Hugh Cornwell 'I don't know why the Stranglers call themselves the Stranglers'

[@DUTCHMOON70]

Ive been fortunate to see every incarnation of the Stranglers......I feel that Paul kept them going through a dark period when Hugh left and Baz has added the menace they once had. Its great that Paul has found his calling, Hugh still does his thing and the Stranglers go from strength to strength in my opinion. Good luck to all of them.

[@martinbarratt1070]

Love the Stranglers - saw them loads of times. Love Hugh Cornwell - seen him loads of times. Life is too short for bitterness and it's a shame they don't draw a line under all the vitriol, accept what each other does and move on. Top blokes all of 'em.

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

Yeah, well said, fella.

[@milosit]

I met Hugh in LA in 2012 when he played at the Echoplex with Glenn Matlock. I took a photo with him after the show and he signed my 3D Raven LP among others. He is the nicest chap you could ever hope to meet

[@sirjellybeans1st19]

That's really cool to have The Raven Signed especially the 3d version

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

Oh you lucky sod !😉 Both to have met him, and also to have thé original 3D Raven album, NOW SIGNED. Nice one !

[@milosit]

@@Rugmunchersauce3 Later that year, The Stranglers played at the Long Beach Ink 'N Iron show, in my adopted home town. I met Peter Dee of The Adicts and we both later met up with JJ and the band at a local restaurant. JJ shook my hand when he learned I hailed from Bradford (he went to Uni there).

[@kentborges5114]

Such a pleasure to meet Hugh on a solo tour recently...still has it !!!

[@OldSethOnetooth]

I read the comments here before I heard the full interview and I think there's some spectacular over reactions from some of those who left comments, was expecting some real vitriol from Hugh Cornwell after reading those but instead it was just him stating what he felt in a restrained manner, I felt some people on here a bit too precious about The Stranglers, methinks

[@Hwral]

Hugh will always remain an integral part of the Stranglers, because he was on every essential Stranglers album. It's a pity that the chemistry didn't last longer than the animosity.

[@infeedel7706]

Well put.

[@pollyh8936]

Stranglers fans will always be divided on this one, but personally, there's no Stranglers without Hugh. I saw The Stranglers many times with Hugh, and once after Hugh left, and that was one too many times, it was like a Karoke act. Hugh rocked at Camden this week and he's The Stranglers for me.

[@NannyWhip]

So, The Stranglers minus one wasn't The Stranglers but the one who resigned and left The Stranglers high and dry is The Stranglers? Let's be honest here, he only started playing Stranglers songs again (and using their typeface) because he couldn't make enough money out of his solo stuff. By your logic, the other members of the HC band would also be Karaoke players while playing any Stranglers material.

[@richardjamieson6681]

@@ghmusic8116 What are you on about? I wrote that 6 months ago, well before Dave's sad death and I'm quite aware of Jet's incapacity, as is everybody who follows the band. I stand by every word of what I posted in January. I've no idea what JJ plans to do apart from the promised Dave Greenfield tribute shows when they're allowed to gig again.

[@esoxking]

@@ghmusic8116 JJ and Baz are the stranglers now lol change happens. Hugh cornwell imo was a mediocre guitarist compared to the masters of their instruments that were Dave greenfield and JJ Burnel. Hugh’s new opinion of his former band doesn’t have to be followed by heart, and some of the stranglers’ new songs are great! Give them a listen if you want but don’t call them JJs cover band

[@ghmusic8116]

@@esoxking& Adam Lambert & Brian May are Queen Lol..... JJ & Baz are NOT The Stranglers.(Sad) Jet, Dave (RIP) & Hugh Were!

[@paulockenden4278]

The Stranglers without Hugh is the same as The Jam without Paul Weller. That said From the Jam are a great night out revisiting the songs that the Jam created all those years ago. Same with the Stranglers latest incarnation the songs are brilliantly done and if the songs are important to you then hey go along and see them played live again.

[@mayhem7427]

The difference is that The Jam split up and Hugh left The Stranglers. Paul Bruce and Rick did different things and The Stranglers carried on which they had the right to do. Lots of bands lose founding members and continue (Motörhead). Point of fact Dr. Feelgood and Napalm Death exist without a founding member in sight.

[@drexlspivey5828]

Weller was the sole songwriter in The Jam, JJ Burnell wrote and sang on a third of The Stranglers material, Dave Greenfield was also a prolific writer in the band, it's not even close to the same thing, Hugh Cornwell was also without question their most limited musician, even the bass player was a more extensive guitarist

[@ghmusic8116]

@@drexlspivey5828 Hugh Cornwell was the main voice of The Stranglers he sung 70 songs on their 1st 10 & most successful studio albums I agree his guitar playing ability is questionable But so to is Burnel's (lack of) vocal talent. Burnel only sung 25 & Gave up singing after Hugh quit Dave sung 5 & No doubt about it he was a fab Keyboards player but he wasn't a prolific writer He usually added to what the other pair had already composed he was the groups musician.I don't think Cornwell wanted to become the next Sting The Stranglers were well buried (a spent force) even before he left & what came after his departure was abysmal...Bruce Foxton (The Jam) also composed several of their tunes.

[@Morphstock]

The original Stranglers always seemed to me to be a band where all members made a big contribution, whereas teh Jam were dominated by Weller - it's very different.

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

@@mayhem7427 . For me , The Stranglers are still really good live, but they were THE BEST WHEN HUGH WAS WITH THEM.

[@mr.magister5531]

'Hugh must ask himself: "Do you have the power to charge a higher price for the same product?'" "If your answer is no, I don't think you have a brand. You may think you do, but I don't think your brand has any value." The value is all in the Stranglers name, so it isn't "mad" that they call themselves the Stranglers at all! You don't throw away 16 years of hard earned success and not use the name. The fans love it and the songs remain alive! They continued on and still sell out shows for the next 28 years after Hugh left! Hugh can certainly play all the songs he did contribute too, but the name that resonates with fans is the Stranglers! Dave Brock still goes out as Hawkwind, Jeff Lynne is ELO etc ... Deep Purple exist, but without Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice is the only original member!

