Within days of returning from filming a leading role in Northern Ireland for a new Channel 5 detective drama “Ellis”, Andrew Gower, lead singer in the north west band, Gustaffson, will be performing in the group’s first Warrington gig at Winwick’s iconic church, St Oswald’s.
In the forthcoming TV drama to be broadcast later in the year, Andrew will star as DS Harper as co-lead alongside three times Olivier-award winner Sharon Clarke.
In addition to a 15 year acting career in theatre and film, Andrew is a singer song writer and formed the band four years ago with a lifelong friend and guitarist, James Webster.
Since then the band have played at favourite venues including Manchester, London and the Cavern Liverpool.
They will perform in Winwick on Friday, June 7.
Both Andrew and James have strong connections with Warrington and enjoyed their “fantastic” student years at Great Sankey High school where they took full advantage of the school’s drama and music department.
Andrew said: “Teachers at that time Mr. Day, Mrs. Daniels and Miss Foster (now Mrs. Cosgrove) were inspirational.
"There was always great endeavour and commitment when it came to putting on school plays or music events which I guess informs everything we do as a band now.”
Andrew went on to study at the Oxford school of Drama and has starred in several hit TV shows the most recent being ITV’s historic drama The Winter King.
Andrew’s songs - lyrics and music - are all about story telling.
“There is no one way to write and tell a story. We like to present ordinary everyday tales in extraordinary ways. I have been writing since I was 15 years old and I am inspired by events, locations, a piece of art or even a genre of music," he explained.
The early months of 2024 have been ground breaking for both his acting career and the band.
In January Gustaffson were fresh from a Manchester studio where they recorded their debut album with producer award winning band, Elbow.
The album, to be released later ln the year, follows a succession of live single releases, “Northern Baby,” “Champagne Socialist” and a debut EP “The Jacaranda “based on the famous Liverpool music venue.
The EP video stars Sue Johnston the legendary Padgate-born actress.
Andrew added: “We played Sue our track “The Jacaranda” and she was thrilled to be filmed for the debut music video -- a fitting Liverpool legend for a song about an iconic Liverpool music venue. Sue remembers dancing at the Jacaranda in the 1960s which was also very helpful.
"We were so lucky to have her on board.”
The video for their new single “Flowers” was filmed at Winwick Church last November which led to Gustaffson being invited to perform there and the band offering to help raise funds for the church.
Why was Winwick Church so attractive to the band?
As Andrew says: ” You walk into St Oswald’s Church and it instantly tells a story.
"As soon as we were looking for a venue for our music video I to become part of that history on June 7 with our one off special gig.
"As a band it is all about playing venues that give our audience the best experience.”
Warrington radio host and singer Eve Jean will also be singing at the event.
Tickets are £15 per head from the Gustaffson website – www.gustaffson.co.uk
Refreshments and a licensed bar will be available in the parish hall.
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