Renaissance album that I have bought through the years. Thank you so much for that interview I really enjoyed it.

[@wpaul-hc1xo]

wow

[@blearyblazon4355]

You're a very lucky person , my friend

[@hermiasvisser812]

You are so fortunate. I only had vinyls and I was/still am in love with their sound and of course with Annie Haslam ❤

[@martinbroten9467]

Probably my all time favorite singer. I got to see her with Renaissance in the late '70s. What an amazing voice. She had a nice rapport with the audience as well. At one point while the band were tuning she walked to the front of the stage and started talking with some people in the audience. When the tuning was done, Jon Camp stepped up to the mic and said, "Annie, we're ready", which got a big laugh and the concert continued...

[@RalphBellairs]

She's a Lancashire lass - we love to talk! 😃

[@paulsmith5949]

Same, I also saw them in the late '70s, and Annie had a wonderful rapport with the audience.

[@pamnorris8954]

Had to go and listen to Song of Scheherazade half way through this interview. OMG I never thought I would find a song to rival Genesis’s Supper’s Ready but here it is! So haunting it’s other worldly. Only God himself can give this talent. Annie if you see this message you have blessed me today beyond words. Your voice comes from heaven. I will be listening over and over. It brought me joy and tears! I have heard a couple of your songs but not this.

[@adriangoodrich4306]

Pam, check out Ashes are Burning, A Song for All Seasons, and Can You Hear Me? Amongst other epics!

[@hermittraveler2163]

An incredible piece! I'd recommend the song "The Nile For a While" by Japanese progressive rock band Mr. Sirius. They're very similar to Genesis and Renaissance.

[@mArc01H1]

It is always mesmerizing to find that one of the best vocalist in prog scene is also friendly and good heart spirit. Wish you Anne long lasting health.

[@hermiasvisser812]

She is beautiful ❤

[@Relayer6a]

Annie likes "Red". I never would have guessed that.

[@ganazby]

Annie is an absolute legend. And what a wonderful raconteur she is! I could listen to her Lancashire accent all day.

[@johnanthonyp]

You're a good interviewer, Doug. You just let Annie flow whereas many interviewers have an irritating habit of interrupting too much. I'd say your style will encourage other artists to speak to you. Keep up the good work.

[@adriangoodrich4306]

I HOPED the mystery guest would be Annie - and had a feeling it would be. Yet again, Doug does not disappoint! And EDIT...now watched. Absolutely loved it! Thanks so much Annie...and thanks SO much Doug for a thoroughly enjoyable (near) hour!

[@rcleme]

How cool is this??? Kudos to you Doug

[@ernietech-101]

So glad she settled into Bucks County, Pa. Makes me happy to know she's nearby

[@markjacobsen8335]

"Annie In Wonderland" is a wonderful album. You would also probably dig "Still Life", which is basically her album of classical songs accompanied by an orchestra. And wow, that is the first time I have ever heard of Paul McCartney praising a prog musician.

[@RandyHall324]

What a treat! I had the pleasure of seeing Renaissance at Tanglewood in the late '70's - Annie and the band were transcendent! Thanks, Annie for all the great music!

[@nolongerthere]

Her accent becomes more northern-Lancashire as she relaxes!

[@joeking5310]

I'm amazed that she talks in a Lancashire accent, but sings in a home counties accent. Does she realise this?

[@johnreitz5676]

She's wonderful! No ego, no pretense...

[@cygnus53]

She is a tremendous talent. I was first introduced to Renaissance back in 1978. I had just joined the Air Force and I lived in the dorms at my first duty station. My roommate said, you have to hear this band. He put on Novella and I had goose bumps. Still to this day it is my favorite album by them. Just brilliant. I've since collected almost all of their catalog. Thank you Doug for interviewing one of the greatest singers of our time.

[@nz6065]

It was the 18th of May 1974 at the Capitol theater in Portchester , NY when I saw Renaissance perform live . I was overwhelmed by the angelic voice of Annie Haslam along with the excellence of the band. God Bless you Annie 🍷

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Awesome interview. Thanks to both Doug and Annie! And let Annie know that at least *I* was around and remember the TV series "The Saint" with Roger Moore! That was a fun series!

[@eduardoOlima]

Im still in love for this wonderfull woman!

