Andrew got into the music at the age of 11 forming a band with school mates called “Perfect Stranger” in 1987.
In 1989, he joined his second band “League of Nations”, again while still in school, playing mostly original material.
In 1990, Andrew got a call from John Hughes (The Corr’s Manager) asking him to come in and sing for Alan Parker ….Parker liked what he heard and kept asking Andrew to come back to sing….. After a week he got a call from Casting Director John Hubbard congratulating him on getting the part of Deco Cuffe for the Commitments.
1991 The Commitments was released to critical acclaim with the sound track selling over 12 million copies. Andrew was nominated for a BAFTA AWARD For Best supporting role and also for a Grammy for his Contribution in the Commitments.
Andrew has only ever performed with The Commitments after the movies premiere’s in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago & Dublin, also at a Bette Midler charity show at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, The Grammys & The David Letterman Show.
Recently Andrew rejoined The Commitments to mark the 20th anniversary of the Film with 4 shows in Ireland finishing at the O2 arena to a sold out show of 13,000 people ………In total 24,000 people over 4 shows.
In 1992, after the movie’s release, Andrew toured Europe, USA and Australia as there was a huge demand for in him to perform in these territories.
This gave Andrew the time and experience to hone his craft as a live performer and get to see first hand how much his music and voice has touched so many people from around the world.
Andrew toured Europe with Elton John in the Copenhagen Parken Stadium… Stockholm’s Olympic Stadium
He performed two songs along side Bryan Adams on stage at one of Bryan’s shows in Adelaide Australia.
Andrew also got to perform with one of his heroes, David Gilmore for a free amnesty international in Nottingham, England and also with Prince at the RDS in Dublin.
Andrew won “Best New Comer” at the Telcom Awards Presented by Mike Mills of REM
In 1993, Andrew recorded his first solo album STRONG for MCA records in NY at the hit factory produced by Danny Kortchmar which sold into platinum sales.
Between 1993 and 1994, Andrew toured Europe, while also touring with the Rolling Stones for eight shows (Voodoo Lounge tour), and Lenny Kravitz on the “Are You Gonna Go My Way” Tour in Switzerland, and with ZZ Top in Germany
Andrew Guests on Nathan Cavaleri record ( Working On It ) Epic Records
Andrew Features on Sound track “Working On It ” Hollywood Picture Film (Camp Nowhere)
In 1995, Andrew moved to LA to write new material out there he performed with original BLUES BROTHERS BAND in the HOUSE OF BLUES in Los Angeles and Boston’s “House of Blues”.
In 1996, Andrew hooked up with Marty Fredriksen, a producer from Orange County to record for his second album (Candy Coated Frown) At Rumbo Studios in Los Angles, with all original material co written by Andrew – this album was shelved by MCA International.
1997 saw Andrew touring Europe playing festivals with Deep Purple and Meat loaf ,
1998 saw Andrew embark on a US tour, and he also recorded two duets with Danish Singer Jette Torp which sold over a 100,000 copies in Denmark
In 2000, Andrew recorded “Out Of Time” in Puk studios on the CMC Records label, produced by Jan Sivertsen, an album of r&b, soul and rock classics which went top 10 in all Scandinavian charts for 35 Weeks, achieving platinum sales.
Ray Charles Presents Andrew with a Gold Record for “OUT OF TIME” for Denmark
In 2002 he recorded “Gypsy’s Kiss”, returning to the laid back atmosphere at the Puk Studios that he enjoyed while recording the “Out Of Time” album. This album consisted of half original songs co written by Andrew, and the remaining tracks were covers. Produced by Jez Coad & Jan Siversten (Rec Art EMI), the album went Top 20 across Scandinavia achieving platinum sales.
That year also saw Andrew being asked to perform for the Princess of Norway’s wedding in Throndheim.
In 2003, Andrew formed THE BONE YARD BOYS with Bent Larsen Petersen, a partnership which endures to the present day.
The BONE YARD BOYS music is more contemporary with shades of Bowie, U2, Soundgarden, Sly, and pretty much everything what inspires them … Through the years they feel they have now carved out their own sound which is now ready for fruition in 2011.
2004 Writing and recording for the Boneyard Boys …Performing at European Festivals .
2005 Andrew records “When I’m Coming Home” in Los Angles for the Film BROTHERS, directed by Academy Award winner Susanna Bier.
