Barry Payne

Barry Payne is an English singer/songwriter, bass player and multi-instrumentalist who’s musical heritage stretches back to the early 70’s where as a young teenager he was immersed in the London pub rock scene as it began to morph into the nascent Punk movement. He formed the proto-punk band The Johnny Seven Combo while still at school as a vehicle for his own material although his songs outreached the punk narrative of the time. At the end of ’77 Barry joined up with Wreckless Eric to record Eric’s seminal self titled LP for Stiff Records, later playing bass with San Francisco's Pearl Harbour & the Explosions, touring extensively with The Clash, Talking Heads, The B52's and others. More recent collaborations include various US and UK based singer/songwriters such as Eileen Rose, Simon Alpin, Chris Jagger and Viarosa.

Currently fronting Barry Payne & the Long Shadows, there are shades of The Byrds, The Kinks and The Replacements as Barry writes in a classic style of jangly guitars, melodies, hooks and choruses that often temper the dark heart at the centre of his songs. Songs about growing up in jaded seaside towns, about desire and loss and the destructive nature of the human condition. 

“memorable powerpop with shades of Starry Eyed and Laughing” Nick West, R2 magazine

 “intelligent, jangly English pop” Richard Palmer

“had me wondering how I’d not seen this lot before. This band needs to be seen live, great fun!” Simonovitch, Whisperin’ and Hollerin’ e-zine