[@Paul_305]

Red is on Red and her John Wetton connection is cool. Selections from Red: Fallen Angel, One More Red Nightmare, Starless and Bible Black. Heck, listen to the whole album.

[@21centuryhippie61]

Starless, actually. Starless and Bible Black is the title track of their previous album.

[@atlasking6110]

LOL - Noticed you skipped the crappy improv as should any listeners. I made a version with "Asbury Park" dubbed in from the USA Live album in place of the boring, plodding "Providence."

[@dmatveev89]

@@atlasking6110 Providence is an essential piece leading to Starless

[@grantross2609]

@@dmatveev89 in total agreement with you..... tho would add that providence is an amazing slow burn hard rock song in its own right !

[@bertibear1300]

Loved this lady’s voice.

[@kennethbernard384]

Great interview! She is one of the greatest voices I've ever heard live. Even having high expectations going into seeing her/Renaissance I was blown away.

[@ny21live]

I was Very fortunate to see the band play live just once. In Rochester, '76-ish. Amazing show!

[@joeking5310]

Who was better? I've never heard anyone male or female who is as good. I was very surprised at how good Debbie Harry is when I saw Blondie, but obviously not in Annie's class.

[@Doutsoldome]

@@joeking5310 Completely different style, but, considering the category of ladies with astonishing natural talent and absurdly beautiful voices, at the very top tier, the only other one I would put there alongside Annie is Karen Carpenter. Again, very different musical styles. But in regards to voice and interpretation, I just can't choose between the two. ( I do prefer the music of Renaissance, though. It is easily my favorite band.)

[@Laurasiana]

Hearing her talk about Alison Steele (the Night Bird) really takes me back. I grew up listening to her show on WNEW, and very much appreciated all the times I got to hear Renaissance. That radio station was a huge influence on my feelings about music, and about the role of the DJ. Such nostalgia!

[@SteveBrant55]

I enjoyed it when she mentioned Alison Steele too! WNEW-FM was my station throughout high school and Alison introduced my to ELP, Jethro Tull, Yes, and Procol Harum as well as Renaissance!

[@tomkeane3778]

10 pm....rainy night...'come fly with me.... Riders on the Storm.

[@jeannemacaluso162]

Ahhh… The life and times in the era of the Night Bird! What a wonderful time for unique music. Will never fIrst hearing Knights in White Satin. What a treat! And others too many to list. Those were the days, my friends…

[@sturoc0]

WIthout her, my musical life would not be what it is today. Soo many groups and artists that she played, on WNEW FM 10pm-2am, influenced me beyond the beyond. I have many tapes recorded from those years and especially of her show !

[@Celtickok1]

I loved Alison Steele too! What a great voice on the Radio.

[@sianpodmore4988]

You really know how to treat us Doug. Lovely interview and a pleasure to meet Ms Haslam, thank you.

[@danalawrence4473]

What a treat! Ohmigosh, thanks! I'veloved Annie and her voice for 40 years. :-)

[@freddb1975]

Fantastic woman. Thank you for the interview.

[@andytaylor9349]

What a great interview, thanks so much. In contrast to Carnegie Hall, I am reminded of the first time I saw Renaissance live. It was around 1972 when Prologue was released. They played at Shenfield Technical High School, Essex, England, when I was a sixth former there, and I recall Annie's wonderful voice, her long-flowing dress, and her unmatched beauty.

[@rsm3t]

Annie is a treasure. Thanks, Doug, for bringing this interview!

[@magirusdeutzjupiter2234]

I saw Annie at Newcastle in the UK with the band, and I was flattered even before the concert began. She is certainly a total and gifted person for sure. Thanks for the video.

[@whiskeyriver4322]

What a darling woman. I was 18 when she first appeared with Renaissance, and I can't imagine going through life with her beautiful voice. It was a magnificent time. I'm so glad to see her here, happy, and laughing. What a treat. This video is a year old now; I hope she is well, and still laughing. God Bless

[@metalmark1214]

Doug, This must be your surprise guest. Great that you had a performer on to interview. Looked her up. Annie Haslam (born 8 June 1947) is an English vocalist, songwriter, and painter. She is best known as the lead singer of progressive rock band Renaissance since 1971, and for her long and diverse solo singing career. She has a five-octave vocal range. From 2002, Haslam has developed a parallel career as a visual artist, producing paintings on canvas, painted musical instruments, and giclées Source: Wikipedia

[@gj8683]

I had no idea what Annie was like as a person as I'd only seen Renaissance performances on KZbin or heard them on records. She's a lovely and very talented person. Thanks Doug, for being the ever-gracious host.

