Kevin Coyne
Kevin Coyne (born 27 January 1944 in Derby, UK; died in his adopted home of… Read Full Bio ↴Kevin Coyne (born 27 January 1944 in Derby, UK; died in his adopted home of Nuremberg, Germany, on 2 December 2004) was an English musician, singer, composer, film-maker, and a writer of lyrics, stories and poems. His uncompromising attitude towards showbiz fame and fortune always left him in a position of "outsider", a position he relished. The freedom to express himself without the chains of commercial considerations (although he would not have been adverse to a Number One album) helped keep his creativity alive.
Coyne was born in Derby on 27 January 1944 and educated at Joseph Wright School of Art (1957-1961) then Derby College of Art (1961-1965) where he studied graphics and painting, obtaining the N.D.D. in 1965. Early musical influences were Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and later (at art school), Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed.
Coyne's first job was a social therapist at Whittingham Hospital, Lancashire (1965-1968). In late 1968 he moved to London, starting work for the Soho project as a counsellor for drug addicts in 1969. This work was a source for many of his early songs and remains a major influence today.
In 1973 a youthful and idealistic Coyne signed as a solo artist for "Virgin Records" (after a five album spell with Siren on Dandelion Records) proceeding to make eleven LPs over the next eight years. During this period he recorded with the likes of Andy Summers, Zoot Money, Carla Bley (for her album "Silence") and Dagmar Krause. It was a productive time in his career, with tours of Australia, Europe, Canada, the U.S.A. and work in the theatre (the self-composed musicals "Babble" and "England, England"). Life was hectic. Something had to give.
A complete nervous breakdown came in 1981, the main causes being alcoholism and overwork. After leaving "Virgin Records," he created a succession of dark, brooding albums for the label "Cherry Red."
The year 1985 was one of big changes. Coyne left London and resettled in Nuremberg, Germany. The move was a good one, resulting in formation of a German group (The Paradise Band), a fresh recording career and a drastic change in life-style. He quit drinking for good in 1987. Ten albums had been recorded in Germany. The musical future continued to look bright and positive.
Kevin Coyne's writing, painting career had truly blossomed in Germany. Four books had been published with one still in print. (Two, "Show Business" and "The Party Dress", were published by "Serpent's Tail" in London) and numerous exhibition of his visual work have been mounted throughout Europe. The response to his work has often been reassuringly strong. Exhibitions in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Zurich were particularly well reviewed and attended.
Since the mid-eighties the irrepressible Coyne had instigated and been involved in numerous special projects. "Burning Head" (1992) for instance, was a limited edition of one thousand CDs, sold with an exclusive Coyne original picture for each record. "The Adventures of Crazy Frank" (1995) which evolved from a record into an improvised stage musical about the life of English comic Frank Randle featuring Coyne as Randle and Nuremberg dancer, singer Julia Kempken as his wife was performed in Germany and Austria.
"Tough and Sweet" (1993) is a free wheeling collection of over twenty rock and blues influenced songs that just happens to be the first ever Coyne album to use the talents of his musical sons, Robert and Eugene.
"Knocking on Your Brain" is a double album, recorded in Duisburg late 1996 and utilizes the writing and musical talents of top German musicians Ali Neander (Rodgau Montones, Xavier Naidoo), Tom Liwa (Flowerpornos), Ralf Gustke (Gianna Nannini) and Willy Wagner (ex Rio Reiser). Special guest on the CD is guitarist Gary Lucas, formerly with the Magic Band, Jeff Buckley, Joan Osborne (he was nominated for a Grammy Award for his writing on her record), Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and Leonard Bernstein. His slide guitar playing and arrangement of the opening track "Wonderland" is a delight, as are Kevin's vocals, lyrics and improvising. The 20 songs that make up the CD were recorded in just three days.