[@DizzyKizzy64]

I loved you dearly Hugh, when you left I left too but, I'm going to give all my respect to JJ and Dave Greenfield and jet, for carrying on, kudos to those guys

[@drrock57]

i saw the Stranglers at Kings lynn in early 2000s and they were gr8. the new vocalist and guitarist did a gr8 job.

[@andyhewitt7603]

Loved you Hugh but you are a bitter old man. Give the guys some credit.

[@LaughingStock_]

Why? It's not The Stranglers, as The Who aren't "The Who". How can one crucial element be left out of a unique equation and still pretend the sum total is the same? It's not. By all means keep trading, but don't keep putting a product in the shop window that doesn't contain the authentic ingredients.

[@Peter_Pepper_Love]

@Jimmy McAllister Hugh Cornwell was and still is the voice of The Stranglers. For example...The Fall will always only be a tribute band without Mark E Smith...and same with the stranglers.

[@Peter_Pepper_Love]

@Jimmy McAllister ah Jimmy, de ye not know sleep is overrated 🤫 What ye need is a lot more dedication💞 not medication🍺🚬🥴🍻

[@tuckwatsellers]

Hugh left and the rest of the band said fuck it and fuck Hugh and carved out another 30 years of making music and selling out gigs while Hugh was left performing dreadful live versions of Dagenham Dave. RIP Dave Greenfield.

[@jessebubslebo5231]

I have to agree with . . When I key member of a band leaves its not the same band . . Its abit different with the stones because mick & Richards are the stones basically and look the way led Zeppelin treated losing their drummer john Bonham well Robert plant never wanted to play again he said it wouldn't be led Zeppelin playing . . I wouldn't watch the strangers without Hugh and I wouldn't watch Fleetwood mac without lindsey Buckingham just my opinion of course but wouldn't feel the same band to me . . But everyone is different.

[@rareearthpersians]

LONG LIVE JET BLACK! He is not dead yet...

[@jetpigeon8758]

The Stranglers are definitely not the same band that they were in the 70's or the 80's, but at least they are still very talented and they give pleasure to thousands who pack out their gigs around the World. There are many that don't like the fact that Hugh Cornwell is no longer with them and that is their choice. Some people prefer the band now to the early years, and of course they are just as entitled to their opinion too.

[@louthesz]

He's right - The Stranglers had a very distinctive sound which hasn't been replaced; their take on it is try to replace him with very average pub singers who just cannot cut it or provide the same depth or prescence. People can rattle on all day but that's why Axel Rose can just dump all the other musicians because they are ten a penny - voices like Cornwell/Rose are largely unique and nothing else matters.

[@julesk6313]

Almost all bands produce their best music in their first 5 or six years. the Stranglers were no exception.

[@robertgrant6835]

Hugh is the Stranglers the voice the way he looked and performed 5 minutes ,rock you to the moon he looked the part and was a great performer and still is Hugh is the stranglers

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

I agree, even though it was JJ singing 5 MINUTES, Hughs guitar playing and his Hughness, his présence on that songs vidéo is fuckin brilliant. 🖤

[@patrickdalton3174]

I love the Stranglers and Hugh is a decent guy.He plays a great show live as a solo pub artist,that's all he is now.The Stranglers are far bigger than him.Unfortunately a lot of the people who recognise Golden Brown wouldn't know his name.

[@britsh_weather_has_bipolar8199]

I've seen them (the Stranglers) with Hugh (many times) and I've seen them without Hugh (twice, which was at least once too often) and believe me, without Hugh, whatever they were, they are no longer the Stranglers. I'm not a big Hugh Cornwell fan, he's not actually very nice, but he was the Stranglers.

[@davidbanner1201]

Lord fauntleroy yeah but the Stranglers even as a bunch of old millionaires milking it dry are still f';;'cking awesome live I cant think of one band today that I would pay money to see live , modern music is shit like Ed Sherin singing about meaningless shit for a meaningless generation of facbook twats. The Stranglers are still real and raw even in their Statues Quo years There is no band around today that could hold a candle to the Stranglers are many other bands from that era so credit for the Stranglers keeping their music alive and for Hugh for moving on and doing his own thing

[@14larry]

Load of rubbish still a great band and great live performers.

[@peterhughes7868]

They are shrill brilliant Bz is a great lead saw them recently in Brisbane RIP Dave Greenfield

[@JacobBite]

I don't know why he calls himself "Hugh Cornwell" anymore.

[@jimfarry819]

I remember seeing the lads play Wembley 79, supporting The Who, they were top draw and Hugh is the Stranglers.

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

Did you get one of the little pin badges that got dropped on you all? If you still got it, i know a few people who would love to buy it off you, me included... But it's worth more than I Can personally afford to spend on a little badge, even if it's from my favourite band.

[@carolinehyndes7043]

Now Dave Greenfields gone, no more Stranglers. I loved this band, was gutted when Hugh left but they had every right to continue on just because he had had enough.

[@mayhem7427]

I agree. Hugh has used 'The Jam split' comparison to justify The Stranglers couldn't call themselves thus. Point of fact is The Jam 'split up' and Hugh Cornwell 'left' The Stranglers. Lots of bands carry on after losing founder members.

[@realsinisterminister]

@@ghmusic8116 couldn't put weller and hugh in the same catagorie really weller WAS the jam Hugh was a main part of the stranglers.........the jam are now in a cover band with 2 of the origional 3 members and no1 cares.......Stranglers........well without hugh and even with him the 80's wern't kind to that band

[@realsinisterminister]

@@ghmusic8116 yea I agree personally I really only like 3 albums of theirs and didn't even bother with them post hugh.....the funny thing about the Jam was bruce and Rick bein in the covers band of their old band hahaa you gotta admit it was abit strange...Bruce was with Stiff little fingers b4 that actually I think in the early Jam days Bruce wrote one or 2 songs?

[@andyp926]

Toby did a magnificent job on the tour. Dark Matters is a tremendous album. They ain't over yet by a long chalk!