[@grahamnunn8998]

She is a Goddess that you could go down the pub with. That is the best description I can think off, an incredible talent but so grounded and great fun.

[@gj8683]

@@grahamnunn8998 "Grounded," yes, that's the word. Thanks.

[@lorenzominiero]

This was an amazing surprise, and an even more amazing interview! Annie is just so adorable and energetic, and it was fantastic seeing her go through those moments of her and the band's history. I was one of those who suggested Renaissance (and Song of Scheherazade in particular) in the comments, so I really can't wait for the new reaction video to appear!

[@dancampeau1963]

The sad part about the 70s, was the staggering number of rock bands that ripped through the charts, and sadly overshadowing the talents of Renaissance. But without a doubt, this band is one of the greats.

[@GrafStorm]

Such interviews are very appreciated, this was a wonderful conversation to be able to listen to. Thank you Annie and Doug.

[@JohnFiocchi]

Annie Haslam is an amazing person! All through my youth I listened to her singing and she is deep in my heart. She is very meaningful to me in that way. What made her so different from any other singer I heard was her expression. The way she expressed herself through her voice I could feel her soul. And that's what it is. When you love someone that much its because you can feel their soul. ❤

[@joserenatooliveira6368]

Thanks Annie and Doug for this wonderful interview !

[@johndelavina3335]

What a wonderful interview. I’ve been listening to Annie Haslam and Renaissance since the seventies and have never seen or heard an in-depth interview with her. So fun and informative and fascinating. And the Carnegie Hall live album has always been my favorite because, as she said, it puts you in the moment of the energy and excitement that everyone was feeling during the concert. Not to mention that everyone was absolutely on point for those performances. It’s a real shame that the concerts weren’t filmed for posterity. Thanks for this amazing interview, Doug!! Looking forward to your reaction to Scherazade and (hopefully) a follow-up interview. I want to hear her thoughts on UFOs!!

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

I've been a fan of Renaissance since the 70s. Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues wrote and sang harmonies on "The Angels Cry", which is on the self-titled 1989 solo album.

[@cherylannegroth5164]

What a perfect pairing of two of the finest voices in rock music! ❤

[@edelcorrallira]

Its hard not to absolutely love this woman and her art. Wow, so much to discover, her approach reminds me of Nicola Tesla who could literally see the devices he was building as he was making it similar to copying thing by means of rice paper. Absolutely increible, her courage is astounding because she dives in making full use of her intuition and reaching into her own genious. Wow, how cant one be inspired. I will diving into her catalog (music and visual) there is no way I coukd hold back now 😊 Thank you Doug for shining a light on this wonderful human being, what a delight

[@nolongerthere]

I still love her!

[@duncanparsons]

How utterly lovely, what a super interview

[@keithyoung4290]

I met Annie at the Dunstable Civic Hall in the early 80s at the Renaissance merchandise stand. She was lovely, smiling, down to earth - very easy to chat to. Always loved her vocals with Renaissance and thought she was gorgeous too. It's great when people you admire turn out to be nice people too. Long may you continue Annie.

[@schuylersouthwell2554]

Thank you! What a wonderful interview. You were masterful, allowing Annie to develop her stories. She is so kind and as beautiful as ever. I saw the thumbnail for your "Scheherazade" video with the Carnegie Hall cover ( one of my top 5 albums, ever ) and was beside myself. "Doug is doing Renaissance again. Life is grand." Then . . . then . . . he SPEAKS to Annie Haslam. Little story. I have seen Renaissance live 3 times - once at Phoenix Symphony Hall with Al Di Meola as the opening act. When Al was done and Renaissance started, a small ( but very vocal ) subset of the audience was quite rude, calling for Al. Finally, dear, quite, almost shy Annie has had enough and chews those people a new a$$h0le, telling them how simply rude they were. You could have heard a pin drop for about 3 seconds, then cheers, clapping, and not another peep. And one of my top concerts, ever. Thank you Annie, and thank you, Doug. Well done.

