Brian and Michael
Brian and Michael were a British folk music duo formed in the 1970s, consisting of singer-songwriter Michael Coleman and musician Kevin Parrott, best known for their 1978 UK number-one single "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs (Lowry's Song)".[1][2] The song, written by Coleman as a tribute to the painter L.S. Lowry and inspired by the duo's upbringing in Manchester's industrial landscapes depicted in Lowry's works, became an enduring one-hit wonder after its release on Pye Records in November 1977, eventually topping the charts on 8 April 1978 and selling up to 60,000 copies daily at its peak.[2][1] Parrott and Coleman met in 1965 at a hotel in Stalybridge, Cheshire, though their partnership as Brian and Michael began in late 1977 when Parrott replaced Coleman's original collaborator, Brian Burke; the duo adopted stage names evoking everyday British characters to complement their music's nostalgic, working-class themes.[2] Despite follow-up singles like "Evensong" failing to chart, the pair remained synonymous with their signature hit, which boosted interest in Lowry's art and led to continued performances into the 2010s, including appearances tied to exhibitions of the painter's work.[1][2] Parrott died from a stroke in October 2023.Members
Michael Coleman
Michael Coleman, whose real name is Mick Coleman, was born in 1946 in the Greater Manchester area.[3] In the 1960s, Coleman began his musical career as a bassist and singer in The Big Sound, a Stax-influenced soul band that toured Europe.[4][5] During the 1970s, he shifted toward comedy and music performances in local Manchester venues, eventually partnering with Kevin Parrott to form the duo Brian and Michael.[6] As the primary vocalist and bassist in the duo, Coleman continued live performances in the years following their 1978 success.[7] In 2012, Coleman formed a new band called The Matchstalk Men, enlisting family members including his brother Tim Coleman on drums and Kevin Parrott's brother Nigel Parrott.[8]Kevin Parrott
Kevin Parrott was a British musician, guitarist, and producer, best known for his role in the 1970s folk-pop duo Brian and Michael alongside Michael Coleman. Born in Manchester around 1946, Parrott grew up in the city's vibrant music scene during the postwar era.[9] Parrott's early career in the mid-1960s centered on the soul band The Big Sound, a Manchester-based outfit inspired by Stax Records' house bands, where he served as lead guitarist. The group toured extensively across Europe, including Denmark and Israel, blending R&B and soul influences.[9] In 1965, while performing, Parrott met Michael Coleman at The Albion Hotel in Stalybridge, Cheshire; Coleman soon joined The Big Sound as bassist and vocalist, forging a lasting musical partnership that would evolve over the next decade.[9][10] After The Big Sound disbanded, Parrott transitioned to rock music in the late 1960s, becoming lead guitarist for the Manchester art-rock/pop band Oscar. The group, featuring members like Brian McGladdery on vocals and Roger Tweedale on drums, signed with DJM Records and released material reflecting the progressive sounds of the era.[11][9] This period honed Parrott's skills as a performer and producer, setting the stage for his later collaborations. In 1976, Parrott reunited with Coleman to form Brian and Michael, with Parrott adopting the stage name Brian.[9] Within the duo, Parrott handled guitar duties, production, and vocal performances, while co-writing key material. He produced the recording of their breakthrough single "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs," a tribute to painter L.S. Lowry that captured Northern English life through evocative imagery, at Pluto Studios in Stockport, incorporating local elements like the Tintwistle Brass Band and St. Winifred's School Choir.[12][9][10] These contributions helped propel the track to commercial success, blending Parrott's rock sensibilities with Coleman's folk leanings. Parrott died from a stroke on 9 October 2023 in Stockport, at the age of 77.[13] His death marked the end of an era for the duo, with Coleman as the surviving member, and prompted reflections on their lasting impact on British music, though formal tributes were limited in major outlets.[10]Formation and Early Years
Origins of the Duo
