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GENE PARSONS with special guest JULIAN DAWSON - South Parade Pier, Southsea, Tuesday 23rd March If you're a fan of The Byrds and that pure country rock sound, don't miss Gene Parsons' return to South Parade Pier on Tuesday. The Byrds had many line-ups, and the most enduring were the ones that included Gene Parsons, who joined the band in 1968 helping the already immensely popular band to become legendary live performers. Gene Parsons recorded five albums with the Byrds on which he played drums, banjo, guitar, pedal steel, harmonica, and sang. Together with Gram Parsons (no relation) Clarence White and Chris Hillman, Gene's contributions to The Byrds probably heralded the arrival of country rock. Sadly, neither Gram or Clarence lived to see the the irresistible rise of this "new music with old roots" , and it was up to by Gene with The Flying Burrito Brothers and Chris with The Eagles to carry on the good work. Gene Parsons grew up on the family homestead in the Mojave Desert, learning to play the banjo, developing into a talented musician, multi- instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and recording artist. In 1967 he invented and patented the StringBender, a guitar accessory that is now used by thousands of country and rock artists including The Eagles, Jimmy Page and Metallica. Gene has also recorded with many other artists including Arlo Guthrie, Randy Newman, The Everly Brothers, and The Rolling Stones. This is his third visit to Southsea for Barking Spider, and each gig has been breathtakingly good. I'm sure this will be no exception! Gene is supported by Julian Dwason, who recorded the album "Hillbilly Zen" on which Gene Parsons played nearly all the instruments. However, apart from being a superb singer/songwriter, he's a fine guitarist and virtuoso harmonica player in his own right - amongst those who have guested on Julian's albums have been Richard Thompson, PP Arnold, Toots Thielemans, Vince Gill, Dennis Locorriere (Dr. Hook), Duane Eddy, Jo-el Sonnier, John "Rabbit" Bundrick (keyboard player for the Who), Dan Penn, Bill Payne (Little Feat), Steve Forbert, Lucinda Williams, The Roches, Nicky Hopkins, Curtis Stigers and Kimberley Rew and Andy Metcalfe (both ex-Soft Boys). Julian's toured all over the world with the likes of Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane, Katy Moffatt and performed a vast amount of highly acclaimed solo shows. Julian has appeared and/or recorded as a singer or harmonica player with Gerry Rafferty, Glenn Tilbrook, Del Amitri, Dan Penn, Iain Matthews, Richard Thompson and many others. This is going to be a night to remember.... Gene Parsons and Julian Dawson appear at South Parade Pier, Southsea on Tuesday 23rd March. Doors open 8 p.m. Advance tickets (£7) from (023) 9286 3911.