[@strangler1856]

A real Stranglers fan still loves them both, do You love one parent less because they had divorced?! The band had two nice albums with Norfolk Coast (yes and it was Paul Roberts on the vocals) and Suite XVI, they had a beautiful and much underrated album with Coup de Grace (when JJ wrote almost all of the songs), Hugh had great albums with Guilty and Hi-Fi and his last one, Totem+Taboo, is anew musically superbe, the Stranglers last one, Giants, had a great picture cover, but was musically annoying. No matter, as long as they're all able to play, I'll never miss a gig of Hugh or the band here in Berlin!

[@PreacherRock1]

Don't forget that the main sound the Stranglers have comes from the Keys and the bass guitar. Hugh was a fantastic vocalist but struggled on guitar never quite getting the Golden Brown solo to perfect timing so we have lost his vocal quality but gained a better guitarist.

[@davidbanner1201]

Oh so what about the guitar solo on Princess OS , the opening guitar riff of London Lady you think Bitching about Hugh will take away how good Bitiching sounds with that chugging Guitar it would probably not sound as good if it has just been keys and Bass get out of it. The guitar is just as integral on those early iconic Stranglers albums Toiler of The Sea I could go on but dontch you go back and pretend the guitar is not on those records and tell me with a straight face that they are as awesome. He might not be some f;;';'cking freeboard w;;'';nker and no guitar virtuoso but neither is Keith Richards Hugh wrote some iconic riffs and the best lyrics of the Stranglers does anyone apart from hardcore Stranglers fans buy new Stranglers records doubt it granted they are still a cracking live band better then bands around these days but their greatest work was done in the Hugh era and if they only played post HC material at their gigs they would not get half the numbers they do the Stranglers live of the Hugh Cornwell era today , where as Hugh has gone on to tackle newer material which might be boring in caparison to his Stranglers but at least he has attempted to move on. Even that bloke from Sunderland who replaced him gave him credit as a guitarist and commented on his innovation . Love to see a clip of you playing to know that your in a good position to knock him for his guitar playing.

[@PreacherRock1]

David Banner you obviously are not a player Dave. Hugh Cornwell has only a basic ability and has always had problems playing lead solos perfectly on time at live gigs. Any musician would confirm that. His vocals were always strong. Try and find any youtube vid of golden brown where he gets the timing right.

[@davidbanner1201]

Preacher Rock I'm a guitar player ,and don't dispute what you say , personally cant be bothered trolling through the guys performances to ensure that he is note perfect as basically don't give a fuck he was after all a musician in a post punk band. hmmmh show me where I'm actually arguging the toss over his GB solo ? I think the point with Golden Brown is he played a major part in writing it , show me a piece by Alan Holdsworth or one of your perfect guitarists that still gets radio airplay decades after its written. I haven't argued that he is a great guitarist but he has laid down some memorable riffs and connected with a load of the world through his music how many guitarists who are spot on tech wise can claim the same . Its generally only anal musicians who start criticising others timing , the record buying public are not to fussed as long as the track thats laid down in the studio sounds good. might have gained a better guitarist and even that better guitarist has acknowledged Hugh so who are you to have a pop at him , wonder how many people will be buying your tracks fifty years from now and keeping your music alive ? perfect timing and what not does not make someone a great composer your so obsessed with timing maybe watching Sports is more your thing cheers

[@SteveRes]

Preacher Rock who gives a fuck if he couldn't perfect it live, he WROTE the fucking riff and that's all that matters

[@PreacherRock1]

your in the minority with your opinion on his guitar abilities. Maybe you have'nt got the ear to be a proper music buff!

[@ninobenjamin4067]

Yes with hugh they were amazing but then again post hugh they were still very good live act. U can tell dave (rip) jj burnell and jet enjoyed playing together and still attracted big audiences! Dave was the main man for me when it came to the stranglers

[@hughcrawford-mcclelland1786]

There's a competition running this summer to win a one-off special edition Triumph Bonneville painted in a unique Stranglers colour scheme and graphics. The left sidepanel has been signed by the band members (and lacquered to preserve their autographs). The bike was commissioned by Jack Lilley Ltd to celebrate the Stranglers anniversary this year. Closing date for the competition is 31 August 2014. Take a look at www.jacklilley.com/stranglers

[@jorgelodwick4429]

Hugh,is Allright! The present, IS..NOW! We Can't live in the past! It,was good while it lasted! Even the new Strangler's have to move on! GOOD LUCK ,to all of them, for given us so much,joy and musical pleasure!!! The,future is yours! GOOD.LUCK!!!

[@mulchie10]

The reference to 33 1/3 refers to the fact that he is in a 3 piece, therefore his current band contains a third Stranglers personnel (not a third of the Stranglers). He is not calling himself 1/3rd of the Stranglers.

[@mr.magister5531]

Hugh has had a chip on his shoulder about the Stranglers continuing ever since he left, even more so now that Baz Warne has replaced him so well in the past 10 years. Hugh thought they would disband after he left, call it lead singer syndrome if you like, but he quit and much to his chagrin the band continued on and the Stranglers still make good albums and play good gigs. He has no relationship with the band anymore because he ostracised them, it's his decision made by a canterkourous old man. Sad really.

[@FP51DPO]

yep he was a bit deluded, he was dabbling in acting and his solo career... he blames them (mainly JJ) for his leaving, but they have developed as musicians, hugh on some of his live performances is making a right racket trying to fill in where the keyboards are missing with his improvised ever lasting guitar solos.... his bass players are nothing but clones of JJ and so they should be imitation is the greatest form of flattery.... I bet they would jump ship to the stranglers tommorrow...

[@wesleyashworth5061]

😂😂. Is this a joke? The Stranglers without Hugh certainly are

[@pm3577]

10 years? He joined the band in 2000 he’s been in “The Stranglers” longer than Hugh was in The Stranglers.

[@linfieldf.c.supporter2405]

Hugh Has Written Great Songs In His Solo Career, they would have been brilliant Stranglers Records If he had stayed.

