Roddy Woomble
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roderick Herbert Woomble (born 13 August 1976 in Irvine, Scotland) is the lead singer of Scottish rock group, Idlewild.
Contents |
[edit] Musical career
[edit] Idlewild
Woomble took the name of his band from the quiet meeting place in Anne of Green Gables, his favourite book at the time – an ironic choice since the band was renowned in their early days for their loud and chaotic gigs, during which Woomble would contort himself desperately into manic shapes behind the microphone. However as Idlewild matured, they have mellowed into a gentler band and Woomble's deep and richly melodic voice can now more often be heard singing rather than yelling.
[edit] Collaborations with other artists
In 2002, Woomble worked with the Reindeer Section on the album Son of Evil Reindeer, providing the lead vocals on the gentle ballad "Who Told You". He also collaborated with Kate Rusby for her 2005 album The Girl Who Couldn't Fly which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2006 BBC Folk Awards, singing backing vocals for the songs "Wandering Soul", "Fare Thee Well", and "No Names", which was nominated for 'Song of the Year'.
[edit] Solo
In 2006 Woomble worked with several musicians including Kate Rusby, his wife Ailidh Lennon, songwriter Karine Polwart (to whom he presented the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards 2005) and Idlewild guitarist Rod Jones on his debut solo album My Secret is My Silence, produced by John McCusker (husband of Kate Rusby).
He performed live with both Polwart and McCusker, in Glasgow in January 2006 and toured Great Britain in July and August of the same year in support of the album's release on 24th July.
The album reached number one in the UK Folk Charts[citation needed]. It is set to be released in the US and Australia.
[edit] Discography
- Albums
[edit] Personal life
Woomble moved around significantly during his childhood, living in the United Kingdom and France when young, before moving to the United States. He then moved back to Scotland and at nineteen began a degree in photography. Living in Edinburgh, he met Colin Newton and Rod Jones, both future members of Idlewild.[1]
He moved back to the United States after the success of Idlewild's Top Ten album, The Remote Part, and lived in New York City for some time, developing a love for America while nurturing his pride in Scotland.[2]
In late 2005 Woomble married his girlfriend Ailidh Lennon, who plays bass for the Glaswegian punk-folk band, Sons and Daughters, a group that have supported Idlewild on several occasions. Ailidh and Dave Gow from the band also played with Roddy when he toured his solo album.