The years 1998 and '99 had seen Coyne recording and touring constantly. His CD, "Sugar Candy Taxi," included the playing and songwriting talents of his sons Robert and Eugene. A new touring group developed (no longer called the Paradise Band) that featured Robert Coyne on guitar and keyboards with Steve Smith on drums. The 1999 touring schedule included the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Holland as well as other locations. Reception was excellent throughout. The change to a new record label in 1999 - from Rockport to Ruf Records - appeared to be a very positive move. With "Sugar Candy Taxi," his first release for Ruf Records, Coyne immediately reached a larger international audience.
Beginning in 2000, the following recordings were released - some posthumously:
• Room Full of Fools (2000)
• Life is Almost Wonderful (with Brendan Croker) (2002)
• Carnival (2002)
• Donut City (2004)
• One Day In Chicago (with Jon Langford) (2005)
• Underground (2006)
Diagnosed with lung fibrosis in 2002, Coyne died peacefully at his home.
He is survived by his wife Helmi and his sons Eugene, Robert and Nico.
Coyne was born in Derby on 27 January 1944 and educated at Joseph Wright School of Art (1957-1961) then Derby College of Art (1961-1965) where he studied graphics and painting, obtaining the N.D.D. in 1965. Early musical influences were Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and later (at art school), Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed.
Coyne's first job was a social therapist at Whittingham Hospital, Lancashire (1965-1968). In late 1968 he moved to London, starting work for the Soho project as a counsellor for drug addicts in 1969. This work was a source for many of his early songs and remains a major influence today.
In 1973 a youthful and idealistic Coyne signed as a solo artist for "Virgin Records" (after a five album spell with Siren on Dandelion Records) proceeding to make eleven LPs over the next eight years. During this period he recorded with the likes of Andy Summers, Zoot Money, Carla Bley (for her album "Silence") and Dagmar Krause. It was a productive time in his career, with tours of Australia, Europe, Canada, the U.S.A. and work in the theatre (the self-composed musicals "Babble" and "England, England"). Life was hectic. Something had to give.
A complete nervous breakdown came in 1981, the main causes being alcoholism and overwork. After leaving "Virgin Records," he created a succession of dark, brooding albums for the label "Cherry Red."
The year 1985 was one of big changes. Coyne left London and resettled in Nuremberg, Germany. The move was a good one, resulting in formation of a German group (The Paradise Band), a fresh recording career and a drastic change in life-style. He quit drinking for good in 1987. Ten albums had been recorded in Germany. The musical future continued to look bright and positive.
Kevin Coyne's writing, painting career had truly blossomed in Germany. Four books had been published with one still in print. (Two, "Show Business" and "The Party Dress", were published by "Serpent's Tail" in London) and numerous exhibition of his visual work have been mounted throughout Europe. The response to his work has often been reassuringly strong. Exhibitions in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Zurich were particularly well reviewed and attended.
Since the mid-eighties the irrepressible Coyne had instigated and been involved in numerous special projects. "Burning Head" (1992) for instance, was a limited edition of one thousand CDs, sold with an exclusive Coyne original picture for each record. "The Adventures of Crazy Frank" (1995) which evolved from a record into an improvised stage musical about the life of English comic Frank Randle featuring Coyne as Randle and Nuremberg dancer, singer Julia Kempken as his wife was performed in Germany and Austria.
"Tough and Sweet" (1993) is a free wheeling collection of over twenty rock and blues influenced songs that just happens to be the first ever Coyne album to use the talents of his musical sons, Robert and Eugene.
"Knocking on Your Brain" is a double album, recorded in Duisburg late 1996 and utilizes the writing and musical talents of top German musicians Ali Neander (Rodgau Montones, Xavier Naidoo), Tom Liwa (Flowerpornos), Ralf Gustke (Gianna Nannini) and Willy Wagner (ex Rio Reiser). Special guest on the CD is guitarist Gary Lucas, formerly with the Magic Band, Jeff Buckley, Joan Osborne (he was nominated for a Grammy Award for his writing on her record), Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and Leonard Bernstein. His slide guitar playing and arrangement of the opening track "Wonderland" is a delight, as are Kevin's vocals, lyrics and improvising. The 20 songs that make up the CD were recorded in just three days.