[@bryanglassglass8971]

I saw them in 77 here in Syracuse, al dimeola was the opening act, I'm 61 and I'll never forget that show, of course Annie is just beautiful and a wonderful human being!!!

[@craigozancin]

Annie, you are amazing. I discovered Renaissance in the early 70 while at collage. I have been absolutely in love with your music and voice ever since.

[@markspooner1224]

Absolutely brilliant! I have more Renaissance and Annie Haslam albums than any other artists, at least 30 and I still haven't got enough. As usual Annie was delightful and has so many great stories, I wish she would do and audiobook. Thanks for this Doug!

[@grahamnunn8998]

Annie is a goddess, such a pure beautiful person and voice. I love the part where you said she used to have an accent. She has got more Lanchashire than ever!

[@joeking5310]

She said I used to have a Lancastrian accent🤣. Maybe it used to be a lot stronger.

[@lazyguy3555]

Annie has always been my favorite female vocalist. She has the purest of voices. A few years ago on the 3rd day of the Strawbs 50th Anniversary performance, fans and band members shared brunch together. I saw her standing in the corner of the room by herself, so I went over to talk with her. She was so personable and easy to converse with. Great lady.

[@lm2530]

It is so nice to hear Annie talk about those days! Usually all we hear is Annie's amazing voice singing during her songs! When Annie sings, her voice puts a spell on you! All you want to do is hear more from her! Hearing this interview, Annie is truly a sweet, talented lady!

[@hilmarkoerner2603]

beautiful voice and a beautiful mind. thank you Doug and Annie for this interview. This is amazing..

[@arthurcunningham9573]

I can’t thank you enough for this. Annie has been a favourite since way back in the day!

[@foxbyday4300]

Absolutely fabulous ! Her voice melts me !

[@raffinicoghosian8699]

Annie’s voice is so mesmerizing. Great interview. This should be a regular feature on your terrific channel. Renaissance is one of my favourite bands, first intro was Prologue from my older brothers.

[@rtwbikerider]

That was great. Thanks Doug and Annie. I don’t know if Annie has done a biography yet, but I would certainly lay down good money read all of the stories that she has to tell. I could not imagine a band with a sound as big as Renaissance playing in the back room of a pub. Great stuff, you two!👍🏼

[@perromanchado]

The wonderful, beautiful, talented Annie. Thank you Doug. :)

[@DeckardRJ]

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING, DOUG!!! Thank you sooo much for this interview with this great singer (maybe my favorite female singer.. she has an incredible and lovely tone and is very skilled). It's so good for us fans, the prog rock community and musicians to get to know more about Annie and Renaissance's work! Thank you for inviting her to do this interview and doing something that will spread more the word about Renaissance!!!

[@singerofsongss]

Wow, what a treat! Annie Haslam is one of my biggest vocal inspirations. Thanks for sharing this interview on this little corner of the internet.

[@danielgandour5118]

Id be sh**ing myself nervous in an interview like that. Congratulations!

[@chadbennett7873]

Such a lovely person. Having had the true pleasure to meet Annie, and have her sign a program, she is gracious and beautiful. I've been a fan since the early 70's and she's never let me down. Bless you, Annie. Renaissance has been at the top of my list for 50 years and it will always stay there. So sad we've lost some of the band, but we, thankfully, have you to tell us these charming stories. You are loved.

[@BBHouseRodent]

That was amazing. Thank you Doug. Thank you Annie.

[@scotthodge]

Great Interview! Thanks Annie & Doug!

[@arti2909]

Wow what a lovely interview :D Love it!! Thank you both!

[@arpeggioblues5924]

Awe.. this was amazing.. I've heard Annie since the 70s.. This was a great interview.. trivia: She performed with Steve Howe (guitar for Yes) on one of his solo albums.. it was magical..

[@rexn617]

Love the interview, loved Annie in my youth. Renaissance were distinctive in their style and she was even more distinctive in what she added to the band. Glad to hear from mutual contacts how lovely she is in real life. The purity of voice over her range was amazing, Charmed too when experiencing sound problems at Newcastle City Hall when she captivated the audience. There is no better experience than hearing her perform Ashes Are Burning live.

[@memelordmark7532]

Delightful interview. Thanks Annie and Doug. Looking forward to seeing the reaction to Scheherazade. 😎👍

[@irrlicht6997]

Thank you Doug, a great episode. I enjoyed it very much.