[@modernartmedia9644]

thought that many times

[@drexlspivey5828]

He wanted to become the next Sting, failed, so tries to bury The Stranglers instead

[@dannyofthededd]

hugh on his own is fine,the stranglers without hugh is fine - even without jet i suppose if they really must, but,while they are all able it would be so great for them to play together again..just glad they are all still rocking and rolling

[@FabianBom]

I agree, and they rarely play any of their old songs these days Mitch, because their catalogue of new work is so strong.....

[@garylongden]

The Stranglers sans Hugh are not the same, equally, Hugh live now though is a pale imitation of himself.

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

They don't even sound like the stranglers since Hugh left except Time to die which was sung by JJ, Paul Roberts has a shit indistinctive mid-rock voice.

[@kingofpunk1977]

Hugh is a bitter man. He thought leaving them would lead to Peter Gabriel type kudos but he has struggled . Since Paul Roberts left the Stranglers have been doing well. I saw them at the Roundhouse 2007 & they were excellent in fact they were better than the 3 concerts I saw them when Hugh was still in them!

[@andypac7]

kingofpunk1977 Sorry, chap, but that's crap. The Stranglers are nothing without Hugh. I saw them tons when they were the Stranglers and four or five times after. After Hugh left they have been utter crap.

[@teshka1]

Totally agree. I have seen them mark 1 through to mark 4 and they have never been better. All these reminiscing about a golden age. They are different but still a great live act.

[@toddfish261]

There are several distinct periods with The Stranglers. The first 4 HC albums - Period 1 (pure quality), The next 6 HC Albums - Period 2(most of which were pretty poor apart from some individual tracks), the 5 Paul Roberts Albums - period 3 (really a different style but still some really great tracks) and finally the last 2 Baz Warnes Albums - period 4 (some good stuff here). The problem is that most folks just want to hear material from the first 4 albums and could be accused of being stuck in the past. My personal order is Period 1, Period 3, Period 4 and finally period 2. I have come to this view from listening to nothing else but their 17 albums in rotation for the past 10 weeks.

[@kevsalmon6573]

+Steven Todd not every one wants to just hear period 1 songs, songs from Giants, Suite XVI and NC (period 4) were very much appreciated and cheered on this years tour.

[@MrBazzabee]

Love the comment !.......My wife and I saw him in a scout hut in Keighley in Yorkshire a few years back.Not the same one by any chance ?

[@jacklilleytriumph1109]

To celebrate the anniversary of The Stranglers this year, we're offering a one-off special edition Triumph Bonneville which has been painted in a unique Stranglers colour scheme and graphics. Closing date for the competition is 31 August 2014. For details, see www.jacklilley.com/stranglers

[@julianlaird184]

seen 'em a grillion times ! Cornwell was a great front man and pity he left ! pity we don't have a world without ego's ... still one has one's own realities ! move on ... still i miss HC fronting them

[@spikesworth]

don't hold back dude..tell it how it is! :)

[@johnnyb6584]

Do either The Strangers or Hugh Cornwell play their more poppy hits like Skin Deep and 96 Tears on tour? I expect it is the 70s stuff, Golden Brown and their more recent material.

[@PreacherRock1]

There is not a shadow of doubt that Hugh's vocals were a major part of the Strtanglers sound and when that young idiot took over we were pissed off but now that Baz is doing his bit the vocals are reasonable and the band are sounding nearly as good as the original line up.

[@lizzyburns5952]

only two originals left now !!!! eh j.j. dave and jet think thats three unless i cant count !!! i love hugh and was devastated when he left but was his decission and the stranglers today are absolutely amazing !!!

[@robertroberts2666]

The Stranglers would not exist without Hugh! The original and the best! Besides, he's a big Cricket fan which goes a long way with me. A few things I would like to ask Hugh though are, is he still a friend of Phil Tufnell, has he played cricket for charity ( as I believe he has), is he a member of the MCC?

[@MartiW]

I saw them recently. Burnell, Greenfield and Jet played. They were superb. To call them a tribute band is an insult. Every great band has a disagreeable asshole.

[@DizzyKizzy64]

3 original members don't make a tribute band, Hugh is wrong.

[@ghmusic8116]

@@DizzyKizzy64 Only 1 now

[@DizzyKizzy64]

@@ghmusic8116 yes Jet Black retired didn't he ? Besides now Dave has sadly gone it's all over 😢

[@ghmusic8116]

@@DizzyKizzy64 Ah Jet is in poor health He'd a stroke about 2 years ago & is heading for 82 years of age sadly Dave is gone now to (RIP) Defo over

[@boogiemoog]

Nah it is a bit tongue in cheek if you listen his comments properly

[@chrisnessing7371]

A great song writer and very under rated guitarist!

[@sunsetoneuk09]

" a chicken in the basket punk cabaret act"...oh dear. If you don't like the band anymore then just listen to something else. Plenty to choose from. Hugh was brilliant but left because the band ran out of ideas. They regrouped and over the years have produced some wonderful material. Yes, and some duff stuff. But given the time they have been around, I think we can allow for the odd drop off here and there. Hugh making negative comments about the band today is his opinion. But The band ignore them, and I think I should as well really. The fact that he is now playing Stranglers stuff again is actually great. His is voice is still superb. I tend to think that enjoying the band and Hugh is a real treat, so maybe we should be grateful that people have a choice. Listening/watching Hugh, or The Stranglers, or both.

[@jetpigeon8758]

+Lord fauntleroy Jet Black is still in the band on occasion.

[@jetpigeon8758]

Lord fauntleroy Jet does still play the drums on occasion, sometimes he plays for 4 songs. He is not totally retired. The Stranglers still have that unique sound. I think Hugh is bitter about leaving them, and he is now having second thoughts, but he won't admit that because it would be too embarrassing.

[@jetpigeon8758]

+Lord fauntleroy Regardless of Jets age, it is his choice as to what he wants to do. The Stranglers still sound the same at least musically, I agree Baz Warne does sound completely different to Hugh, but he is not Hugh and does not pretend to be Hugh. Yes they are all old men but so are the Rolling Stones, and as for them not being the Stranglers anymore they still sell out gigs so there is a place for them. If you don't like them then fine, don't go to see them. One other thing the Group Kraftwerk has only 1 of the 4 members that constituted their hey day, should they disappear up their own arse too? The fact is that they are the Stranglers, just a different interpretation of them, but this is 2016, and things do change.