The years 1998 and '99 had seen Coyne recording and touring constantly. His CD, "Sugar Candy Taxi," included the playing and songwriting talents of his sons Robert and Eugene. A new touring group developed (no longer called the Paradise Band) that featured Robert Coyne on guitar and keyboards with Steve Smith on drums. The 1999 touring schedule included the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Holland as well as other locations. Reception was excellent throughout. The change to a new record label in 1999 - from Rockport to Ruf Records - appeared to be a very positive move. With "Sugar Candy Taxi," his first release for Ruf Records, Coyne immediately reached a larger international audience.
Beginning in 2000, the following recordings were released - some posthumously:
• Room Full of Fools (2000)
• Life is Almost Wonderful (with Brendan Croker) (2002)
• Carnival (2002)
• Donut City (2004)
• One Day In Chicago (with Jon Langford) (2005)
• Underground (2006)
Diagnosed with lung fibrosis in 2002, Coyne died peacefully at his home.
He is survived by his wife Helmi and his sons Eugene, Robert and Nico.
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Kevin Coyne Lyrics
A Leopard Never Changes Its Spots Coyne We're down at Piccadilly, Nigel's just jumped through…
America Coyne The little boats in Millwall Docks are bobbing on t…
Amsterdam Coyne Painted faces everywhere, I do not see a one Deas …
And I Wonder You used to love me and you used to breathe…
Araby I want to take a trip to Araby I want to…
Are We Dreaming ? Coyne-Wickens See the photographs strewn around me Looks…
As I Recall I was talking to your father He never said a word I…
Asylum Flowering cherry, roses bloom Sunlight streaming into my roo…
Baby Billy I see your little face, watch your little smile. Oh it…
Big White Bird Coyne We are all on a boat And the boat it floats Acros…
Blame It On The Night At night I see a great big tree An icy waterfall…
Brothers Of Mine Coyne Brothers of mine, brothers of mine, why, why, why a…
Chairman's Ball Coyne Everybody's dancing, yes, at the chairman's ball …
Cheat Me Coyne Cheat me, baby cheat me, cheat me, oh cheat me…
Chicken Wing Coyne Well, it started at a party, it started at a…
Children Wake up my children Wake up my children Wake up my children …
Choose Coyne Well one is the fat one on his own The other's…
Coconut Island Coyne You've had the warnings, you heard all the signs T…
Crazy Dream I could win all your love (four times) If I just…
Cry Churchill-Kohlman If your sweetheart sends a letter of go…
Daddy Coyne Daddy give me a cup of water, give me some…
Dance Of The Bourgeoisie Coyne-Money When the bourgeois dance, when the bourgeois …
Day to Day They say that women are made of bliss All lips and…
Dog Latin Coyne Painted grottos all falling down Prayer books and…
Don't Delude Me Coyne I am precious in my way And I had a…
Don't make waves Coyne Don't make waves, waves could be your slave Don't …
Dynamite Daze Coyne We know the Pope is too old to rock'n'roll and…
Eastbourne Ladies You're always on your own, sitting on those seaside chairs…
Everybody Says Coyne Everybody says, yes, I'll be flying high one day (x…
Evil Island Home See the sand and the white birds swooping low I see…
Face In The Mirror Coyne Looks like a face in the mirror That awful face in…
Fetch me my woman Fetch me my woman, hey I just want her near me…
First TIme I Saw Your Face First time I saw your face Oh, what a lovely face What…
Flashing Back Flashing back through the endless photographs Such faces and…
Flowering Cherry Flowering cherry, roses bloom Sunlight streaming into my ro…
Fun Flesh In your Palladian mansion Black swans on the lake Staring fr…
Games Games Games Coyne I've been drinking in too many bars I've been sear…
