One of the UK’s true underground singer/songwriters is to bring his 20-year musical career, involving more than 2300 gigs and 10 albums, to end this year.

And, before he finally brings the curtains down, he is to play one last gig on the Isle of Man.

Chris TT has forged a reputation as one of the most influential and widely respected underground singers, activists and writers of his generation.

His strident left-wing political views and his knack of blending them into well-crafted, and memorable songs have won him fans up and down the country, and his ability to create hard, punk-edged acoustic anthems, tender, lovelorn piano-led ballads, witty and sarcastic social commentary and grass roots folk music have won critical acclaim.

He has been a regular visitor to the island for over 15 years now, and has a great many connections and friends here that go beyond the coincidental surname (TT refers to his surname, Thorpe-Tracey, and not the races).

He has appeared at festivals, such as Mannifest and the Three Legs Festival, organised by the late Jonno Gollow. He has held numerous solo gigs and even held songwriting workshops with the island’s young musicians, as well as forging links and recording with the Manx-based Ballagroove studio.

’I fell very hard for the Isle Of Man when I first came and I often wish I’d moved there,’ said Chris.

’ I think the magic for a musician from across is that the Isle Of Man is just isolated enough for a true local scene and music community to still exist.

’People may take it for granted but nowadays it’s so rare that people still support live music outside their particular genres.

’I have a lot of amazing memories, everything from picnicking on The Calf with the Ballagroove gang, to singing to the women in the prison, with Jonno nervously standing next to me as they took the mick out of us, but still loved the music.

’I’m quitting music after 20 years and 2000 gigs because I want to do something else with my life, but I’ll miss playing on the Isle Of Man more than anywhere in the world.’

Chris TT is to appear at Noa Bakehouse on Friday, November 17, supported by Jeff Jepson.

Tickets cost £15, and are only available through triskelpromo.com.

by Mike Wade

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