[@jetpigeon8758]

+Lord fauntleroy OK, if you don't like them anymore fine. But many thousands of people do still like them.Also it is interesting to read some remarks on here concerning what JJ did to Hugh, or what Jet said to Hugh , or what JJ said to Hugh etc. The fact is not a single person on here knows the truth, you are all guessing. The members or ex members of the Stranglers are not going to let the public know exactly what was said or done between them. All of what people think they know are mere rumours, or manipulations of what may or may not be the truth. All any of us can be sure of is what we like, or don't like. And we are all entitled to our own views. End of story.

[@jetpigeon8758]

+Lord fauntleroy You may know HC, then again you may not.Also what is written in an Auto, is what the author wants to include, it is not necessarily correct. There are many Auto's that are a pack of lies.I remind you of the old saying, there is your truth, then there is my truth, then there is the truth. Even if you were a close friend of HC, that does not mean that everything that he tells you is 100% correct.

[@whelkshuffler]

Black and White.........best ever album.

[@dianalee84]

Black and White.A masterpiece I never get tired of. Want "Tank" played at my funeral.

[@ishortland]

So do I. I love the bass...

[@anonymouschef8131]

Although I think the raven is better ... or maybe not 😂.... I agree. But perhaps Rattus,No more heroes,Meninblack or La Folie might even be better,who knows 😋

[@modernartmedia9644]

Black and White is the best Stranglers album over all in my opinion :)

[@pauldillon7133]

the stranglers are entitled to call themselves the stranglers even if there were no original members. this is how democracy works. look at the sugababes for example. hugh cornwell has went from hero to zero in one fell swoop. An ex hugh cornwell fan.

[@davidbanner1201]

ha , ha love the Sugababes comparison mate comparing the Stranglers to a manfacutured establishment band doubt the Sugababes were the ones that called for the reunion more likely at the whim of the puppet master. The Stranglers are still the Stranglers cause they still have JJ just like the Beatles would have still been the Beatles had Macca stayed. The main driving force behind the Stranglers has always been either JJ or Hugh. Nah mate Hugh has not gone to Zero he might not be packing out stadiums anymore but people still come to his shows I was at one and it has a decent following and grown men were calling out his name at the end of the night .

[@davidbanner1201]

Lord fauntleroy yeah mate but they have done some decent albums since he left JJ was as much about the vision as Hugh and I rate the Stranglers over Hugh live I saw the two of them last year and f;;;'ck hell bring out Hazel O to sing Hanging Around was in poor taste. He seems like s sound bloke though and always has something interesting to say in interviews unlike pop twats of today. All those knocking his guitar role should listen to Toiler , London Lady and Walk on before running their comments over his guitar playing and how it meant nothing to the sound just cut the guitar out off the track and you'll hear something is missing.

[@davidbanner1201]

Lord fauntleroy he killed their dreams but then it was probably for the best since they were starting to run out of juice and after the split they came out with one of their best albums . At leas they left a legacy without too much excess and fair play to him he's stuck it out alone rather then try to get back with them for one last pay day I hope they never get back together and just remember them as they were together and that whole era. His solo work(what I have heard of it) though is a bit nurtured for my tastes . Cant see the Jim Morrison comparison myself but some of his vocals remind me off Neil Tenent before the Pet Shop Boys took off. Think Hugh's got a unique style of his own though. Always the sun ha ha when I was twelve I thought that was great guitar playing I was too young to see them live in the HC era but I still thought they played their balls off when I saw them last year and not just taking it easy like some other bands from their era playing soulless big venues and putting in a half hearted performance. Hugh too is still hungry for playing live I'd pay to watch him live not because I follow his solo stuff but because if what he gave as a Strangler.

[@StretfordEnder15]

Pale imitation? You're a muppet Phil. They are still excellent live, I've seen them around 20 times without Hugh and they are brilliant. They're still writing great music and they're still touring every year. They've also had fantastic receptions at the festivals they've performed at in recent years (Glastonbury, V Festival etc). Don't comment on something you know nothing about, it just makes you look foolish.

[@Blonde_Somnambulist]

I'm 59 , seen countless gigs since my first at 16......4 piece 5 piece and back to 4 . As great as the original incarnation was , now almost 50 years on the band with Baz is outstanding . The latest album is a masterpiece and the fan base continues to grow . Hugh on the other hand, well let's be honest it hasn't been brilliant has it ? . He made a mistake when he left. Burnell has reached out many times and Hugh ignores him. That in itself tells you he's a bitter jealous old man .

[@martinbryant8493]

Hes a muppet lool

[@blueshirtman8875]

Every body has n opinion,your comment is foolish.

[@davidpeters1502]

Very sad old man .... 40th Anniversary Tour, they clearly didn't need Cornwell. Still a class act

[@davechambers4867]

Might be to do with three of the original members being in in the band at the time Hugh?

[@graemebrown4329]

BECAUSE THEY ARE STILL THE BAND THEY WERE , YOU LEFT AND HAVE NEVER MANAGED TO REACH THE HEIGHTS YOU HAD WITH THE BAND , SHAME THINGS COULD NOT BE DIFFERENT, BUT WITH BAZ WARNE THEY HAVE A BETTER GUITARIST AND LEAD VOCALIST AND LESS TROUBLE WITH HIS BAND MATES. YOUR SONG WRITING WILL NEVER BE IN QUESTION IN YOUR STRANGLERS DAYS , LIFE CHANGING STUFF , MANY THANKS FOR THAT. BUT AS THEY SAY , "NEVER LOOK BACK "

[@diskochimp]

"The Stranglers" remain a great live band, but Hugh's post-Stranglers material is better than The Stranglers post-Hugh material.

[@NannyWhip]

Define better......You can't in music. It's just different, that's all.

[@mayhem7427]

Better or worse, they're still The Stranglers. They didn't split up, Hugh left.