Gardener Man I'm the man in your garden I'm the man who grows…
Get Right Church White horse, riding across my mind Wearing a band of gold…
Gigolo I'm honest if I think I say, baby That I wouldn't…
God Bless the Bride Well, God bless the bride, the sun shines on today I…
Golden Light I was down so long. Down so long. Then came the…
Good Boy Coyne Good boy, good boy, Good boy, good boy, Good bo…
Happy band Coyne Honey, I'm just waisting, waisting my life away Let's…
Hard And Loud Let’s play hard. Let’s play loud. Let’s play hard. Let’s pla…
He Knows Everything Nothing I don’t know, I know everything. Yes he knows every…
Hot potato My baby's a hot potato This song's about a girl called…
House on the Hill Well I'm going to the house upon the hill,The place…
I You used to love me and you used to breathe…
I love my mother Coyne-Summers You say and I say that love's alright, love's…
I Only Want To See You Smile Coyne I only want to see you smile You know I like…
I Wonder Where You used to love me and you used to breathe…
I'll Go Too Little white hands in the atomic night The face of the…
I'm All Aching Coyne-Cudworth I'm all aching baby But baby I'm leaving…
I've Got The Photographs Look out greasy head, I remember you The curls on the…
It's Not Me Coyne I said who made Black Africa fall? I said who spit…
Juliet And Mark Coyne-Ward I say now Juliet, you lost your heart and soul…
Karate King Yeah, they call him the Karate King Chopping children down l…
Let Love Reside Let love reside within your heart Don′t let it tear you…
Let Me Be With You Foreign city crowded, there's nowhere to go See you in the…
Liberation A row of cigarette burns upon your arm A burst and…
Light Up Your Little Light Coyne I've seen you in your coat I've seen you standing …
Lonely Lovers Coyne Lonely lovers, stuccoed walls, welsh waterfalls Yo…
Looking For The River Coyne I've been crossing by the river in an anticipatory …
Love in Your Heart Coyne Bluebird, I'm with you whenever you fly though I'm …
Low I Try Low I try. Low I try. Low I try to…
Lucy Coyne-Leggett Hey Pauline, let's go out tonight I got so…
Lunatic Coyne An old man surrounded by his books Trestle table p…
Mad Boy It's in his head, it's in his head It's in his…
Mad Boy No.2 It's in his head, it's in his head It's in his…
Magnolia Street It′s an understatement, perfect lie To state you live after …
Marjory Razorblade Coyne Marjory Razorblade is as keen and sharp as can be…
Marjory Razorblade (Remastered 2010) Marjory Razorblade is as keen and sharp as can be Will…
Marlene Coyne Girl of my dream, Marlene You know who I mean, Mar…
Marlene (Remastered 2010) Girl of my dream, Marlene You know who I mean, Marlene You'r…
Mr. President Mr President is talking (repeat) Mr President is talking. E…
Mrs. Hooley Go Home Coyne Now Mad Irish Mick owns himself a wife He complain…
Mummy Coyne Daddy let the dogs of war out, let them bite…
My Message to the People Oh we're high, out on a highway Driving, rushing down a…
My Mother's Eyes Baer-Gilbert One bright and guiding light That taught me…
Nasty Coyne I've taken out your dog, your pet rabbit and your…
Need Somebody Now, that I'm getting old and Now, I'm getting cold and Ther…
New Motorway In 1978, they opened up the gates They said it was…
Old Lady I saw you standing on Castle Corner Your little coat it…
One Fine Day Coyne I've seen you standing in the pourring rain Lips a…
Paper Romance You’re my paper girlfriend with the paper heart. It’s burnin…
Perversion You by a mindless sea, shouting, screaming at me I don't…
Pointing the Finger Pointing the finger at dear old England, old England doesn't…
Poisoning You Cripple cranked vision A sheltered life A millionaire's…
Poor Little Actress Coyne Down a nightmare alley amidst the beasts of the field…