2005 Andrew goes to LA to write new songs and prepare for his greatest hits album.
2006 saw the Greatest Hits album released by Sony BMG, this record consists of tracks from all of Andrew’s previous recordings and a couple of new tracks co written by Andrew.
2006 & 2007 Toured Europe and Australia with Greatest Hits while also writing & recording with the BONEYARD BOYS.
2008 Writing and recording with Boneyard Boys, and playing festivals in Europe
In 2009, Andrew kicked off his first US East Coast tour since 1998, while also playing festivals in Europe, and also recording with the Boneyard Boys.
2010 US West Coast tour and playing festivals in Europe.
2011 Andrew starts recording the Bone Yard Boys Album due for release this year.
The Commitments got back together in March for a reunion tour to mark the 20th anniversary of the movie with four shows in Ireland ending in the O2 arena in Dublin to critical acclaim Playing to 24,000 people over 4 shows and also donating 30,000 euros to THE IRISH CANCER Society.
Between Andrew’s solo recordings , The Bone Yard Boys , & shows ,This will take up much all of 2011 so he can have a nice bed of work in the can for all you to enjoy next year.
Official Website: Andrew Strong
Spinning Wheel
Andrew Strong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
spinning wheel got to go round
Talking about your troubles it's a crying sin
Ride a painted pony
Let the spinning wheel spin
You got no money, and you, you got no home
Spinning wheel, spinning all alone
Ride a painted pony
let the spinning wheel turn
Did you find a directing sign
on the straight and narrow highway?
Would you mind a reflecting sign
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colours that are real
Someone is waiting just for you
spinning wheel is spinning true
Drop all your troubles, by the river side
Catch a painted pony
On the spinning wheel ride
Someone is waiting just for you
spinning wheel is spinning true
Drop all your troubles, by the river side
Ride a painted pony
Let the spinning wheel fly
The lyrics to Andrew Strong's song Spinning Wheel contain a deep message in a simple and catchy tune. The first line, "What goes up must come down" reminds us of the cyclical nature of life, where fortunes can change at any moment. The spinning wheel is a metaphor for life, representing the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the constant movement towards an uncertain future.
The song suggests that instead of dwelling on our troubles, we should embrace the flow of life and ride the spinning wheel. The line "Talking about your troubles it's a crying sin" suggests that we should not waste our time and energy on negative thoughts and emotions. Instead, we should find a way to enjoy the ride, even when times are tough. The painted pony represents our imagination and creativity, and riding it symbolizes our ability to find joy and inspiration in life.
The lyrics also encourage us to seek guidance and inspiration on our journey. The lines "Did you find a directing sign on the straight and narrow highway?" and "Would you mind a reflecting sign just let it shine within your mind" suggest that we should look inside ourselves for answers and be open to the signs and messages that the universe sends our way. The final lines of the song, "Someone is waiting just for you spinning wheel is spinning true, drop all your troubles, by the river side, catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride" encourage us to let go of our worries and embrace our inner strength and potential.
Line by Line Meaning
What goes up must come down
Things that rise or improve will inevitably decline or worsen
spinning wheel got to go round
The cycle of life continues no matter the circumstances
Talking about your troubles it's a crying sin
It's not constructive to dwell on your problems and complain about them
Ride a painted pony
Take a chance on something colorful and exciting
Let the spinning wheel spin
Embrace the unpredictability and variability of life
You got no money, and you, you got no home
You are financially and/or emotionally unstable
Spinning wheel, spinning all alone
Life keeps moving forward regardless of your loneliness
Talking about your troubles and you, you never learn
You continuously rehash your difficulties but don't actively seek solutions
Did you find a directing sign on the straight and narrow highway?
Have you found your purpose or direction in life?
Would you mind a reflecting sign Just let it shine within your mind
Allow yourself to introspect and gain self-awareness
And show you the colours that are real
Reveal to you the true essence of life
Someone is waiting just for you spinning wheel is spinning true
Fate is guiding you towards a future partner or opportunity
Drop all your troubles, by the river side
Leave behind your worries and enjoy the present
Catch a painted pony
Seize an exciting opportunity
On the spinning wheel ride
Experience the ups and downs of life with an open mind
Let the spinning wheel fly
Allow the cycle of life to continue in all its unpredictability and beauty
Contributed by Blake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.