[@craighill4709]

@@NannyWhip actually you can say better in music because its true the stranglers with Hugh years were way better than the post Hugh stranglers

[@richardjamieson6681]

@@craighill4709 no, your tastes are different to others and mine are different to yours so neither you nor I can claim any music we like to be better than anything else as there's absolutely no way of measuring it.

[@bchidley]

The Stranglers stopped being The Stranglers around 1984. I saw them during the Aural Sculpture tour, and I left the hall traumatized. What a load of crap. Hugh was awful, played horribly, sang poorly, and still insulted the crowd. Since 1990, anyone who went to see Hugh, or the band with JJ & Dave & Jett ... who actually went to see them do their new material? A couple of people, maybe. Who was looking forward to seeing them do “Ice Queen?” JJ’s bass plus Dave’s keyboards, plus both of their vocals make up at least 75% of classic Stranglers. Yes, Hugh’s vocals alone would be another 20%, but his guitar talent is easily replaceable. Brian (Jett) gets the last 5% for decent though not-distinctive drumming, plus props for being the band’s foundation.

[@NashSpaceRocket]

saw hugh two weeks ago in sf. great as usual.

[@14larry]

He,s a sad person went to see him big letdown Long live the stranglers still great.

[@FabianBom]

So Ryan, lets simplify this then, how many times did you say you saw them with Hugh in the band ?

[@ToilerOnTheSea]

I like Hughs stuff, I've got all but 1(VIP Covers CD) of his releases(even CCW), have seen him live and met him numerous times, but he forgets he left The Stranglers, so he stopped being 25% then, he's now 0% of the Stranglers. Needs to get over it?

[@alessandrosarnella9208]

I dont understand why people are overreacting to a simple statement .......he just said theres only two of em left of the original four.....(actually one, by now)......so they shouldnt call themselves rhe stranglers........whats the big deal?

[@charleshall3372]

Bruce Springsteen Hugh Cornwell Joe Strummer-Never saw them in the same room together!

[@Captain_Rhodes]

its sad that they dont get along. they were a great band. i think hugh left at the right time though. id love to hear them back together. hugh still writes a few good songs and the stranglers are still great but they dont write good songs anymore

[@paulkerswell3229]

the stranglers dont write great songs anymore?have you checked out norfolk coast and giants?great albums with great tunes!sadly comparing the first 4 albums is unfair!u2 were asked why cant they write great songs like on the albums boy/october etc and they said they dont know how!!!!!!!u cant compare era,s.

[@Captain_Rhodes]

i quite liked those albums but personally think hugh is doing better work these days

[@paulkerswell3229]

geobruf123 when paul roberts joined the stranglers became a karaoke act and thank god he left!baz is a great guitarist and nicer human being than hugh who remains bitter to this day!i find hugh has an attitude so i feel he shouldnt do stranglers songs in his set if hes that bitter but he knows if he just played his own songs at gigs nobody will hardly show up!only 100/200 fans turn up for his shows while the stranglers continue to sell out decent size arenas!roll on march and the ruby tour!long live themeninblack!p.s i do miss hugh but hes too stubborn to ever return and im not sure he will be welcomed back anyway.

[@Captain_Rhodes]

Paul Kerswell hugh does have a bad attitude yea i agree

[@ianinblack3294]

I wouldn't like to see them back together. Baz can demolish Hugh on stage.

[@thevelointhevale1132]

Listen, without Jet and Hugh - it ain't The Stranglers anymore but rather a travelling tribute act ...

[@stevieanon3283]

The Stranglers sound came from Dave's hammond organ. If you ain't got that you ain't the Stranglers !!!

[@realsinisterminister]

@Eliza Coleman the drummer is very replaceable .....he got the band together ...but he's not an integral part

[@realsinisterminister]

@Eliza Coleman I agree totally but I would go and see them if Hugh was still in it....wouldnt cross the road for them now

[@realsinisterminister]

@Eliza Coleman Jet is 2 old to play.........yea I looked up about why they split I'm still not really any wiser?

[@sirjellybeans1st19]

@Eliza Coleman that's a great idea. Maybe in Tribute and to put the past behind Hugh could join them onstage for Dave's Memory?

[@sirjellybeans1st19]

@Eliza Coleman that's a shame

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

Hugh is one of my only STILL LIVING Heroes. May hé continue to live in a good health for a very long time to come. (And now unfortunately, in The Stranglers, there is only JJ left out of the original four. Baz IS a great member of the band but no-one really can replace Hugh and sound like him. What I mean is, I have no disrespect for Baz, hé had pretty Big Shoes to fill, but really for me, when Hugh had to leave, that was thé End of Thé Stranglers. Now Jet and Dave have gone forever, but JJs band are still fuckin excellent live...and so is Hugh, very much !)

[@MrChrisBarker]

So... The Rolling stones aren't the Rolling stones or... Pink Floyd aren't really Pink Floyd. Every Great band has its arseholes. If I had the chance to see either The Stranglers or Hugh Cornwell.. I know who I'd go to.

[@user-eb8mi3xi5f]

I love Pink Floyd but after Wall my interest in them kinda dwindled. I don't doubt Roger is great yet that bitter atmosphere between members makes me uncomfortable, because I love all of them. And the interesting point in both Pink Floyd and The Stranglers is the keyboardist, Rick and Dave. They were the secret weapon in sound and died too early. Sad. Well and Roger and JJ are both bassists haha. But to me they don't look that bad, and everybody got their vice.

[@LONEEAGLE_space_rock]

except for JJ, the rest are copying the playing of the original band members, yes they have also written entirely new material, however the old classics do not represent their (The New Stranglers) playing, its not their art.

[@stuartblack6803]

Seen the Stranglers 3 times over the years after Hugh, It's like watching a Stranglers tribute band. For me Hugh was the Stranglers.

[@ghmusic8116]

100% they ceased being The Stranglers after 12/08/1990 a completely different band using a famous brand name tbh

[@anarchiaorbust99]

Saw THE STRANGLERS at electric picnic weeks ago, they looked the part, sounded the part and are THE STRANGLERS, JJ has the thousand yard stare, ace

[@chris-w4n9w]

And then there was one

[@tigergambit]

I saw the Stranglers several times with Hugh and saw Hugh last year on his tour. Have to say that I thought the Stranglers were better with Hugh at the time but I'm afraid Hugh's voice has gone now.