Brian and Michael originated as a comedy-music act in 1976 in Manchester, England, where Michael Coleman (often known as Mick) and Brian Burke formed the duo initially known as Burke and Jerk.[8] Drawing from the vibrant working-class culture of Manchester and the lively comedy scenes of the 1970s, the pair blended humorous sketches with folk-style tunes to entertain local audiences.[8] Both Coleman and Burke had prior experience in music as members of the Stax-inspired soul band The Big Sound, which toured Europe in the 1960s, providing a foundation for their comedic musical endeavors.[5] The duo quickly began performing early gigs in pubs and clubs throughout the Manchester area, honing their act through intimate, community-oriented venues that reflected the era's grassroots entertainment landscape.[8] These performances emphasized lighthearted satire rooted in everyday life, capturing the spirit of northern England's industrial heritage and social humor.[8] In 1977, Brian Burke departed the group, prompting a restructuring that saw Kevin Parrott step in to assume the "Brian" role alongside Coleman.[8] This transition marked the evolution from Burke and Jerk to the Brian and Michael moniker, setting the stage for their future recordings while preserving the core comedic and musical style developed in Manchester's local scene.[14]Burke and Jerk Period
The Burke and Jerk duo was formed in 1976 by Brian Burke and Michael Coleman (often known as Mick), both from the Manchester area, as a comedy act incorporating musical elements inspired by Northern English working-class experiences.[14] Their style featured satirical sketches and songs that humorously captured everyday life in industrial towns like Tameside and Salford, often reflecting the grit and resilience of local communities.[15] Drawing from their roots in folk music scenes, the pair performed in pubs, working men's clubs, and small venues across Greater Manchester, gradually cultivating a dedicated local audience through witty, regionally flavored routines.[2] Key early milestones included their initial public appearances in Manchester-area comedy spots, where they honed a blend of observational humor and acoustic performances that resonated with working-class crowds.[14] In 1977, they released the novelty single Stretford Enders on Philips Records, a lighthearted football anthem celebrating Manchester United supporters and showcasing their knack for topical, crowd-pleasing satire. This track, backed by My Old Dad's Shoe, highlighted their emerging folk-comedy hybrid, with lyrics evoking the camaraderie of Northern football culture. As the year progressed, internal shifts marked the end of the Burke and Jerk era, with Brian Burke departing the partnership.[14] Michael Coleman then collaborated with longtime friend Kevin Parrott, who joined as the new "Brian," leading to a rebranding as Brian and Michael to reflect the updated lineup.[15]Career Highlights
Rise to Fame
In late 1977, Brian and Michael, the musical duo consisting of Kevin Parrott and Michael Coleman, released their debut single "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs (Lowry's Song)" on Pye Records.[16] The track, written by Coleman as a heartfelt tribute to the late Northern painter L.S. Lowry—who had died in 1976—evoked the artist's iconic depictions of working-class life in industrial Lancashire through its lyrics and folksy melody.[17] Recorded at Pluto Studios in Stockport over three sessions beginning in September 1977, the song featured orchestral backing from the Tintwistle Brass Band and the St Winifred’s School Choir, creating a rich, nostalgic sound that cost the duo £1,000 to produce after Parrott borrowed the funds.[5] The single gradually climbed the UK charts, entering at number 45 in February 1978 before reaching number one on 8 April, where it remained for three weeks and became their signature hit.[18] Promotion played a key role in its ascent, with appearances on popular television programs such as Top of the Pops—including performances in March and December 1978—that showcased the duo's affable, comic-tinged style rooted in their earlier comedy routines.[19] These broadcasts, combined with radio play, propelled the song's popularity, cementing Brian and Michael's status as a one-hit wonder while selling up to 60,000 copies a day at its peak.[14] Media reception highlighted the song's evocation of Northern identity, with Coleman describing it as a "simple song about someone we loved" that captured Lowry's portrayal of Manchester's poorer communities, leading to a surge in sales of Lowry's prints.[2] However, it was often critiqued as a novelty track for its sentimental caricature of the North, with some contemporaries questioning the duo's artistic credentials despite its populist appeal.[5] The breakthrough provided an immediate career boost, resulting in extensive media interviews and a flurry of live performances across the UK in 1978 that drew enthusiastic crowds.Post-Success Activities