[@pencilpauli9442]

Saw Renaissance at the Odeon, Birmingham, UK, back when they were touring c1979. At the end of what I think was Midas Man (the live version differed from the studio recording) Annie just held the most fabulous golden note and the song ended. There wasn't a sound in the house. The audience was deathly quiet. Then there was a silver tinkling of Annie's giggle, followed by her saying, "You can applaud if you want to!" The spell broken, and we went nuts! lol Never experienced an audience held spellbound like that before or since. Such a magical moment Thank you Annie and the rest of Renaissance! ❤

[@joeking5310]

That's incredible, I can totally imagine that happening. I'm sure the audience didn't want to applaud until they knew the song was over and they had heard every micro second.

[@DPG214]

Annie is still a beautiful woman. 'Northern Lights' is an anthem from a wonderful time gone by. And Annie's former boyfriend Roy Wood (a famous Birmingham UK musician) used to work with my late mother in the Birmingham Labour Exchange in Selly Oak in the late 1960s (circa 1967 or 1968). My late mother peripherally knew Denny Laine, Bev Bevan and some of the Moody Blues musicians from her time in Moseley, Birmingham, during the mid-late 1960s. Annie's artwork is well worth showcasing too.

[@popgrubbs]

Been listening to Renaissance for decades and I'm so happy you did this interview, Doug. Nice addition to your channel, my friend!

[@dvzaccari]

That was a lot of fun. Annie has some great stories to tell.

[@charbelel-hani5199]

What a pleasure, what a person is Anne! Great Doug! Do this more!

[@VillacresesCarlos]

Holy cow.... I did no see this comming. What a treat!

[@jimlamb9766]

Love this, new music to me and the story behind it. Annie is so engaging, loved listening to her and time to start listening to Renaissance! The statement, I don’t read, just start and make mistakes, then learn from it = definition of prog. Good message to keep creativity alive!

[@guidosarducci209]

Saw Renaissance with Steeleye Span in the mid 1980s at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia. Best concert I ever went to! I even remember, the band was introduced by the DJ Michael Tierson. I always loved classically-inspired progressive rock, and Renaissance _defined_ it.

[@chadbennett7873]

Doug, what a brilliant interview. You are wise enough to get out of the way and let them talk. You obviously realize that you can tell us about you in your other episodes, so you let her go! Thank you for that ... that's why I've been a subscriber ... you have class and quality, my friend. Always enjoy your comments and very special perspective.

[@goodev88]

A huge thank you for this Doug - A wonderful interview with such a talented and genuinely wonderful person and singer.

[@jackclements2163]

A northern lass from Bolton. Being a lad from over the Pennine hills in Yorkshire, it was a nice surprise to hear a familiar accent!

[@marginal8193]

Great interview, Doug! Really greateful for that!

[@vierdo]

This was trully wonderfull interview and what a lovley lady. Nice work as always Doug. Hope you will do more of these interviews with other artists.

[@jamesschaller3763]

Doug, you are a natural for interviewing, please keep it up.

[@erickent4248]

I think it's amusing that Annie is my moms age, and Doug is mine. I came across Turn of the Cards about a decade ago, and also fell in love with her voice, and the largeness of the songs. Thanks for the interview!

[@chuckkostelc4636]

Such a beautiful segment paying homage to Annie sharing her history and memories of singing with Renaissance as well as her art career. Doug, you're a great interviewer and listener, giving your person full respect and the floor to share anything and everything, making this interview so special and related to your magical Scheherazade video. Thank you!

[@fredreed8462]

This was awesome Doug! It's great that you were able to do this. I've heard many stories from Annie and others as I've listened to Renaissance since Alison Steele first played "Live at Carnegie Hall" in 1976, and so glad to learn more, especially about Annie's early life. The Carnegie Hall shows were quite special as to the best of my knowledge this was the first time and perhaps the last until the Royal Albert Hall show in '78 that they performed "Song of Scheherazade" with an orchestra. Renaissance were touring witih the "Scheherazade and Other Stories" album and the epic title track, through 75-76, with only the band. This meant that all the strings and brass were played by the keyboardist John Tout and of course they had an awesome percussionist with Terence Sullivan These performances don't match the orchestral studio version and of course The Carnegie Hall performance. To hear what this sounded like, check out a a live audio BBC concert from '76, and the show from Passaic, NJ's Capitol Theater also from the same year. I've seen it on YT. It was filmed by the venue and shown live on a screen right above the stage. Unfortunatley it's only in b/w; they began filming in color in '84. Check out performances by Jethro Tull, Lou Reed or Stevie Ray Vaughan. I lived about half hour from Passaic in those days and have seen many shows there, many of them broadcast over WNEW-FM that Annie mentions in her interview. The Capitol Theater became their "home" venue away from home in UK as their manager, John Sher, owned the theater, and Renaissance played there on almost every tour since '74-75 and I've seen them there at least once out of about 7 times I saw them live from '78.