[@schinaro]

Big Shug! No Stranglers without him.

[@ghmusic8116]

Big Time & now carrying on without either Jet nor Dave (RIP) In reality Burnel's "Show band"

[@ChrisDaLegend1]

hugh you have let your hallowed image of us stranglers fans down?? you were always in our hearts, at no costs could anyone have taken your place but let me tell ya ive seen you twice in scotland and hugh, i was introduced to you by my big brothers, man youre totally anti climax mate... you can walk off stage but still go to the other end of the concert hall and try and sell us your books? and new shit songs??? hugh cornwell im actually embarrased you where a strangler/ and some of us know what you really at heart... oh missus stop it?

[@grahampickles4488]

because the stranglers are not hugh cornwell they are a band

[@ghmusic8116]

Were a band more like Down to just 1 original members at this stage(A fkng joke!)

[@petermaccabe8921]

Whilst I think its a shame Hugh went, he was NOT ‘The Stranglers’ and they’re doing perfectly well without him. Baz Warne has stepped into his shoes magnificently. It’s a big shame also that Hugh is bitter about the past.

[@philcowley9628]

Well said Hugh …… They're a pale imitation these days

[@UncleBoratagain]

Phil Cowley Honesty they are not mate, the lyrics are eternal so Hugh has the Medal of Honour. The sound of the Stranglers is differentiated from anything else by the bass and keyboards though: JJ and David still perform, if Hugh wishes to be reductionist and claim 33.333% recurring I would oppose that and suggest that the Stranglers unique sound is Bass, Keys and lyrics. Baz does a 100% excellent performance of the singing concurrent to his seamless guitar style. Either way, we all go mental.

[@philcowley7425]

Must eat my words tbh ... seen them awhile ago and yeah they’re’back’ as it were

[@kpax45]

So is Hugh, playing Stranglers songs as a solo act

[@neilcallan1039]

I admire Hugh, and disappointed when he left ( similar to Peter Gabriel), am divided like most , BUT 3/4 or 1/2 is better than 1/4, plus JJ & Dave shared vocals. Have to say that USP after all this time are the Keyboards....

[@MrBazzabee]

Nice to know,Viv....nothing like a good ol'...to quote Sherlock Holmes' 'Lemon Entry..Dear Watson' ! Nice to hear from ya' buddy....keep well !!

[@ivanistheone2007]

Hugh still has that punk attitude, and he chatted my then girlfriend up many years ago while she was in Edinburgh for the fringe, as he was, gave her his number he did, dirty birdy he was . . . lol

[@pm3577]

He’s right. If “The Stranglers” are their own entity they should sing their own songs and make their own albums. They’re touring off the songs from Hugh was in the band.

[@ErikWeissengruber]

The members of Wire would perform under the name of Coil when they weren't working with Colin. So ...

[@diskochimp]

No they didn't.

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

if canada thinks bars having to pay tax on each foreign musician is gonna boost their own dull boring music scene they are delusively mistaken. good talent, especially non-mainstream, being allowed to play, unhindered, encourages new ghenerations of musicians to reach beyond the dull shallow pop and provide a sharper edge and more color.

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

and for hugh cornwall: the current line-up of the stranglers have been together longer than the orignal line-up. and the guy who still gets called the "new singer" has been with them longer than you.... either way... cornwall era, or post-cornwalkl, you are still dealing with mighty BAND

[@999therocker]

Paul Roberts era sucked but after him they did a few really good studio cds like Suite XVI and Giants. Those are cult gems and very much show a creative spirit and songwriting talent rare in todays rock music. It is deliciously old school style.Suite 16 starts off kinda weak but just gets better and better on the later tracks. Giants is pretty great throughout.

[@ericvini609]

Now this is a tribute band with 2 original members. Baz Warne is a great guitarist but have no personnality, the new drummer is good musician too, but he does'nt respect the Jet Black drums patterns. So this is a tribute band for me.

[@jetpigeon8758]

+Eric Vini Interesting remarks concerning Jet Blacks replacement. For your information Jet Black is still the drummer, he never gave up being the drummer, he just needs a bit of time off now and again due to being 77.

[@samuellatier254]

Jet Black a bientôt 80 ans et a toujours été miné par des problèmes de santé, d'ou son retrait. A mes yeux, le meilleurs chanteur des Stranglers était Paul Roberts

[@ericvini609]

Written in Red restera pour moi, l'un des meilleurs albums de la période Stranglers Mark II

[@protestanttillidie1907]

Earth 2 Jet Black Will Never Play Drums Again Sadly! Jet isn’t the Stranglers the drummer anymore.

[@bluedivide1009]

Johnny Sox where technically a better band than Ultravox i know that much for a fact and i've never even heard any of their songs, they later went on to cover 'Bank Robber' with The Police without Sting who'd gone off on his Scooter for the weekend to Brighton to make a quadraphonic video. % wise i think Hugh is probably entitled to call himself 'the strangler' but i guess schizophrenic's might enjoy going to two gigs at the same time. i'd go and see JessieJ and Lady Gaga.

[@FabianBom]

I will assume that is no times then... ?

[@2365igs]

Bought Rattus in '78 aged 13 and followed The Stranglers on and off till about 1990 then gave up to be honest. Went to see Hugh Cornwell a couple of years ago and he was shit. On top of everything he basically was on the cadge through some 'giving' organisation to scrimp together enough to release another MOR record. Saw 'an evening with JJ Burnel' a few years back and he was great. Anyway got tickets for 40th anniversary tour so happy days !!

[@krisscanlon4051]

sad when groups break up and reform in someway.