Following the success of their 1978 hit single, Brian and Michael released the follow-up single "Evensong" later that year, which failed to achieve significant commercial success and did not enter the UK charts.[5][20] In 1979, the duo issued their second studio album, We Can Count Our Friends on One Hand, but it too underperformed commercially amid shifting musical tastes, contributing to a decline in their popularity and leading to a hiatus in the early 1980s.[21][5] The pair largely stepped away from the spotlight during this period, with Coleman working as a taxi driver and Parrott pursuing other interests, though they maintained their friendship.[5] The duo made only sporadic local performances in the 1980s and 1990s, often tied to regional events in the Manchester area. Their 1978 hit provided the nostalgic foundation for renewed interest in their work during this time. In 2002, Coleman and Parrott reunited as Brian and Michael for a special concert at Salford's Lowry Centre, a venue dedicated to the artist L.S. Lowry who inspired their signature song; the performance featured Lowry-themed material and backing from the original St Winifred's School Choir, receiving an enthusiastic audience response.[5] By 2012, the duo expanded into a new band configuration called The Matchstalk Men, incorporating family members such as Parrott's brother Nigel on drums and Coleman's brother Tim on guitar, along with additional musicians like keyboardist Paula Stephens, to perform a broader set including their classic material and 1950s rock influences.[6]Discography
Studio Albums
Brian and Michael released their debut studio album, The Matchstalk Men, in 1978 on Pye Records. The album features 11 tracks, blending folk influences with nostalgic themes inspired by Northern English life, prominently including the hit single "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs," a tribute to painter L.S. Lowry that reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.[22][23] Key songs besides the hit include "Neighbours (The Streets of Ardwick Green)," which evokes community bonds in Manchester's working-class areas, and "Rocking Chair," a reflective ballad on aging and simplicity. The album received mixed reception for its novelty elements amid broader folk revival trends.[22]| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs | 4:28 |
| 2 | 'Cos I Love You | 3:23 |
| 3 | Neighbours (The Streets of Ardwick Green) | 5:01 |
| 4 | Rocking Chair | 3:56 |
| 5 | Evensong | 3:12 |
| 6 | Squeeze Me Time | 2:45 |
| 7 | Rainbow | 3:10 |
| 8 | Sid the Cellar Grid Kid | 3:30 |
| 9 | Mam When's Mi Dad Coming Home? (The Dream) | 4:15 |
| 10 | Tears | 3:45 |
| 11 | Finale | 2:50 |
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottle of Gin | 3:45 |
| 2 | There's a Place Back Home If Things Don't Go Your Way | 3:20 |
| 3 | Pinocchio | 3:10 |
| 4 | Island in the Sea | 4:00 |
| 5 | L.O.V.E. | 3:30 |
| 6 | Belong to Me | 3:40 |
| 7 | You Don't Call Me Darling | 3:15 |
| 8 | Me and 10cc | 3:25 |
| 9 | Our Song | 3:50 |
| 10 | I Can Count My Friends on One Hand | 4:05 |
Singles
Brian and Michael achieved their greatest commercial success with their debut single, which topped the UK Singles Chart and became one of the era's notable hits. Follow-up releases, including a religious-themed track and later efforts after a brief hiatus, saw diminishing chart performance, reflecting the challenges of sustaining momentum after an initial breakthrough. Their singles were primarily issued on Pye Records during the late 1970s, shifting to RCA for a 1980s comeback attempt.| Title | Year | Label | UK Peak | B-Side | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" | 1978 | Pye | 1 | "The Old Rocking Chair" | Released November 25, 1977; spent 3 weeks at number one and 19 weeks on the chart overall. Catalogue: 7N 46035.[23][25] |
| "Evensong" | 1978 | Pye | — | "Big Jim" | Released July 28, 1978; a religious-themed follow-up that failed to chart significantly. Catalogue: 7N 46115.[20][14] |
| "Bottle of Gin" | 1979 | Pye | — | "Island in the Sea" | Released 1979; from second album, no chart entry. Catalogue: 7P 118.[26] |
| "Pinocchio" | 1979 | Pye | — | Unknown | Released 1979; from second album, no chart entry. |
| "You Don't Call Me Darling" | 1979 | Pye | — | "Rainbow" | Released June 1979; drawn from their second album, with no notable chart entry. Catalogue: 7P 102.[27] |
| "(Merry Christmas) Mama" | 1983 | RCA | 93 | N/A | Released December 1983 as a cover of the Dave Berry hit; charted for 2 weeks. Catalogue: RCA 377.[28] |