[@earthrise3672]

I met Annie way back in 1983 here in Buffalo NY, along with the rest of the band. My best friend, and musical collaborator's wife also interviewed her for a radio show. I have that interview someplace. I remain in touch with Jon Camp and Terry Sullivan often. Great episode.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

Gavin Harrison join to Reinassence on 1983!! His firts band!!!

[@WooBino.]

Why are they not part of the band now?

[@earthrise3672]

@@antoniocarlin5026 Yes, that is correct. I never met Terry in person. He actually found me on Facebook 😉commenting on some of my music about 8 years ago, but I did get to see him play in 1979 at Buff State College, but sadly didn't get to meet him then. We got to meet Annie and Gavin briefly. But got to have an extended conversation with Micky and Jon at the bar. Also sadly never got to meet John Tout 🙁 Those were the days!

[@earthrise3672]

@@WooBino. That is complicated. There were issues in the band, but they all remain close friends.

[@bryanglassglass8971]

Killer rhythm section!!!

[@pamnorris8954]

Doug The Melody Maker was a paper for the arts in London. Really big for rock back then. That’s how Phil Collins got into Genesis as a drummer.

[@markstedman9099]

And Steve Hacket I believe

[@pamnorris8954]

@@markstedman9099 Yes I believe so. I am a huge Steve Hackett fan and saw him just a couple of years ago in Pittsburgh. I had tickets for his last tour but was canceled due to covid.

[@markstedman9099]

Hi Pam,I met Steve Hacket many years ago outside the Hammersmith Odeon during the ATOTT tour,the first gigs they did after Peter Gabriel left.He seemed bemused as to why a bunch of spotty teenagers wanted his autograph but obliged us anyway.The gig was fantastic to my 15yrd self ,one of the highlights was Bill Bruford Phil Collins going at it on the drums.Ah the memories!, I'm delighted Mr Hackett is still going strong all these years later,all the best👍

[@pamnorris8954]

@@markstedman9099 I saw that tour as well in Pittsburgh and I was 16 years old. Then saw W & W tour the next year. Those 2 concerts are probably my favorite concerts of all time. You are so lucky to have met Steve. I remember Bill Bruford drumming and it being a big deal as I am also a huge Yes fan.

[@markstedman9099]

Same gigs just different side of the pond Pam,I just wish I'd been a bit older so I could have gone to the LLDOB gig at the Wembley empire pool and seen Mr Gabriel in all his slipper man glory!.but my parents wouldn't let me.You said you like Yes did you watch Doug react to CTTE?,it made me smile when he heard Chris Squire for the first time. The music of our youth has stood the test of time I think

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

I'll add the "minor brag" that I've met Annie a few times at meet-and-greets done after concerts. At least one time in the 1990's (during her solo career) it was at a small venue right on the campus where I work. But also met her a few times at "The Egg" in Albany, when Renaissance returned to touring in the 2000's. She was so happy to be teamed up and touring again with Michael Dunford (who was part of the 1970's version of the band).

[@dalesworld1308]

Saw Renaissance in 1976 and can concur - the backlight through her dress was very memorable. Love both iterations of the band. Thanks!

[@jgowin66]

I have loved Annie since about 1974, when my older brother introduced me to Renaissance music. You cannot listen to that magical voice and not be affected down to the marrow. This was a delightful interview too! Thank you!

[@douglasstreet7304]

GREATEST female voice I've ever heard. THEN and NOW.

[@bryanglassglass8971]

Your the best Doug, saw Renaissance in 77 here in Syracuse, life changing!!!!

[@MsThebeMoon]

No waaaaay! This is a special episode! Hello Annie! Love you and Renaissance since the 70's.