[@ianmacd]

There's nothing wrong with Hugh's arithmetic skills. Jet doesn't play at half the gigs these days, so that leaves just JJ and Dave as the only full-time original members. Given that Hugh provided both guitar and most of the lead vocals during the band's most commercially successful era, he has as much claim to the name as those still using it. If he was annoyed that the band continued after he left (a claim for which I see no evidence), it could be because they always claimed they would call it a day if any one of them left. When faced with the reality of having to make their monthly mortgage repayments, however, continuing with an established brand name seemed a much sounder financial proposition than starting from scratch with a new and unknown solo project. Notice, too, that the hits dried up after Hugh left. A coincidence? With Hugh gone and dumped by their label, The Stranglers embarked on their wilderness years, fronted by the unbearably camp Paul Roberts and producing a string of instantly forgettable, direly embarrassing, third rate pub-rock albums. Things wouldn't improve again until Paul Roberts and the dull-as-dishwater John Ellis left the band. Enter Baz Warne. What a breath of fresh air. The gift of the gab and a gifted guitarist to boot. Baz is technically a superior guitarist to Hugh, it's true, but it's largely an irrelevant fact. Baz may be able to play Golden Brown's one guitar line better than Hugh ever could, but could he have written it? I think Baz is a great guitarist, but I think Hugh is the better songwriter. In my opinion, The Stranglers are currently sounding better than they have in 20 years, a fact that can largely be attributed to Baz Warne. Nevertheless, it is Hugh who is the more vital artist and who deserves respect for having had the balls to branch out and plough his own furrow when The Stranglers were, as he so aptly put it at the time, "a spent force". And if there's any animosity between the two camps, it appears to be JJ who holds a powerful and lasting grudge against Hugh. Hugh seems to recall his days with The Stranglers with nothing but fondness. And let's not forget that JJ's behaviour was a major factor in Hugh's decision to leave in the first place.

[@adrianantony1176]

The key issue is that Cornwall chose to leave a band called the Stranglers that was still functioning. The remainder of the band did not leave Hugh Cornwell to carry on the Stranglers. While a great contributor and formidable player in the original line-up perhaps Cornwall could persevere with his own lagging career. Obviously the grass wasn't as green on the other side and he wants access to his old turf . I saw them play a great set of early material in 2012 and Baz did an excellent job capturing the original spirit of the music of those early albums. Musically and technically his guitar work was spot on and vocals were close enough.

[@ianinblack3294]

His maths is still crap. Even if you don't count Jet (which you should) and say the current band are 2 of original 4 and 50% that leaves him as 1 of original 4 which is 25% not 33.

[@lewis72]

Ian Inblack I saw The Stranglers live just last Tuesday. Utterly brilliant. They were having a great time on stage and a good laugh with the crowd. They really enjoyed playing the tracks and really enjoyed the fact that we really enjoyed them too ! I'll be going to see them again over this 2014 tour as it could be their last.

[@davidzof]

Ian Inblack Listen to what HC says. His band is 3 people so the band is 33% Stranglers, nothing wrong with what he says at all.

[@lewis72]

davidzof ...but it's not as high as 50% or 75%, when Jet Black plays. Furthermore, Hugh left The Stranglers, not vice-versa. I really rated Hugh when in The Stranglers but hadn't realised two things: 1 -JJ Burnell sang lead vocals of some of their best-known tracks. 2 - Hugh just sounds like an arrogant fool now.

[@iggyflop3777]

Hugh cornwell is embittered because he didn't think stranglers last that long without him.

[@jammygitt]

Well, they should be called the Strangler now as there is only one. There can be only one!

Comes to Vancouver and can't perform because he was clueless about temporary foreign worker rules. Had to cancel Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg gigs too. 4700 Kms from Van to Toronto without making a cent....

[@tc1817]

That law has been changed.

[@grahmoff]

Shug has been left behind . He dragged the band down in their latter years with him. Now playing to one man and his dog , whilst JJ and Co sell out their tours . His solo stuff is ropey at best. Bitter doesn't begin to describe him.

[@ghmusic8116]

He dragged the band down in their latter years with him?Wtf? What a ridiculous comment! Burnel & co were creatively dead ! Burnel & Greenfield (RIP) had given up Vocals & Burnel writing JJ's Showband sell out tours? You mean playing Billy Butlins Holiday camps & Apartheid Israel? Wow how great (Not)

[@martinbryant8493]

Love the stranglers so sad they had a handbag moment hugh was and still Is the voice of the stranglers

[@johnnyb6584]

Handbags at dawn. Like the Bucks Fizz waring factions.

[@FP51DPO]

Hugh is only half (if that) what he was with The Stranglers. the other 3 mssrs burnel, black and greenfield are far better musicians than Hugh, Hugh likes to remind us that he wrote so many of the songs... Each member of The stranglers wrote their unique part, and without Daves keys, jets skins and Jj's bass they are not the Stranglers, Hughs contribution was his voice and presence and in the early years it was missed but not today... They moved on and Hugh went in reverse

[@mr.magister5531]

The Stranglers could easily play a gig selecting songs from the last 3 albums only, but that would be unfair to the hardcore long term fans of the band. They have every right to call themselves the Stranglers with 3 original members still involved, Jet isn't dead yet! Hugh has the hump because his old band have continued on with success while he battles to play to 200 people a gig!

[@FP51DPO]

MottTheWot I'll be honest It would be nice to here some of the more obscure material that they did....I just compiled my top 40 for The Stranglers site... I had some really odd ones in there 'Since you went away', 'Achilles heel', 'Ghost train', 'You always reap' they have plenty to choose from that'sure..... And not to mention the eaaarrrly stuff 'Wasted', 'Tomorrow was', 'Make you mine' All this and not even an MBE, OBE or a Knighthood....

[@noizemanjj]

Jealousy is a very bad thing Hugh

[@ChrisDaLegend1]

that is so effing true, met him in scotland a few years back he had the audacity to walk off the stage,not even halfway thro his unplugged so called session? because people got in late to his gig.... he was not amused,and he let everyone know that.... and off he went, but 10 minutes later he was out in the foyer wanting us all to buy his book and cd, which as gler fans we did and still do, but let me tell yas all now, i made shuggy work for his money that nite:) i pissed him right off, NMHAM:)

[@johnnydiamondsmusic1673]

Joy Division did the honourable thing when Ian Curtis died. They agreed that if anyone left the band that was it, change the name.