Folk - The Omega 3

Roaring Jelly were a threesome who sang comedy songs live in the 70’s and 80’s, gaining themselves quite a reputation in the process. The Guinness Who’s Who of Folk Music called them ‘pioneers of alternative comedy before the term became fashionable.’ They split in 1987 after 16 years on the road. The two singers in the band, Clive Harvey and Derek Pearce, remained friends however, and have recently decided to reform, under a new name ‘Omega 3’, with a new bassist (the intriguingly named Da’aboth Te’He’Ling). “We started to write new songs together,” says Clive, down the phone, “and we needed an outlet. We decided the best such outlet was ourselves. So we started touring again.”

“We are not a folk band, though we do play folky instruments,” he continues. “We are a comedy band, with a wide range of subject matter. Our songs are 100% self-penned. We sing about the menopause, and deafness, and sado-masochism, and Bournemouth, and anything in between.” Any old stuff? “About 75% of the stuff we do is new,” he continues. “Though we have updated some of the old songs because people in the audience remember them, and call out for them. Songs like ‘Christmas in Australia’, ‘Valerie Wilkins’ and ‘Maracas in Caracas’. Actually we prefer doing our new stuff, because we think that it is much better.” Lewes is the fourth date of the first tour of their reincarnation. “It’s going really well,” says Clive. “It’s good to be back.” AG