History of Horrors
Anna-Christina, has a remarkable story to tell. The 8th
of October 2005 is a good place to start... at around 2pm, the singer
suffered a Subarachnoid Brain Haemorrhage. The shock hit hard. Her
life stood on a knives blade for a few deadly months but it was not
to be the end (The story in her
own words here)
Her operation and recovery was a miracle, though there were many grueling
months ahead, Anna-Christina didn't take advantage of her bed rest
but instead schemed and plotted her "spectacular comeback".
No words could describe her hardship and pure determination to return
to music and by July 2006 she was back with a vengeance clawing out
from the pit of despair and defying all odds, she made an astonishing
comeback. She proved what a courageous little being she is. Not only
was it a return to stage and a conquering of many obstacles driven
by an extremely determined mind but something evidently had changed
in the charismatic singer. Her spirit showed that there's always a
light at the end of the tunnel and her light was music.
What had gone before was a band with countless line-up changes which
meant that endless and rather obsessive auditioning often kept them
out of the limelight, lead guitarists making a nuisance of themselves
and generally Anna-Christina being immersed in the very distinct smell
of bullshit provided by her band members! What followed was at least
3 more years of constant illness which hugely held back progress.
Lilygun, as we know it today was born in 2007. Blood, sweat and cursing
led a new band to find their heavier, darker routes and a blast of
raw energy rejuvenated them, catapulting them back into the edgier
Alt Rock medium. With a slight gothic sense to their image, the performances
were more aggressive and the band began to grow to new heights. More
guitars, more noise, more hair!
Never a band to be predictable though, Lilygun rolled up at one of
their shows without a drummer (he decided to go for dinner instead
of fulfilling his duties) and dazzled with the first unplugged set
in December 2007. They effortlessly glided through beautiful renditions
of songs taken from their repertoire and ended with the ever ethereal
Moonlight. Greeted with rapturous applause from an audience demanding
more, Lilygun obliged with an amazing encore. One thing's for sure,
when you turn up to see a Lilygun gig you never know what you're about
to see but can trust in the fact you'll always get a nice surprise!
Ironically due to the success of this gig, it turned out to be the
beginning of a series of successful unplugged gigs that the band have
since played and are still currently playing today.
Anna-Christina and Piranha, Lilygun's bass player for many years,
had began playing with guest lead guitarist and solo artist Aaron
John. He became a key ingredient in the development of Lilygun's sound
of today. It's no secret that Lilygun have had many guitarists, every
type and style of player but in all the years no one had actually
changed the course of Lilygun or its sound to such an extent as this
remarkable musician.
Aaron John's unparalleld talent to invent, changed Lilygun forever.
www.myspace.com/aaronjohnmusic
By 2008 Lilygun were creeping into the media's attention and were
receiving good demo reviews on several music websites, published in
Devolution Magazine, Londontourdates, Time Out and The Talk Magazine
and were played on XFM, TotalRock, Raiders Broadcast, Rivergibbs FM,
Dandelion Radio and American based Church Of Girl Radio. That same
year the band cooked up a magnanimous creation and recorded 'Diamonds'
with a rather special producer, David Ryder Prangley (Rachel Stamp).
This recording was Lilygun's first single, self-released in March
and went on to receive amazing reviews. A string of gigs followed
through the year of 2008 including The Women In Music Festival in
Birmingham, the Surface Unsigned Festival, Carling Academy Bar with
drummer Belle (Killing Miranda/Lahannya) and the Borderline
supporting Die So Fluid.
Lilygun were joined by special guest drummer Robin Guy (Faith
No More/Bruce Dickinson) in 2009 for a few shows including Gotham
Festival at 02 Academy Islington and they recorded their debut EP
'Peace Of Mind'. Recorded at the famous Britannia Row Studios - it's
the direct descendent of the original Pink Floyd's studio, Anna-Christina
took full control of the recording, both taking part in engineering,
recording and mixing. The first single 'Conversations', self-released
28th August 2009, earned brilliant write-ups published in Devolution
Magazine and Roomthirteen, followed by air play on Radio Nightbreed
and Radio Rheinwelle in Germany on The John Peel Show.
The highlights of 2010 saw Lilygun support Anna-Marie Hurst at the
Scala, The Eden House in Colchester and Bristol on their tour, an
awesome show at the Underworld where they were joined on stage by
David Ryder Prangley on bass to end the year's work of gigging and
their first EP, 'Peace Of Mind' was self-released that summer. Lilygun
also had a full page article published in the Observer newspaper in
November.
During 2011 the band recorded their debut album due for release in
2012 with the first single ‘Scum’ out 30/1/12. Lead guitarist
James Ford joined the ranks and live performances grew to new heights
with successful shows at 02 Academy Islington, Electrrowerkz and other
venues in and around London.
With an ever increasing fan base and a demand from promoters to book
them, it seems like Lilygun have finally arrived!
The story continues...
About
Message from
Lilygun:
There are so many people that help and support Lilygun and for them,
we are eternally grateful.
To Aaron John, Harald Haugan, David Ryder Prangley, Belle, Lenne,
Mike Baluk, Robin Guy,Duncan and 'The Catford Lads', Ashley Dreher,
Phil Brydon, Miho, Adam B, Cirian,LSS, Mr Federico, Lee, Ita, Leigh,
Claire, Ays and The Eden House, we salute you!
Many thanks to everyone for their continued help and support over
the years.
See you all soon and don't let those bastards get ya down...
Love Lilygun 
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