Poor Swine Coyne See the red-neck climb the cobbled streets casting …
Rainbow Curve Coyne Down at the Rainbow Curve, men in overalls were fig…
Really in Love Sheets of rain pouring down, sheets of rain Let's go into…
Right In Hand Coyne I've seen you standing in the pouring rain Your fa…
Right On Her Side Coyne Well she's got a furry hat And she's got a…
River Of Sin Coyne River of sin, the river of sin You be careful -…
Rock My baby's a hot potato This song's about a girl called…
Rock 'N' Roll Hymn Let the kids rock ′n' roll down to their baby…
Rock me baby My baby's a hot potato This song's about a girl called…
Roses In Your Room Coyne I say now people they hurt each other all the…
Sand All Yellow What's the matter, baby? Why do you worry so? There's no rea…
Saviour I said Saviour, Saviour, Saviour, I said Saviour I said …
Shake my hand I've seen you, baby, with another boy Yes another, only nine…
Shangri-La Coyne As I was walking through dusty streets, I heard some…
She Said She said, I’m not your baby-minder. (4 x) Why don’t you…
Sign Of The Times Wild palms in the hinterland Stretches of yellow sand A blue…
Silence Silence Something’s on my mind that I wanna tell you right…
Sixteen Women Oh yeah, oh, alright Well, sixteen women live in my home…
Sleeping-Waking Sleeping, waking, fires burn, croaking Factory′s empty, ther…
So Strange Coyne-Ward Funny, being with you holding and squeezing yo…
Some dark day They say that women are made of bliss All lips and…
Something Gone Wrong Coyne The world is full of poets walking about in gangs The…
Soon Well, soon, it's gonna be summer, baby, soon Soon, we'll fee…
Squeeze me Well, squeeze me, squeeze me If you can't squeeze me, please…
Strange Locomotion Oh yes, now Strange locomotion Over the ocean, baby You can…
Sunday Morning Sunrise Coyne Must be Sunday morning sunrise, yes it's creeping d…
Take A Train Coyne Take a train train train (x2) Gotta get back home…
Talking To No One Coyne Talking to no-one is strange, Talking to someone …
Talking to No One (Remastered 2010) Talking to no-one is strange Talking to someone is stranger …
Talking to No-One Coyne Talking to no-one is strange, Talking to someone is s…
Tell the Truth Have you heard the story about Robin Hood? Now Robin Hood…
The Stride Come on baby, there ain't much time Join this dance on…
The war is over War is over, baby, fighting's all done You can put away,…
The Way Of The World That’s the way of the world (4 x) It goes up…
The Why Why Song Why, why, why, why, why, why. why am I quivering in…
There she Goes There she goes, what am I going to say? There she…
This Is Spain Coyne We got the tickets, caught all the trains We're o…
Time Moves On Time, time, time, time. Time moves on. Time moves on and on.…
Tulip Aged Casanova speaking to the tie-dye Slightly fat and ni…
Turpentine Coyne Take it I know in Seven Oaks, there are plenty of…
Uggy Take any city, take any town You'll always find my sort…
Uggy's Song Take any city, take any town You'll always find my sort…
Underground Sittin’ on a park bench, flowers growin’ all over me. Up…
Wanting You Is Not Easy Coyne Tonight as I sit by your window Thinking of your…
Wasting My Time Oh yeah Nights and days I waited for you Waited for your…
White Horse White horse, riding across my mind Wearing a band of gold…
Why Why, why, why, why, why, why. why am I quivering in…
Witch Witch, she's a witch and everybody knows She's a witch and…
Woman Woman Woman Fetch me my woman, hey I just want her near me…
You're So Wonderful Walking down the avenue, the trees are bowing to look at…
Your Holiness Your Holiness, say a prayer for me My brother and myself…
Ze-Ze-Ze-Ze Well, ze-ze-ze-ze-ze-ze-ze-ze Baby, won't you tell me your n…